Islamabad, November 4, 2026 – The Europe Today: French Ambassador to Pakistan, H.E. Mr. Jean-Noël Poirier, visited the National Press Club (NPC) Islamabad, expressing his willingness to strengthen engagement with Pakistani journalists and explore new avenues of cooperation with the country’s media community.
The ambassador was warmly received by NPC President Abdul Razzaq Sial, Secretary General Dr. Furqan Rao and senior journalists. During the visit, he also planted a sapling at the Press Club and was briefed on its various departments, facilities, organisational structure and journalistic activities.
Welcoming the French ambassador, NPC President Abdul Razzaq Sial highlighted the institution’s role in promoting journalists’ welfare, professional development, training and journalistic activities. He described the visit as an important opportunity to strengthen media relations and promote mutual cooperation between Pakistan and France.
NPC Secretary General Dr. Furqan Rao briefed the ambassador on the history, organisational structure and ongoing initiatives of the National Press Club, particularly its efforts to improve journalists’ professional capabilities and welfare.
He emphasised the growing need for specialised training programmes to equip Pakistani journalists with modern reporting techniques, advanced communication skills and greater exposure to international media practices.
Dr. Furqan Rao expressed hope that the French Embassy would collaborate with the National Press Club in organising professional training workshops, interactive sessions and capacity-building programmes for Pakistani journalists. He noted that such initiatives would provide valuable opportunities to benefit from France’s media expertise and international journalistic experience.
He further reaffirmed the National Press Club’s commitment to playing a constructive role in strengthening journalistic and cultural relations between Pakistan and France.
Speaking informally with NPC office-bearers and journalists, Ambassador Jean-Noël Poirier expressed his willingness to work closely with Pakistani media professionals and explore practical opportunities for cooperation with the National Press Club. He also underscored the importance of maintaining regular communication and exchanging views with journalists.
The discussions also covered prospects for joint activities, professional exchanges and initiatives aimed at enhancing the skills and institutional capacity of Pakistani journalists.
The ambassador’s visit was welcomed as a positive step towards strengthening media-to-media engagement, promoting professional collaboration and further deepening the friendly relations between Pakistan and France.
At the conclusion of the visit, NPC President Abdul Razzaq Sial thanked the French ambassador for visiting the National Press Club and expressed confidence that the interaction would pave the way for meaningful cooperation in the fields of journalism, media development and cultural exchange.
