APP Staffers Mark Independence Day With Focus on Unity, Professional Integrity
ISLAMABAD, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – August 17, 2026) The employees of Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) on Monday celebrated the country’s Independence Day, with Acting Managing Director Sabeen Usman Khattak stressing the need for unity, professional integrity, and collective efforts to strengthen the state news agency.
Speaking at the ceremony, Sabeen Khattak said Independence Day was a reminder of the sacrifices made for the creation of Pakistan and called on employees to contribute towards the country’s progress through dedication and professional excellence.
"Independence is not only a celebration; it is also a responsibility to serve Pakistan with honesty, unity, and commitment," she stated at the event held at the Information Service academy.
She emphasized the role of media organizations in countering misinformation and disinformation and urged APP employees to ensure accuracy, credibility, and professional ethics in their work.
"Our responsibility as a national news agency is to provide accurate and credible information and to play our part in countering misinformation and disinformation," she added.
The Acting MD also highlighted measures taken for the welfare of APP employees, including approved increases in salaries ranging from 60 to 65 percent in the first phase, resulting in a cumulative increase of 112 percent through the Board. She mentioned that the Board had also approved a raise in the disability allowance to Rs10,000. Efforts are ongoing to provide further financial relief, she noted, in coordination with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Ministry of Finance.
Khattak called for greater unity and inclusivity among employees, urging them to set aside differences and promote an environment based on mutual respect.
"APP is a family, and we must learn to respect one another, support our colleagues, and move forward together," she said.
She reiterated the organization’s commitment to providing equal opportunities to minority employees and noted that their religious occasions, including Christmas, are celebrated regularly at APP.
During the ceremony, Independence Day video messages were shown from Secretary Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Ashfaq Ahmed Khalil, Principal Information Officer Raisa Adil, and the Acting MD. National songs were performed by Nauman Adil, Naheed Taj, and Abdul Rahman, while Qasim Malik presented a Naat.
Messages in regional languages were delivered by Kashif Rizvi (Urdu), Samina Chaudhry (Punjabi), Shaukat Chandio (Sindhi), Farhatullah Khattak and Dr Wahidullah Ayub (Pashto), Rakhshanda Taj (Balochi), and Dr Sadia Kamal (Saraiki). The ceremony was moderated by Shumaila Noreen and Sanam Junejo.
Directors including Shumaila Andleeb (News), Abdul Jabbar Zekria (Urdu News), Rabnawaz Bajwa (Video News), and Information Officers including Adnan Bajwa were also present.
