The first Sindhi only newspaper was called ‘Moin-ul-Islam’ and it started its circulation in 1880. This was followed by various other papers such as Sind Sudhar, Muawan Majma, Saraswati, Aftab Sind, Kher Khoah, Musafir and Al Haq
The pioneers of journalism in Sindh were the Persian language newspapers. First Persian language newspaper started in Sindh in 1855. Its owner was Mirza Mukhlis Ali. In 1860, Mirza Mukhlis started a bilingual newspaper from Sukkur which printed one column in Persian and the other column contained its Sindhi translation.
This newspaper was called ‘Matla Khursheed’ and is considered as the first Sindhi newspaper of the subcontinent. Matla Khursheed continued to publish until 1910.
The second period of Sindhi Journalism began with the publication of Al Hilal in 1901. The first Sindhi daily called Sind Wasi came out in 1908 and the second Hind Wasi in 1917. During this period a number of important papers were brought out which included Al Kashif, Al Ameen, Tauheed, Sitara-e-Sind and Subah Sind.
This period culminated with publication of Al Waheed, the greatest Sindhi newspaper to date which was not only a newspaper but a movement and played a leading role in the establishment of Pakistan.
Sheikh Abdul Majid Sindhi, Maulana Din Mohammad Wafai, Prof. Din Mohammad Alig, Pir Ali Mohammad Rashidi and Kazi Abdur Rehman were some of the stalwarts of journalism at the time who with their pens raised the consciousness of the people and made them aware of their rights.
Hilal-e-Pakistan began publication in 1946 at Hyderabad. It also mobilized people in favor of Pakistan. Hilal-e-Pakistan is probably the only Sindhi newspaper which has offices in Islamabad and Lahore also.
After independence of Pakistan several new papers came into existence, including Naeen Sindh, Mehran, Azad, Nawai Sindh.
List of current Sindhi Newspapers
1. Kawish, Hyderabad, 2) Ibrat, Hyderabad 3) Hilal-e-Pakistan, Karachi 4. Khadim-e-Watan 5) Mehran, Hyderabad 6) Awami Awaz, Karachi, 7) Sham Hyd 8) Koshish 9) Tameer-e-Sindh 10) Halchal 11) The Daily Nijat, Sukkur, Karachi 12) Faislo 13) Koshish 14) Sindh Sukar
Kawish group is the biggest media group of Sindhi as it owns Kawish, Khadim-e-Watan, Koshish, Sham, and two TV channels.
Kawish, Ibrat, Hilal-e-Pakistan, Awami Awaz, Sham and Koshish are major newspapers.
Magazines
1) Aarsee 2) Affairs 3) Parish 4) Udhar 5) Gulphul 6) Halar 7) Nai Zindagi 8) Sartyoon
Sartyoon for women and Gulphul was children are published by Sindhi Adabi Board a semi govt organization.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Brief History of Sindhi Press
The first Sindhi only newspaper was called ‘Moin-ul-Islam’ and it started its circulation in 1880. This was followed by various other papers such as Sind Sudhar, Muawan Majma, Saraswati, Aftab Sind, Kher Khoah, Musafir and Al Haq
The pioneers of journalism in Sindh were the Persian language newspapers. First Persian language newspaper started in Sindh in 1855. Its owner was Mirza Mukhlis Ali. In 1860, Mirza Mukhlis started a bilingual newspaper from Sukkur which printed one column in Persian and the other column contained its Sindhi translation.
This newspaper was called ‘Matla Khursheed’ and is considered as the first Sindhi newspaper of the subcontinent. Matla Khursheed continued to publish until 1910.
The second period of Sindhi Journalism began with the publication of Al Hilal in 1901. The first Sindhi daily called Sind Wasi came out in 1908 and the second Hind Wasi in 1917. During this period a number of important papers were brought out which included Al Kashif, Al Ameen, Tauheed, Sitara-e-Sind and Subah Sind.
This period culminated with publication of Al Waheed, the greatest Sindhi newspaper to date which was not only a newspaper but a movement and played a leading role in the establishment of Pakistan.
Sheikh Abdul Majid Sindhi, Maulana Din Mohammad Wafai, Prof. Din Mohammad Alig, Pir Ali Mohammad Rashidi and Kazi Abdur Rehman were some of the stalwarts of journalism at the time who with their pens raised the consciousness of the people and made them aware of their rights.
Hilal-e-Pakistan began publication in 1946 at Hyderabad. It also mobilized people in favor of Pakistan. Hilal-e-Pakistan is probably the only Sindhi newspaper which has offices in Islamabad and Lahore also.
After independence of Pakistan several new papers came into existence, including Naeen Sindh, Mehran, Azad, Nawai Sindh.
List of current Sindhi Newspapers
1. Kawish, Hyderabad, 2) Ibrat, Hyderabad 3) Hilal-e-Pakistan, Karachi 4. Khadim-e-Watan 5) Mehran, Hyderabad 6) Awami Awaz, Karachi, 7) Sham Hyd 8) Koshish 9) Tameer-e-Sindh 10) Halchal 11) The Daily Nijat, Sukkur, Karachi 12) Faislo 13) Koshish 14) Sindh Sukar
Kawish group is the biggest media group of Sindhi as it owns Kawish, Khadim-e-Watan, Koshish, Sham, and two TV channels.
Kawish, Ibrat, Hilal-e-Pakistan, Awami Awaz, Sham and Koshish are major newspapers.
Magazines
1) Aarsee 2) Affairs 3) Parish 4) Udhar 5) Gulphul 6) Halar 7) Nai Zindagi 8) Sartyoon
Sartyoon for women and Gulphul was children are published by Sindhi Adabi Board a semi govt organization.
The pioneers of journalism in Sindh were the Persian language newspapers. First Persian language newspaper started in Sindh in 1855. Its owner was Mirza Mukhlis Ali. In 1860, Mirza Mukhlis started a bilingual newspaper from Sukkur which printed one column in Persian and the other column contained its Sindhi translation.
This newspaper was called ‘Matla Khursheed’ and is considered as the first Sindhi newspaper of the subcontinent. Matla Khursheed continued to publish until 1910.
The second period of Sindhi Journalism began with the publication of Al Hilal in 1901. The first Sindhi daily called Sind Wasi came out in 1908 and the second Hind Wasi in 1917. During this period a number of important papers were brought out which included Al Kashif, Al Ameen, Tauheed, Sitara-e-Sind and Subah Sind.
This period culminated with publication of Al Waheed, the greatest Sindhi newspaper to date which was not only a newspaper but a movement and played a leading role in the establishment of Pakistan.
Sheikh Abdul Majid Sindhi, Maulana Din Mohammad Wafai, Prof. Din Mohammad Alig, Pir Ali Mohammad Rashidi and Kazi Abdur Rehman were some of the stalwarts of journalism at the time who with their pens raised the consciousness of the people and made them aware of their rights.
Hilal-e-Pakistan began publication in 1946 at Hyderabad. It also mobilized people in favor of Pakistan. Hilal-e-Pakistan is probably the only Sindhi newspaper which has offices in Islamabad and Lahore also.
After independence of Pakistan several new papers came into existence, including Naeen Sindh, Mehran, Azad, Nawai Sindh.
List of current Sindhi Newspapers
1. Kawish, Hyderabad, 2) Ibrat, Hyderabad 3) Hilal-e-Pakistan, Karachi 4. Khadim-e-Watan 5) Mehran, Hyderabad 6) Awami Awaz, Karachi, 7) Sham Hyd 8) Koshish 9) Tameer-e-Sindh 10) Halchal 11) The Daily Nijat, Sukkur, Karachi 12) Faislo 13) Koshish 14) Sindh Sukar
Kawish group is the biggest media group of Sindhi as it owns Kawish, Khadim-e-Watan, Koshish, Sham, and two TV channels.
Kawish, Ibrat, Hilal-e-Pakistan, Awami Awaz, Sham and Koshish are major newspapers.
Magazines
1) Aarsee 2) Affairs 3) Parish 4) Udhar 5) Gulphul 6) Halar 7) Nai Zindagi 8) Sartyoon
Sartyoon for women and Gulphul was children are published by Sindhi Adabi Board a semi govt organization.
Some characteristics of Sindhi journalism
According to Riaz SOhail
Some characteristics of Sindhi journalism are:
Public service traditions: It is less commercialise and have public service traditions, due to its increased political role
Having a political role: Till independence entire Press in sub continent had political role. Sindhi press not only inherited this legacy but due to strong cnete and tense relationship between provinces and centre, Sindhi press opted to stand with it people that is for more provincial rights and provincial autonomy. This continues till today. Sindhi press has strong opinion about water issue, NFC award, more power for provinces. Sindh and its rights
Opposed to the feudals:
Anti government
It is as peculiar as Sindhi society itself is:
Culture, archaeology, environment,
Human rights
Sindhi journalism is still in its formative phase, having political, economic constraints. This is also reflected in low income to the owners of the Sindhi media and low salaries to journalists. It is perception that journalists in Sindh are underpaid and financially exploited.
. There is dire need for training of Sindhi journalistic trainings for promotion of qualitative journalism.
. Majority of working journalists have non-media/journalism formal education.
. The journalists in Sindh face security threats on the part of local influential, law-enforcing agencies, student leaders and government.
. There was time when Sindhi was supposed to be less credible as compared with the Urdu and English journalism, however with new Sindhi journalism this has been vanished it is supposed to be equally credible to the English journalism.
. The journalists working for English papers are paid more and have higher status in society compare to those who are working in Sindhi, and Urdu papers.
. By the majority of journalists in Sindh objectivity is not practiced while in reporting and editing the news.
. In Sindh there just exists so-called press freedom.
. There is more need of journalism/media training schools for working journalists.
. Journalists in Sindh have played role for the stability of democracy.
. The general attitude of almost all state-governments has remained hostile towards press media.
. Desperately need education of media/press laws and ethics.
. State uses advertising and newsprint as tool to contain the press.
. The overall policy of press media towards state is neutral.
. Sindhi journalism has been playing to develop critical thinking among the people.
. Journalists in Sindh have political leanings towards one or another party.
. Sindhi journalists have been advocating the cause of nationalism.
. Majority of journalists in Sindh began their career in journalism without having prior formal journalistic training.
. Newspapers and press clubs are functioning as nurseries for those who are enthusiastic for the career in journalism.
. The journalists in Sindh work under pressure of being harassed and intimidated by local goon, political parties, student unions and law-enforcing agencies.
. Some journalists change their loyalties in favour of every new government.
. In Sindh some papers serve as mouth-piece of successive governments.
. The journalists in Sindh, do exercise self-censorship to some extent due to press laws.
. Compare to past the print news media has lost its credibility.
. Among the all Urdu, English and other regional print media in Pakistan, the Sindhi journalism is more outspoken.
. If any journalist could get chance of permanent government job he would prefer to leave the profession of journalism.
. Some population of journalists in Sindh, is doing this profession as part-time.
Some characteristics of Sindhi journalism are:
Public service traditions: It is less commercialise and have public service traditions, due to its increased political role
Having a political role: Till independence entire Press in sub continent had political role. Sindhi press not only inherited this legacy but due to strong cnete and tense relationship between provinces and centre, Sindhi press opted to stand with it people that is for more provincial rights and provincial autonomy. This continues till today. Sindhi press has strong opinion about water issue, NFC award, more power for provinces. Sindh and its rights
Opposed to the feudals:
Anti government
It is as peculiar as Sindhi society itself is:
Culture, archaeology, environment,
Human rights
Sindhi journalism is still in its formative phase, having political, economic constraints. This is also reflected in low income to the owners of the Sindhi media and low salaries to journalists. It is perception that journalists in Sindh are underpaid and financially exploited.
. There is dire need for training of Sindhi journalistic trainings for promotion of qualitative journalism.
. Majority of working journalists have non-media/journalism formal education.
. The journalists in Sindh face security threats on the part of local influential, law-enforcing agencies, student leaders and government.
. There was time when Sindhi was supposed to be less credible as compared with the Urdu and English journalism, however with new Sindhi journalism this has been vanished it is supposed to be equally credible to the English journalism.
. The journalists working for English papers are paid more and have higher status in society compare to those who are working in Sindhi, and Urdu papers.
. By the majority of journalists in Sindh objectivity is not practiced while in reporting and editing the news.
. In Sindh there just exists so-called press freedom.
. There is more need of journalism/media training schools for working journalists.
. Journalists in Sindh have played role for the stability of democracy.
. The general attitude of almost all state-governments has remained hostile towards press media.
. Desperately need education of media/press laws and ethics.
. State uses advertising and newsprint as tool to contain the press.
. The overall policy of press media towards state is neutral.
. Sindhi journalism has been playing to develop critical thinking among the people.
. Journalists in Sindh have political leanings towards one or another party.
. Sindhi journalists have been advocating the cause of nationalism.
. Majority of journalists in Sindh began their career in journalism without having prior formal journalistic training.
. Newspapers and press clubs are functioning as nurseries for those who are enthusiastic for the career in journalism.
. The journalists in Sindh work under pressure of being harassed and intimidated by local goon, political parties, student unions and law-enforcing agencies.
. Some journalists change their loyalties in favour of every new government.
. In Sindh some papers serve as mouth-piece of successive governments.
. The journalists in Sindh, do exercise self-censorship to some extent due to press laws.
. Compare to past the print news media has lost its credibility.
. Among the all Urdu, English and other regional print media in Pakistan, the Sindhi journalism is more outspoken.
. If any journalist could get chance of permanent government job he would prefer to leave the profession of journalism.
. Some population of journalists in Sindh, is doing this profession as part-time.
Sindhi Press SUfferings
Jirgas: Defying the Court
By Zubeida Mustafa
Since April 2004 when Justice Rehmat Hussain Jafri of the Sindh High Court (Sukkur Bench) imposed a ban on the holding of jirgas in the province, the Sindhi press has reported 25 jirgas that have been held. What is worse, in many of these, members of political parties and local administration have taken part
http://www.pakistanlink.com/Letters/2004/oct04/08/03.html
----------------------------
DECEMBER 23, 2005
Posted January 4, 2006
Khabroon
ATTACKED
Armed men threw a gasoline bomb into the offices of the Sindhi-language daily Khabroon in the southern city of Sukkur, setting the reception area on fire, according to local news reports. The attackers threatened the newspaper staff, including journalists, and fired shots into the office.
Imtnan Shahid, an editor of the parent group Khabrain, accused Sindhi nationalist activists of perpetrating the attack in opposition to state-sponsored advertisements in Khabroon promoting the building of a controversial dam, according to the Karachi-based Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF). The newspaper was one of a handful of Sindhi-language publications carrying the ads, which were part of a broad government campaign to rally public support for the Kalabagh Dam project.
Copies of Khabroon were also burned in other cities, including Mirpurkhas, Ghotki, Waro and Thal, according to PPF.
The staff of the newspaper later walked out in protest at the management decision to accept the government advertisements.
http://www.cpj.org/cases05/asia_cases05/pak.html
---------------
IFJ condemns assault on newspapers in Sindh, Pakistan
January 3, 2006
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) is deeply concerned about the concerted attacks on newspaper offices in Pakistan.
IFJ president Christopher Warren joined IFJ affiliate Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), as well as the Karachi Union of Journalists (KUJ), Sindhi Media Forum (SMF) and the Karachi Press Club (KPC), in strongly condemning the attack on newspaper offices and burning of newspapers in Karachi and other parts of Sindh.
On December 23, 2005, a group of armed men threw a petrol bomb into the offices of the Sukkur edition of the Sindhi-language daily newspaper Khabroon , setting the reception area on fire. The attackers reportedly hurled threats at the newspaper staff and fired shots in the air. The assailants are believed to be Sindhi nationalists.
The attack is the next incident in the growing unrest over the Kalabagh Dam issue. Prior to the attack, the entire staff of Khabroon had resigned over what they termed the “misuse” of public money by the Federal Ministry of Information who had issued advertisements in favour of the controversial Kalabagh Dam. There are also reports that the information ministry is using its "influence" particularly on the Sindhi newspapers to initiate a pro-dam campaign. This government campaign in support of Kalabagh Dam has seriously threatened the life and security of journalists.
The resignation of the entire staff of Khabroon is an unprecedented incident in the press history of Pakistan, showing how touchy the "dam issue" is in this province.
Journalist organisations in Pakistan have also appealed to the All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) and Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) to take notice of the decision of the management of daily Khabrein, which has moved the court in support of the Kalabagh Dam and has thus taken a partisan role on a political issue. Such a move has threatened the security of the journalists of newspapers in Sindh.
“The attack on newspapers and journalists is an attack on the profession and freedom of expression. We join our Pakistani colleagues in rasing a voice against this assault on press freedom, “ said the IFJ president.
The police have reportedly registered a case against unknown assailants and the Sindhi government has deployed paramilitary rangers at the Khabroon office in Sukkur for the staff's security.
“The IFJ appeals to the people of Sindh in general and to political parties and nationalist groups in particular to refrain from targeting newspapers or journalists as it could go against the interests of Sindh and is against freedom of the press which is one of the foundations of democracy,” said Warren.
http://www.ifj-asia.org/page/pakistan060103.html
----------------------------------------------------------
Six journalists injured in attack on press club
SOURCE: Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF), Karachi
(PPF/IFEX) - About fifty individuals attacked journalists in a rural press club on 14 June 2006, injuring six newsmen. The assailants, many of whom were on a tractor, barged into the press club in Thari Mirwah, a small town located in the Khairpur district of the southern province of Sindh, and started punching, kicking and beating journalists with sticks. They ransacked the press club damaging furniture and equipment. The intruders chanted slogans against journalists.
According to local journalists, the attack was connected to a news story about the use of substandard material by contractors in the construction of irrigation water courses.
The journalists injured include Mumtaz Ali Shar, president of the press club and reporter for the Sindhi language daily "Khabroon", Mehmud Ali Phul, reporter for "Kawish" daily and Kawish Television Network (KTN), Hafiz Baloch, reporter for Sindh Television Network, Safiullah, reporter for "Koshish" daily, Mukhtiar Qasmani, a correspondent for "Sham" daily, and Illahi Bukh, a reporter for "Sobh" daily.
The police were able to reach the press club in time to arrest a number of the attackers and subsequently filed criminal complaints against them. The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has expressed concern over the attack and has appealed to journalists to wear black arm bands while covering the Sindh provincial assembly's budget session on 15 June to protest the rising number of incidents of violence against journalists in the province.
For further information, contact Owais Aslam Ali at PPF, Press Centre, Shahrah Kamal Ataturk, Karachi 74200, Pakistan, tel: +92 21 263 3215, fax: +92 21 263 1275, e-mail: foe@pakistanpressfoundation.org, Internet: http://www.pakistanpressfoundation.org
The information contained in this alert is the sole responsibility of PPF. In citing this material for broadcast or publication, please credit PPF.
http://peacejournalism.com/ReadArticle.asp?ArticleID=9206
----------------------------
Sindhi Press Refuses to Publish Ads
Huma Aamir Malik, Arab News
http://www.arabnews.com/?page=15§ion=18&d=22&m=12&y=2005&mode=dynamic§ionlist=no&pix=utilities.jpg&category=Search
KARACHI, 22 December 2005 — In an interesting turn of event, the federal government received a setback on the first day of its media campaign in favor of big reservoirs, including the Kalabagh Dam, when no Sindhi newspaper published its advertisements.
Newspapers published in other languages printed the government’s advertisement in favor of the Kalabagh and Bhasha dams, but not a single Sindhi newspaper carried them. Some newspapers that had already formed a “Sindhi Media Forum” had announced that they would not carry such advertisements but other papers, including a leading Sindhi newspaper, did not carry them either.
When contacted, the chairman of the forum and editor of daily Tameer-e-Sindh, Qazi Shah Muhammad, said that as an agricultural society, they could not afford advertisements in favor of the Kalabagh Dam that has remained the most controversial project in Sindh.
To a question, he said that while not all Sindhi papers were part of the forum, it was good that none of them had published the advertisement in favor of the Kalabagh Dam.
The general secretary of the forum and editor of daily Awami Awaz, Dr. Jabbar Khattak, said that they had not accepted the government’s advertisement, as its contents were contrary to its factual position. “It could be an act of misguiding the public,” he said.
“We don’t publish the advertisements of quacks either as we consider them harmful for human health,” he argued.
Meanwhile, the opposition has not invited members of the ruling parties to attend the anti-Kalabagh Dam rally scheduled for today due to their “loyalty” to President Pervez Musharraf is “intact”.
“The ruling parties, including the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, should choose between Musharraf and the people,” Rashid Rabbani, president of the Karachi chapter of Pakistan People’s Party Parliamentarians (PPPP) said.
Rabbani said the action committee had finalized arrangements to stage a rally today to protest the proposed Kalabagh Dam
Calls for journalist’s prison sentence to be dropped
http://www.ifj-asia.org/page/pakistan050505.html
---------------------------
World Press Freedom Day marred by violence in Pakistan
4 May 2005
“By attempting to silence journalists, Pakistan authorities are ruling out the possibility of true democracy,” said Warren.
The IFJ condemns all acts of violence against journalists in Pakistan and urges the Pakistan Government to ensure journalists are not harassed or brutalised by its security forces.
http://www.ifj-asia.org/page/pakistan050504.html
----------------------
Press freedom takes a battering in Pakistan
By Zubeida Mustafa
Since April 2004 when Justice Rehmat Hussain Jafri of the Sindh High Court (Sukkur Bench) imposed a ban on the holding of jirgas in the province, the Sindhi press has reported 25 jirgas that have been held. What is worse, in many of these, members of political parties and local administration have taken part
http://www.pakistanlink.com/Letters/2004/oct04/08/03.html
----------------------------
DECEMBER 23, 2005
Posted January 4, 2006
Khabroon
ATTACKED
Armed men threw a gasoline bomb into the offices of the Sindhi-language daily Khabroon in the southern city of Sukkur, setting the reception area on fire, according to local news reports. The attackers threatened the newspaper staff, including journalists, and fired shots into the office.
Imtnan Shahid, an editor of the parent group Khabrain, accused Sindhi nationalist activists of perpetrating the attack in opposition to state-sponsored advertisements in Khabroon promoting the building of a controversial dam, according to the Karachi-based Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF). The newspaper was one of a handful of Sindhi-language publications carrying the ads, which were part of a broad government campaign to rally public support for the Kalabagh Dam project.
Copies of Khabroon were also burned in other cities, including Mirpurkhas, Ghotki, Waro and Thal, according to PPF.
The staff of the newspaper later walked out in protest at the management decision to accept the government advertisements.
http://www.cpj.org/cases05/asia_cases05/pak.html
---------------
IFJ condemns assault on newspapers in Sindh, Pakistan
January 3, 2006
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) is deeply concerned about the concerted attacks on newspaper offices in Pakistan.
IFJ president Christopher Warren joined IFJ affiliate Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), as well as the Karachi Union of Journalists (KUJ), Sindhi Media Forum (SMF) and the Karachi Press Club (KPC), in strongly condemning the attack on newspaper offices and burning of newspapers in Karachi and other parts of Sindh.
On December 23, 2005, a group of armed men threw a petrol bomb into the offices of the Sukkur edition of the Sindhi-language daily newspaper Khabroon , setting the reception area on fire. The attackers reportedly hurled threats at the newspaper staff and fired shots in the air. The assailants are believed to be Sindhi nationalists.
The attack is the next incident in the growing unrest over the Kalabagh Dam issue. Prior to the attack, the entire staff of Khabroon had resigned over what they termed the “misuse” of public money by the Federal Ministry of Information who had issued advertisements in favour of the controversial Kalabagh Dam. There are also reports that the information ministry is using its "influence" particularly on the Sindhi newspapers to initiate a pro-dam campaign. This government campaign in support of Kalabagh Dam has seriously threatened the life and security of journalists.
The resignation of the entire staff of Khabroon is an unprecedented incident in the press history of Pakistan, showing how touchy the "dam issue" is in this province.
Journalist organisations in Pakistan have also appealed to the All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) and Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) to take notice of the decision of the management of daily Khabrein, which has moved the court in support of the Kalabagh Dam and has thus taken a partisan role on a political issue. Such a move has threatened the security of the journalists of newspapers in Sindh.
“The attack on newspapers and journalists is an attack on the profession and freedom of expression. We join our Pakistani colleagues in rasing a voice against this assault on press freedom, “ said the IFJ president.
The police have reportedly registered a case against unknown assailants and the Sindhi government has deployed paramilitary rangers at the Khabroon office in Sukkur for the staff's security.
“The IFJ appeals to the people of Sindh in general and to political parties and nationalist groups in particular to refrain from targeting newspapers or journalists as it could go against the interests of Sindh and is against freedom of the press which is one of the foundations of democracy,” said Warren.
http://www.ifj-asia.org/page/pakistan060103.html
----------------------------------------------------------
Six journalists injured in attack on press club
SOURCE: Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF), Karachi
(PPF/IFEX) - About fifty individuals attacked journalists in a rural press club on 14 June 2006, injuring six newsmen. The assailants, many of whom were on a tractor, barged into the press club in Thari Mirwah, a small town located in the Khairpur district of the southern province of Sindh, and started punching, kicking and beating journalists with sticks. They ransacked the press club damaging furniture and equipment. The intruders chanted slogans against journalists.
According to local journalists, the attack was connected to a news story about the use of substandard material by contractors in the construction of irrigation water courses.
The journalists injured include Mumtaz Ali Shar, president of the press club and reporter for the Sindhi language daily "Khabroon", Mehmud Ali Phul, reporter for "Kawish" daily and Kawish Television Network (KTN), Hafiz Baloch, reporter for Sindh Television Network, Safiullah, reporter for "Koshish" daily, Mukhtiar Qasmani, a correspondent for "Sham" daily, and Illahi Bukh, a reporter for "Sobh" daily.
The police were able to reach the press club in time to arrest a number of the attackers and subsequently filed criminal complaints against them. The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has expressed concern over the attack and has appealed to journalists to wear black arm bands while covering the Sindh provincial assembly's budget session on 15 June to protest the rising number of incidents of violence against journalists in the province.
For further information, contact Owais Aslam Ali at PPF, Press Centre, Shahrah Kamal Ataturk, Karachi 74200, Pakistan, tel: +92 21 263 3215, fax: +92 21 263 1275, e-mail: foe@pakistanpressfoundation.org, Internet: http://www.pakistanpressfoundation.org
The information contained in this alert is the sole responsibility of PPF. In citing this material for broadcast or publication, please credit PPF.
http://peacejournalism.com/ReadArticle.asp?ArticleID=9206
----------------------------
Sindhi Press Refuses to Publish Ads
Huma Aamir Malik, Arab News
http://www.arabnews.com/?page=15§ion=18&d=22&m=12&y=2005&mode=dynamic§ionlist=no&pix=utilities.jpg&category=Search
KARACHI, 22 December 2005 — In an interesting turn of event, the federal government received a setback on the first day of its media campaign in favor of big reservoirs, including the Kalabagh Dam, when no Sindhi newspaper published its advertisements.
Newspapers published in other languages printed the government’s advertisement in favor of the Kalabagh and Bhasha dams, but not a single Sindhi newspaper carried them. Some newspapers that had already formed a “Sindhi Media Forum” had announced that they would not carry such advertisements but other papers, including a leading Sindhi newspaper, did not carry them either.
When contacted, the chairman of the forum and editor of daily Tameer-e-Sindh, Qazi Shah Muhammad, said that as an agricultural society, they could not afford advertisements in favor of the Kalabagh Dam that has remained the most controversial project in Sindh.
To a question, he said that while not all Sindhi papers were part of the forum, it was good that none of them had published the advertisement in favor of the Kalabagh Dam.
The general secretary of the forum and editor of daily Awami Awaz, Dr. Jabbar Khattak, said that they had not accepted the government’s advertisement, as its contents were contrary to its factual position. “It could be an act of misguiding the public,” he said.
“We don’t publish the advertisements of quacks either as we consider them harmful for human health,” he argued.
Meanwhile, the opposition has not invited members of the ruling parties to attend the anti-Kalabagh Dam rally scheduled for today due to their “loyalty” to President Pervez Musharraf is “intact”.
“The ruling parties, including the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, should choose between Musharraf and the people,” Rashid Rabbani, president of the Karachi chapter of Pakistan People’s Party Parliamentarians (PPPP) said.
Rabbani said the action committee had finalized arrangements to stage a rally today to protest the proposed Kalabagh Dam
Calls for journalist’s prison sentence to be dropped
http://www.ifj-asia.org/page/pakistan050505.html
---------------------------
World Press Freedom Day marred by violence in Pakistan
4 May 2005
“By attempting to silence journalists, Pakistan authorities are ruling out the possibility of true democracy,” said Warren.
The IFJ condemns all acts of violence against journalists in Pakistan and urges the Pakistan Government to ensure journalists are not harassed or brutalised by its security forces.
http://www.ifj-asia.org/page/pakistan050504.html
----------------------
Press freedom takes a battering in Pakistan
Power crisis: generation capacity or funds?
Sindhi Press Jan 5
Power crisis: generation capacity or funds?
Ibrat
A meeting presided over by the president Asif Ali Zaradri has released Rs7 billion for power generation. It is claimed that by the end of January 2700 Megawatt electricity would be generated. This decision of the government will help overcome the power crisis in the country up to some extent. The meeting was told that power crisis can not be overcome in short period as installation of power plants is time taking exercise.
It is hoped that after this meeting the intensity of power crisis will be reduced. But the question will remain unanswered, because this solution would be temporary one. The power crisis would again surface in the future. The meeting was told that a circular debt of Rs400 billion was the root cause of the problem. That is why electricity could not be generated.
Now it has become crystal clear that power shortage in the country was not accidental. In fact the power plants were not generating sufficient electricity which led to the crisis. If power plants are generating 11000 megawatt electricity, power needs of the country could be easily met.
The meeting observed that the problem was not of generation capacity but it was due to shortage of funds. The implications of the energy crisis for the economy are huge. Due to acute shortage of electricity industrial sector particularly textile industry has suffered a lot. Less production in textile industry contributes to less export. Therefore there was a need to work on multi dimensional directions.
If the government continues to pay to the power plants, fFor time being power supply would continue. As we know the government is facing acute financial crisis, hence such problems would continue to surface on and off. A rational analysis of the situation reveals that the current year would be very painful one and it will be difficult for the government to overcome prevailing financial crisis. Apart from temporary arrangements, new power plants be launched and generation capacity should be increased during next 12 to 18 months.
.
The situation also demands to review the role of independent power plants IPPs. There was huge outstanding against the KESC. Despite a private sector company, it was depending on the government. When these organizations are running in profit they continue there production without sharing any profit with the government. But when there is outstanding they suspend supply or stop production. This needs to review the role of these companies.
These private companies indulge in blackmailing the people and government and cause heavy losses to the economy of the country. For example, KESC has launched a saving drive and it was not purchasing oil for power generation. In fact this is resulting into losses to industry and business.
However, the people have every right to know that how a willfulness of a company is causing heavy losses to the public, overall economy and creating a crisis. To overcome the present energy crises it is repeated again that all the national resources while considering the interests of all stakeholders particularly people and industry should be galvanised, on war footing. - (Jan 3)
Selected and translated by Sohail Sangi
Power crisis: generation capacity or funds?
Ibrat
A meeting presided over by the president Asif Ali Zaradri has released Rs7 billion for power generation. It is claimed that by the end of January 2700 Megawatt electricity would be generated. This decision of the government will help overcome the power crisis in the country up to some extent. The meeting was told that power crisis can not be overcome in short period as installation of power plants is time taking exercise.
It is hoped that after this meeting the intensity of power crisis will be reduced. But the question will remain unanswered, because this solution would be temporary one. The power crisis would again surface in the future. The meeting was told that a circular debt of Rs400 billion was the root cause of the problem. That is why electricity could not be generated.
Now it has become crystal clear that power shortage in the country was not accidental. In fact the power plants were not generating sufficient electricity which led to the crisis. If power plants are generating 11000 megawatt electricity, power needs of the country could be easily met.
The meeting observed that the problem was not of generation capacity but it was due to shortage of funds. The implications of the energy crisis for the economy are huge. Due to acute shortage of electricity industrial sector particularly textile industry has suffered a lot. Less production in textile industry contributes to less export. Therefore there was a need to work on multi dimensional directions.
If the government continues to pay to the power plants, fFor time being power supply would continue. As we know the government is facing acute financial crisis, hence such problems would continue to surface on and off. A rational analysis of the situation reveals that the current year would be very painful one and it will be difficult for the government to overcome prevailing financial crisis. Apart from temporary arrangements, new power plants be launched and generation capacity should be increased during next 12 to 18 months.
.
The situation also demands to review the role of independent power plants IPPs. There was huge outstanding against the KESC. Despite a private sector company, it was depending on the government. When these organizations are running in profit they continue there production without sharing any profit with the government. But when there is outstanding they suspend supply or stop production. This needs to review the role of these companies.
These private companies indulge in blackmailing the people and government and cause heavy losses to the economy of the country. For example, KESC has launched a saving drive and it was not purchasing oil for power generation. In fact this is resulting into losses to industry and business.
However, the people have every right to know that how a willfulness of a company is causing heavy losses to the public, overall economy and creating a crisis. To overcome the present energy crises it is repeated again that all the national resources while considering the interests of all stakeholders particularly people and industry should be galvanised, on war footing. - (Jan 3)
Selected and translated by Sohail Sangi
People’s representation by keeping quiet!
Sindhi Press for April 20
People’s representation by keeping quiet!
Kawish
Sindh Assembly after completing first parliamentary years has entered the second year. During first parliamentary year a majority of Sindh MPAs i.e. 99 out of 169, fulfilled their responsibility of people’s representation by keeping quiet in the House. If at all they spoke it was not the issue of public interest. In all eleven sessions of the provincial assembly were held which passed 12 bills presented by the treasury benches. Of them ten were signed by the governor were enacted as law and one of them pertaining to the educational boards was referred back with objections, while one is still waiting for signature by the governor. Throughout parliamentary years out of 293, only eight resolutions were passed.
How much it cost the people? It is important to note that each member of the provincial assembly gets honourarium of Rs41000, while other fringe benefits, TA, DA and expenses incurred on protocol are in addition to that.
The peculiarity of the incumbent Sindh Assembly is that it is not only graduate assembly but except one group all the members are part of the government. The opposition in House is only for the sake of name. Earlier there had been a strong opposition and people have witnessed uproars and the slogans of “No No and Go Go”. In such a situation it was difficult for government to pass a bill or adapt a resolution.
In today’s changed situation when all are “ours” and practically no opposition exists, the performance of the House is poor. It passed only 12 bills that means at an average one bill per month. This was the all performance of our elected representatives, who in fact deserve to be congratulated for keeping silence in the House. Can this be considered that they failed to fulfill responsibility- representing people- for which they were elected? Is it justice with the people’s mandate? Did they not see any problem faced by the people of their constituency or some pressing issue over all about Sindh? If calculated, the nation had to pay Rs6.888 million for a member on account of salary only. Likewise in all members were paid Rs82.62. We will not comment further on the issue because it might tantamount to harm his/her privilege.
The members kept quiet silence on the public issues. It is really painful that 99 members failed to speak and also failed to find out some issue or problems of public importance. We do not want to wash away the joy of completing one parliamentary year. Though the House remained peaceful but in the province the situation was contrary to it.
Whether it was law and order situation or jirgas held under the official patronage, issues of NFC award and natural resources, there were much louder voices out side the House as compared to the within the House. Despite loss of one year and huge spendings made on the legislators, we still hope the voice of Sindh and its people would echo in the House in the second parliamentary year. The treasury as well as opposition benches would get them recognized as people’s representatives. It will not treat the subjects which are vital, as banned one and will break the fast of silence. (April 19)
Selected and translated by Sohail Sangi
People’s representation by keeping quiet!
Kawish
Sindh Assembly after completing first parliamentary years has entered the second year. During first parliamentary year a majority of Sindh MPAs i.e. 99 out of 169, fulfilled their responsibility of people’s representation by keeping quiet in the House. If at all they spoke it was not the issue of public interest. In all eleven sessions of the provincial assembly were held which passed 12 bills presented by the treasury benches. Of them ten were signed by the governor were enacted as law and one of them pertaining to the educational boards was referred back with objections, while one is still waiting for signature by the governor. Throughout parliamentary years out of 293, only eight resolutions were passed.
How much it cost the people? It is important to note that each member of the provincial assembly gets honourarium of Rs41000, while other fringe benefits, TA, DA and expenses incurred on protocol are in addition to that.
The peculiarity of the incumbent Sindh Assembly is that it is not only graduate assembly but except one group all the members are part of the government. The opposition in House is only for the sake of name. Earlier there had been a strong opposition and people have witnessed uproars and the slogans of “No No and Go Go”. In such a situation it was difficult for government to pass a bill or adapt a resolution.
In today’s changed situation when all are “ours” and practically no opposition exists, the performance of the House is poor. It passed only 12 bills that means at an average one bill per month. This was the all performance of our elected representatives, who in fact deserve to be congratulated for keeping silence in the House. Can this be considered that they failed to fulfill responsibility- representing people- for which they were elected? Is it justice with the people’s mandate? Did they not see any problem faced by the people of their constituency or some pressing issue over all about Sindh? If calculated, the nation had to pay Rs6.888 million for a member on account of salary only. Likewise in all members were paid Rs82.62. We will not comment further on the issue because it might tantamount to harm his/her privilege.
The members kept quiet silence on the public issues. It is really painful that 99 members failed to speak and also failed to find out some issue or problems of public importance. We do not want to wash away the joy of completing one parliamentary year. Though the House remained peaceful but in the province the situation was contrary to it.
Whether it was law and order situation or jirgas held under the official patronage, issues of NFC award and natural resources, there were much louder voices out side the House as compared to the within the House. Despite loss of one year and huge spendings made on the legislators, we still hope the voice of Sindh and its people would echo in the House in the second parliamentary year. The treasury as well as opposition benches would get them recognized as people’s representatives. It will not treat the subjects which are vital, as banned one and will break the fast of silence. (April 19)
Selected and translated by Sohail Sangi
Nawaz Sharif should take clear Stand
Sindhi Press – For April 12
Nawaz Sharif should take clear Stand
Ibrat
Since installation of present democratic government, two major parties- PPP and PML-N have been in dual type of relations. Some times they demonstrate friendly, while some others times locked in confrontation. People hoped, following restoration of judges both the parties would have cordial relations. PPP while taking the lead filed review petition regarding disqualification of Sharif brothers, which led to a court and restoration of Shahbaz Sharif government in Punjab. It was expected that PML-N would drop the path of confrontation and opt for friendship and reconciliation. Unfortunately that did not happen.
The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) does not plan to join the Pakistan People’s Party-led federal government. The apparent reason behind this decision seems to be deepening economic crisis, load shedding, lawlessness, unemployment and other pressing problems. At this juncture who ever would rule the country, he will have to suffer loss politically.
Nawaz Sharif has conditioned the joining of federal government with implementation on Charter of Democracy and the 17th Amendment. In retaliation PPP was taking position to sit in the opposition in Punjab. PPP has indicated that it would the PPP would only join the Punjab government if the Sharifs’ party agreed to join the cabinet at the centre. President Asif Ali Zardari has directed Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani to make a last ditch effort to coax the PML-N into joining the federal cabinet; otherwise the PPP would sit on the opposition benches in the Punjab Assembly. PPP leadership considers it an ideal situation, if PPP joins PML-N led Punjab government, and PML-N joins cabinet at centre. Further more there was a clear difference between the central and provincial government over Swat agreement.
What else can be reconciliation? Such reconciliation never was witnessed in the history. President Zardari has complained about aggressive position taken by the PML-N. It was the very aggressive attitude which has endangered the democracy. A few weeks back, we witnessed many a speculations giving an impression that any thing would happen at any time.
We think, that it is responsibility of Nawaz Sharif to adapt path of reconciliation. To government in Punjab was his biggest wish which was fulfilled. There are number of pressing problems which needs earlier attention of all the responsible people. This list includes drone attack, terrorism, financial crises and many more. Presently it is only PPP which was facing all these problems. Cooperation is essential for the welfare of the country. ANP is a coalition partner at centre, but it is only limited at the provincial level.
There is no way out of the problems facing Pakistan except for cooperation between the PPP and PML-N. Strange enough, Nawaz Sharif despite understanding this critical situation faced by the country is not extending cooperation. This would tantamount to confrontation in the name of reconciliation.
PML-N which claims to be democratic and well wisher of the country should come forward and instead of verbose take some steps practically in the greater interest of the people and the country – (April 11)
Selected and translated by Sohail Sangi
Nawaz Sharif should take clear Stand
Ibrat
Since installation of present democratic government, two major parties- PPP and PML-N have been in dual type of relations. Some times they demonstrate friendly, while some others times locked in confrontation. People hoped, following restoration of judges both the parties would have cordial relations. PPP while taking the lead filed review petition regarding disqualification of Sharif brothers, which led to a court and restoration of Shahbaz Sharif government in Punjab. It was expected that PML-N would drop the path of confrontation and opt for friendship and reconciliation. Unfortunately that did not happen.
The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) does not plan to join the Pakistan People’s Party-led federal government. The apparent reason behind this decision seems to be deepening economic crisis, load shedding, lawlessness, unemployment and other pressing problems. At this juncture who ever would rule the country, he will have to suffer loss politically.
Nawaz Sharif has conditioned the joining of federal government with implementation on Charter of Democracy and the 17th Amendment. In retaliation PPP was taking position to sit in the opposition in Punjab. PPP has indicated that it would the PPP would only join the Punjab government if the Sharifs’ party agreed to join the cabinet at the centre. President Asif Ali Zardari has directed Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani to make a last ditch effort to coax the PML-N into joining the federal cabinet; otherwise the PPP would sit on the opposition benches in the Punjab Assembly. PPP leadership considers it an ideal situation, if PPP joins PML-N led Punjab government, and PML-N joins cabinet at centre. Further more there was a clear difference between the central and provincial government over Swat agreement.
What else can be reconciliation? Such reconciliation never was witnessed in the history. President Zardari has complained about aggressive position taken by the PML-N. It was the very aggressive attitude which has endangered the democracy. A few weeks back, we witnessed many a speculations giving an impression that any thing would happen at any time.
We think, that it is responsibility of Nawaz Sharif to adapt path of reconciliation. To government in Punjab was his biggest wish which was fulfilled. There are number of pressing problems which needs earlier attention of all the responsible people. This list includes drone attack, terrorism, financial crises and many more. Presently it is only PPP which was facing all these problems. Cooperation is essential for the welfare of the country. ANP is a coalition partner at centre, but it is only limited at the provincial level.
There is no way out of the problems facing Pakistan except for cooperation between the PPP and PML-N. Strange enough, Nawaz Sharif despite understanding this critical situation faced by the country is not extending cooperation. This would tantamount to confrontation in the name of reconciliation.
PML-N which claims to be democratic and well wisher of the country should come forward and instead of verbose take some steps practically in the greater interest of the people and the country – (April 11)
Selected and translated by Sohail Sangi
Who controls IRSA
Sindhi Press April 6
Who controls IRSA
Kawish
River System Authority (IRSA) is hit by its dualism. Whenever issue of due share of Sindh water is raised, IRSA poses itself as a powerless body. But in case of Punjab, it is much effective and active. Apart from repeated demands by the smaller provinces it is not implementing the 1991 water accord. It has turned down the requests of federal government. This year too the IRSA has adapted same attitude. It refused to distribute water under Water Accord of 1991 Para 2, and turned down the request of federal government and two provinces- Sindh and Balochistan. And it opted for historical- use basis ((1977-82) formula that benefits Punjab and reduces Sindh’s share by about five per cent. Sindh will get 31.908 MAF water instead of 33.94 MAF. Hence Sindh would be deprived of 2.032 MAF water share.
Since years Sindh have been deprived of its water share, hence Sindh lost its identity of green and prosperous land. Promises and accords are not implemented. The lands of Sindh turned barren while non release of water down stream Kotri caused sea intrusion affecting agriculture and entire eco-system of the lower Sindh and delta region. The water accord is put in cold storage. When accord is not implemented then how some other guarantee could withstand. The tale of vows does not end here.
Right at the time when farmers, especially those of the lower regions, critically needed water, the supplies were stopped on the pretext of filling up reservoirs.
Similarly, the apportionments to the provinces and the flows in two link canals were being controlled most arbitrarily ever since the country had gone under the military rule.
Beside less water than its due share Sindh is getting, water theft from this share also continues. Therefore water while reaching upto Sindh further reduces. Sindh has been demanding that its share should be ensured up to Sukkur. But his is not heard.
Ill intentions is exposed with artificial failure of multi million telemetry system installed to monitor the water flow in the rivers, which proved inefficient within a period of two months. This system was installed to monitor 23 waters in the country through satellite, but this too was made ineffective. So that Sindh may not get any documentary proof of water theft.
When there is question to supply due share of water, IRSA appears to be ineffective. It is not complying with the directives of federal government. If directives of federal government are not implemented, who other is deciding the issues? It is only Punjab, what to say.
We have history of injustices which is equal to the inception of the country. Undemocratic and unconstitutional decisions have been thrust upon. We do not only find such decision in the undemocratic government but it is not difficult to find out such during the democratic period also. The successive un democratic governments committed excesses and injustices with Sindh in water share and distribution of financial resources also. But it is irony that Sindh is not getting its share during present democratic government.
Sindh has recorded protest for not implementing para two of the 1991 Water Accord, but from Sindh may reach for justice? For that federal government which is not ready to heed it? Sindh is not demanding any thing excess, but only its due share. It is suggested that distribution arrangements proposed may be corrected accordingly and the water may be apportioned as per para-2 of the accord. The people of Sindh and government should raise effective voice to get its share according to 1991 water accord. -(April 2)
Selected and translated by Sohail Sangi
Who controls IRSA
Kawish
River System Authority (IRSA) is hit by its dualism. Whenever issue of due share of Sindh water is raised, IRSA poses itself as a powerless body. But in case of Punjab, it is much effective and active. Apart from repeated demands by the smaller provinces it is not implementing the 1991 water accord. It has turned down the requests of federal government. This year too the IRSA has adapted same attitude. It refused to distribute water under Water Accord of 1991 Para 2, and turned down the request of federal government and two provinces- Sindh and Balochistan. And it opted for historical- use basis ((1977-82) formula that benefits Punjab and reduces Sindh’s share by about five per cent. Sindh will get 31.908 MAF water instead of 33.94 MAF. Hence Sindh would be deprived of 2.032 MAF water share.
Since years Sindh have been deprived of its water share, hence Sindh lost its identity of green and prosperous land. Promises and accords are not implemented. The lands of Sindh turned barren while non release of water down stream Kotri caused sea intrusion affecting agriculture and entire eco-system of the lower Sindh and delta region. The water accord is put in cold storage. When accord is not implemented then how some other guarantee could withstand. The tale of vows does not end here.
Right at the time when farmers, especially those of the lower regions, critically needed water, the supplies were stopped on the pretext of filling up reservoirs.
Similarly, the apportionments to the provinces and the flows in two link canals were being controlled most arbitrarily ever since the country had gone under the military rule.
Beside less water than its due share Sindh is getting, water theft from this share also continues. Therefore water while reaching upto Sindh further reduces. Sindh has been demanding that its share should be ensured up to Sukkur. But his is not heard.
Ill intentions is exposed with artificial failure of multi million telemetry system installed to monitor the water flow in the rivers, which proved inefficient within a period of two months. This system was installed to monitor 23 waters in the country through satellite, but this too was made ineffective. So that Sindh may not get any documentary proof of water theft.
When there is question to supply due share of water, IRSA appears to be ineffective. It is not complying with the directives of federal government. If directives of federal government are not implemented, who other is deciding the issues? It is only Punjab, what to say.
We have history of injustices which is equal to the inception of the country. Undemocratic and unconstitutional decisions have been thrust upon. We do not only find such decision in the undemocratic government but it is not difficult to find out such during the democratic period also. The successive un democratic governments committed excesses and injustices with Sindh in water share and distribution of financial resources also. But it is irony that Sindh is not getting its share during present democratic government.
Sindh has recorded protest for not implementing para two of the 1991 Water Accord, but from Sindh may reach for justice? For that federal government which is not ready to heed it? Sindh is not demanding any thing excess, but only its due share. It is suggested that distribution arrangements proposed may be corrected accordingly and the water may be apportioned as per para-2 of the accord. The people of Sindh and government should raise effective voice to get its share according to 1991 water accord. -(April 2)
Selected and translated by Sohail Sangi
Media and Politics
Sindhi Press March 2
Media and Politics
Ibrat
Relationship between the media and the political sphere is very deep as well as old. A strong thought exists that how the media should work in the service of democracy, while rulers have always tried to use media to achieve their political goal and personal interests. With the development of all social and applied sciences this branch of science also grew and its uses also changed with the passage of time. What we see the role, shape and affectivity of the media today it had never been before. Its effectiveness is also great, which have never been in the history earlier. This affectivity has roots in technological revolution as well as other social and applied sciences development.
Now politics has become impossible without media, as the media has important role to play in running the government affairs. The media try to explain the government's goals and policies, helping to mobilize and reinforce public support necessary for effective political action. In reporting on politics, the media help select the issues that are to receive public attention and help shape the public agenda.
In today’s world with the help of media it has become easy to prove truth as lie and vice versa. Political parties are aware about it. Therefore they had got expertise in using mass media in their interests.
Electronic media and private TV channels are new phenomena in Pakistan... In a very short period the weaknesses of electronic media have been exposed. The major weakness is the uses and misuses by the political parties. We have seen electronic media had given undue importance to some issues. Some times they had buried the real issues and did not receive any mention whatsoever. A section of electronic media had been indulged in this practice.
It has been observed, if any event or political decision is not reported in the media, that means it had not taken place. It is surprising that importance and very existence of events and decisions depends on media. If some one is not in media means he does not exist in the world.
The electronic media presented crisis cropped up after disqualification of Sharif Brothers ten times larger than its original size. So much so with over playing the Sharifs disqualification all the other issues went down the drain and were buried. Live coverage of protests created a perception as if protests have broken out all over the country. Its size, scale and affectivity were presented larger than life.
President Asif Ali Zardari pointed out, PML-N was playing a media game and the media should stop this game.
There are number of political parties which are alive only in media or through media, otherwise, they have little existence in society. They issue statements to media and try to affect the crisis. In fact, such political parties do not represent a sizeable section of society would not live longer but for time being are complicating the situation….
This power of media can be used in constructive manner. The media can play an important role while highlighting the real issues to finding their solutions. This would restrain politicians from misuse of media but would also develop pressure on politicians to pay due attention to these real issue. It is media that can check and criticize this negative role of media. - (March 1)
Selected and translated by Sohail Sangi
Media and Politics
Ibrat
Relationship between the media and the political sphere is very deep as well as old. A strong thought exists that how the media should work in the service of democracy, while rulers have always tried to use media to achieve their political goal and personal interests. With the development of all social and applied sciences this branch of science also grew and its uses also changed with the passage of time. What we see the role, shape and affectivity of the media today it had never been before. Its effectiveness is also great, which have never been in the history earlier. This affectivity has roots in technological revolution as well as other social and applied sciences development.
Now politics has become impossible without media, as the media has important role to play in running the government affairs. The media try to explain the government's goals and policies, helping to mobilize and reinforce public support necessary for effective political action. In reporting on politics, the media help select the issues that are to receive public attention and help shape the public agenda.
In today’s world with the help of media it has become easy to prove truth as lie and vice versa. Political parties are aware about it. Therefore they had got expertise in using mass media in their interests.
Electronic media and private TV channels are new phenomena in Pakistan... In a very short period the weaknesses of electronic media have been exposed. The major weakness is the uses and misuses by the political parties. We have seen electronic media had given undue importance to some issues. Some times they had buried the real issues and did not receive any mention whatsoever. A section of electronic media had been indulged in this practice.
It has been observed, if any event or political decision is not reported in the media, that means it had not taken place. It is surprising that importance and very existence of events and decisions depends on media. If some one is not in media means he does not exist in the world.
The electronic media presented crisis cropped up after disqualification of Sharif Brothers ten times larger than its original size. So much so with over playing the Sharifs disqualification all the other issues went down the drain and were buried. Live coverage of protests created a perception as if protests have broken out all over the country. Its size, scale and affectivity were presented larger than life.
President Asif Ali Zardari pointed out, PML-N was playing a media game and the media should stop this game.
There are number of political parties which are alive only in media or through media, otherwise, they have little existence in society. They issue statements to media and try to affect the crisis. In fact, such political parties do not represent a sizeable section of society would not live longer but for time being are complicating the situation….
This power of media can be used in constructive manner. The media can play an important role while highlighting the real issues to finding their solutions. This would restrain politicians from misuse of media but would also develop pressure on politicians to pay due attention to these real issue. It is media that can check and criticize this negative role of media. - (March 1)
Selected and translated by Sohail Sangi
Confrontation is no solution
Sindhi Press Feb 23
Confrontation is no solution
Kawish
The political temperature in the country is rising. But the government, lawyers and other parties are trapped in ego chains and are unable to come forward and closer to each other. The lawyers are going to stage sit in on March 16 in Islamabad, while PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif has committed himself to joining the lawyers’ sit-in for restoration of former chief justice Choudhry Iftikhar Mohammed and other judges and vowed to go beyond sit in, if need arises. He advised the lawyers to launch long march from Lahore to Islamabad. The government is also forwarding a mixed reaction. It says that protest is democratic right however, political forces should mind it that their action should not invite the intervention of third force.
The issue of restoration of judges is lingering on since the day the present government came into power. Once again lawyers have decided for long march and they are trying to win support of political parties. They succeeded to win over Nawaz Sharif.
PML-N chief Mian Nawaz Sharif while committing to join lawyers sit in went a step ahead and came down hard on President Asif Ali Zardari, accusing him of orchestrating a campaign to disqualify him.
A While accusing President Asif Ali Zardari, Mr Sharif talked about going beyond sit si. His outburst is also quite understandable….. issuing threats would not remain static and opposition may soon take the form of an all-out confrontation. Both parties would try to go further. If that happens, it would be harmful for democracy.
Nawas Sharif’s party is in power in Punjab. If lawyers are taking his advice and they are launching long march from Lahore, it is but natural that they will get official patronage. It means a long march under patronage of provincial government would lead to federal capital. This would result into confrontation between provincial and federal governments. If sit in of thousand of lawyers and political activists continues for a longer period, the federal government would reconsider its attitude towards this protest in the capital. In the wake of threats of terrorism which country is experiencing and Mian Nawaz Sharif’s outburst for going beyond sit-in would aggravate the situation.
It has been practice, whenever law and order situation arises in capital, federal government calls police force from Punjab. In case of confrontation there is little hope for getting police force from Punjab. This will create a confrontation between the state institutions, which should be avoided. History is witness to it, when ever confrontation has increased in the democratic era and some one has tried to be superman, it has always invited intervention of third force. Therefore every step should be taken carefully to avoid undue intervention in the democratic and political process…. It is advisable, the third forces should also not opt for adventure as such actions had pushed the country for many years to dark era. It is not the solution of any tension or confrontation taking place during democratic government. The problems created in democratic set up should be resolved democratically and some way out of negotiations and reconciliation should be founded.
- (Feb 22)
Selected and translated by Sohail Sangi
Confrontation is no solution
Kawish
The political temperature in the country is rising. But the government, lawyers and other parties are trapped in ego chains and are unable to come forward and closer to each other. The lawyers are going to stage sit in on March 16 in Islamabad, while PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif has committed himself to joining the lawyers’ sit-in for restoration of former chief justice Choudhry Iftikhar Mohammed and other judges and vowed to go beyond sit in, if need arises. He advised the lawyers to launch long march from Lahore to Islamabad. The government is also forwarding a mixed reaction. It says that protest is democratic right however, political forces should mind it that their action should not invite the intervention of third force.
The issue of restoration of judges is lingering on since the day the present government came into power. Once again lawyers have decided for long march and they are trying to win support of political parties. They succeeded to win over Nawaz Sharif.
PML-N chief Mian Nawaz Sharif while committing to join lawyers sit in went a step ahead and came down hard on President Asif Ali Zardari, accusing him of orchestrating a campaign to disqualify him.
A While accusing President Asif Ali Zardari, Mr Sharif talked about going beyond sit si. His outburst is also quite understandable….. issuing threats would not remain static and opposition may soon take the form of an all-out confrontation. Both parties would try to go further. If that happens, it would be harmful for democracy.
Nawas Sharif’s party is in power in Punjab. If lawyers are taking his advice and they are launching long march from Lahore, it is but natural that they will get official patronage. It means a long march under patronage of provincial government would lead to federal capital. This would result into confrontation between provincial and federal governments. If sit in of thousand of lawyers and political activists continues for a longer period, the federal government would reconsider its attitude towards this protest in the capital. In the wake of threats of terrorism which country is experiencing and Mian Nawaz Sharif’s outburst for going beyond sit-in would aggravate the situation.
It has been practice, whenever law and order situation arises in capital, federal government calls police force from Punjab. In case of confrontation there is little hope for getting police force from Punjab. This will create a confrontation between the state institutions, which should be avoided. History is witness to it, when ever confrontation has increased in the democratic era and some one has tried to be superman, it has always invited intervention of third force. Therefore every step should be taken carefully to avoid undue intervention in the democratic and political process…. It is advisable, the third forces should also not opt for adventure as such actions had pushed the country for many years to dark era. It is not the solution of any tension or confrontation taking place during democratic government. The problems created in democratic set up should be resolved democratically and some way out of negotiations and reconciliation should be founded.
- (Feb 22)
Selected and translated by Sohail Sangi
Change in US policies
Sindhi Press Feb 16
Change in US policies
Awami Awaz
US President Barack Obama telephoned President Asif Ali Zardari, a day after his special envoy met the Pakistani leader with a message from his boss urging Pakistan to be a ‘stalwart ally’ in the fight against terrorism.
The two leaders reportedly agreed on the need for a strategy to try and resolve the region’s problems.
Telephonic talk between two leaders was in the backdrop of US decision to reviewing its Afghan and South Asia policy…..
US might be changing its policies in its own interest but it would also have some positive effects in the region. Since last nine years entire international community have been demanding of US to change its infamous policies of Bush governemnt. These policies had not only destroyed the world peace and brought instability and uncertainity in the world but also tarnished the image of US. President Obama contested the election on the slogan of change. It would be correct to say, US public voted for change while voting to Obama. Now time has come that Obama should fulfil his promise which he made during election campaign….The review of the US strategy should include new ideas, better coordination with allies and other concerned countries.
PPP has also contributed for bringing change in US policy about Asia and Afghanistan, because PPP has been complaining against Bush policies, and persuading the US to review harmful policies. It appears today results are coming out. US should adapt a policy of live and let others to live. – (Feb 13)
Disown infamous identity
Ibrat
Historically, Sindh is known for custodian of women. But now a new identity is being foisted on it. Killing of sisters, daughter, wife, sister in-laws etc over some petty matter have become order of day. Newspapers daily carry number of painful stories......
In Sultankot district Shikarpur. One Arbab Shar shot dead his wife in the presence of his minor daughter and later buried her body without formal funeral. The parents of deceased woman said that the accused was gambler and used to subject the torture to the deceased. On the same day Ahmed Ali Janwari injured his wife Habiban over some domestic matter. Makhan Khatoon was killed near Dakhan. One more painful aspect of this incident is due to non availability of lady doctor the heir of deceased were running from pillar to post to conduct autopsy.
Sindh has held values time when beating or torturing a woman was considered as crime and such offender was termed as coward one. But today, woman is sold and chopped into pieces on one or the other pretext. What has gone wrong with the nation which claims to be inheritor of 5000 year old civilisation? as it was not hesitating to such painful and shameful acts.
In fact these all incidents are attack on peace, honour. This should be checked at all levels and by all the stakeholders.
The government should take notice of these incidents and deal with iron hands to those who are playing with woman like a football.– (Feb 15)
Selected and translated by Sohail Sangi
Change in US policies
Awami Awaz
US President Barack Obama telephoned President Asif Ali Zardari, a day after his special envoy met the Pakistani leader with a message from his boss urging Pakistan to be a ‘stalwart ally’ in the fight against terrorism.
The two leaders reportedly agreed on the need for a strategy to try and resolve the region’s problems.
Telephonic talk between two leaders was in the backdrop of US decision to reviewing its Afghan and South Asia policy…..
US might be changing its policies in its own interest but it would also have some positive effects in the region. Since last nine years entire international community have been demanding of US to change its infamous policies of Bush governemnt. These policies had not only destroyed the world peace and brought instability and uncertainity in the world but also tarnished the image of US. President Obama contested the election on the slogan of change. It would be correct to say, US public voted for change while voting to Obama. Now time has come that Obama should fulfil his promise which he made during election campaign….The review of the US strategy should include new ideas, better coordination with allies and other concerned countries.
PPP has also contributed for bringing change in US policy about Asia and Afghanistan, because PPP has been complaining against Bush policies, and persuading the US to review harmful policies. It appears today results are coming out. US should adapt a policy of live and let others to live. – (Feb 13)
Disown infamous identity
Ibrat
Historically, Sindh is known for custodian of women. But now a new identity is being foisted on it. Killing of sisters, daughter, wife, sister in-laws etc over some petty matter have become order of day. Newspapers daily carry number of painful stories......
In Sultankot district Shikarpur. One Arbab Shar shot dead his wife in the presence of his minor daughter and later buried her body without formal funeral. The parents of deceased woman said that the accused was gambler and used to subject the torture to the deceased. On the same day Ahmed Ali Janwari injured his wife Habiban over some domestic matter. Makhan Khatoon was killed near Dakhan. One more painful aspect of this incident is due to non availability of lady doctor the heir of deceased were running from pillar to post to conduct autopsy.
Sindh has held values time when beating or torturing a woman was considered as crime and such offender was termed as coward one. But today, woman is sold and chopped into pieces on one or the other pretext. What has gone wrong with the nation which claims to be inheritor of 5000 year old civilisation? as it was not hesitating to such painful and shameful acts.
In fact these all incidents are attack on peace, honour. This should be checked at all levels and by all the stakeholders.
The government should take notice of these incidents and deal with iron hands to those who are playing with woman like a football.– (Feb 15)
Selected and translated by Sohail Sangi
In defense of our tolerant life style
Sindhi Press Jan 20
In defense of our tolerant life style
Ibrat
President Zadari has warned that we have to defend our life style and there is no option of defeat. While talking to president of NWFP Chamber of Commerce said that some militants wanted to capture the state power and impose their agenda…. Who are these militants and what are their stakes in the state? They have become so strong that they were dreaming to capture state power. Would our army be able to stop these elements?...
What is agenda of these militants and terrorist which they want to impose in this country? This needs not many explanations. One had seen this agenda in Afghanistan during Taliban rule and some glimpses we are witnessing in Swat and Bajaur. Thousands of girls were deprived from education in FATA as extremists had threatened to explode the schools with bombs if they were opened for girls education…. Some time back CD and music centres were set ablaze and restrained the promotion of music, art, and literature. Their agenda is clear: either obey them or die. And to implement these agendas they resort to suicide bombs, firing, kidnapping, public hangings etc.
As Islam is peaceful religion, it prohibits such acts which lead to killing of innocent people. Islam also allows every one to lead his/her life according to the belief. Contrary to this some extremists had found interpretation of Islam of their own choice and to translate this interpretation they adapt fascist means…
Contrary to it our life style is of tolerance, peaceful and moderate. A majority of people of this country are leading a moderate life style. Our approach is humane and humanitarian. It is to take on board all the people without any discrimination of faith, belief, race or caste.
This region has remained under influence of Sufis. These Sufis preached to avoid extremism and live with peace and love with other people. These Sufis had set a number of examples of religious tolerance. The people of this region belonging to different religions have a common culture….. They never resorted to kill any one to accept a particular belief.
Our history of recent past also tells that till the Z.A Bhutto period there was no such extremism. It was in the dictator Zia era sectarian riots broke out and touched to insanity level.
We witnessed a number of events including PNA movement against elected government of Bhutto to operating militant camps, run by particular school of thought hence we saw many groups operating under this particular thought. On behest of USA, we fought war against Soviet Union and religious frenzy was used to fuel this war. This all continued with the backing of the state machinery till the war against terror started. After 9/11, it became difficult to live with it. Some reforms were made and the state separated itself from this thought. It is still to be seen, whether Gen Musharraf really separated itself from this thought or it was only for show off.
In brief one can see how extremism was imposed on the people of this region. People were forced to live a life according to the philosophy of extremists. Despite continuous pressure and poisoning for decades people still want to live a moderate life. That is why the extremists are resorted to militant and fascist means.
Its true that we have no option in the war against terrorism but to win it. But this all should be seen and done, while keeping away American interests. – (Jan 18)
Selected and translated by Sohail Sangi
In defense of our tolerant life style
Ibrat
President Zadari has warned that we have to defend our life style and there is no option of defeat. While talking to president of NWFP Chamber of Commerce said that some militants wanted to capture the state power and impose their agenda…. Who are these militants and what are their stakes in the state? They have become so strong that they were dreaming to capture state power. Would our army be able to stop these elements?...
What is agenda of these militants and terrorist which they want to impose in this country? This needs not many explanations. One had seen this agenda in Afghanistan during Taliban rule and some glimpses we are witnessing in Swat and Bajaur. Thousands of girls were deprived from education in FATA as extremists had threatened to explode the schools with bombs if they were opened for girls education…. Some time back CD and music centres were set ablaze and restrained the promotion of music, art, and literature. Their agenda is clear: either obey them or die. And to implement these agendas they resort to suicide bombs, firing, kidnapping, public hangings etc.
As Islam is peaceful religion, it prohibits such acts which lead to killing of innocent people. Islam also allows every one to lead his/her life according to the belief. Contrary to this some extremists had found interpretation of Islam of their own choice and to translate this interpretation they adapt fascist means…
Contrary to it our life style is of tolerance, peaceful and moderate. A majority of people of this country are leading a moderate life style. Our approach is humane and humanitarian. It is to take on board all the people without any discrimination of faith, belief, race or caste.
This region has remained under influence of Sufis. These Sufis preached to avoid extremism and live with peace and love with other people. These Sufis had set a number of examples of religious tolerance. The people of this region belonging to different religions have a common culture….. They never resorted to kill any one to accept a particular belief.
Our history of recent past also tells that till the Z.A Bhutto period there was no such extremism. It was in the dictator Zia era sectarian riots broke out and touched to insanity level.
We witnessed a number of events including PNA movement against elected government of Bhutto to operating militant camps, run by particular school of thought hence we saw many groups operating under this particular thought. On behest of USA, we fought war against Soviet Union and religious frenzy was used to fuel this war. This all continued with the backing of the state machinery till the war against terror started. After 9/11, it became difficult to live with it. Some reforms were made and the state separated itself from this thought. It is still to be seen, whether Gen Musharraf really separated itself from this thought or it was only for show off.
In brief one can see how extremism was imposed on the people of this region. People were forced to live a life according to the philosophy of extremists. Despite continuous pressure and poisoning for decades people still want to live a moderate life. That is why the extremists are resorted to militant and fascist means.
Its true that we have no option in the war against terrorism but to win it. But this all should be seen and done, while keeping away American interests. – (Jan 18)
Selected and translated by Sohail Sangi
North Karachi disaster:
Sindhi Press Dec 12
North Karachi disaster: multidimensional probe needed
Kawish
Karachites had hardly gone to sleep when fire swept through a shanty settlement claiming at least 42 lives including 20 children, leaving 25 other critical injured. The government has announced a compensation for injured and the dead and also to initiate a probe into the causes of the incident.
Karachi people have witnessed many a fire incidents including of PNSC building and Revenue department building in Sindh secretariat. They also saw the fire flames on April 9 last year which swept the sixth floor of Tahir Plaza and experienced the smell of burning of human bodies and explosive material. But the havoc created by the fire that broke out Thursday night claiming over 42 lives made another history. The causes of fire could not be ascertained as yet. However it has left a number of unanswered questions, which forms basis of the investigation.
Divergent opinion of officials and elected representatives about the causes of fire also demands a multidimensional probe into the incident. The statement of a Sindh government official seems very funny, in which he said, some inmates gathered at the fire due to extreme cold, and fire caught shawl of one of them which engulfed the entire shanty settlement by the raging flames. How fire caught to a Shawl would burn to the ground within hours the entire settlement leaving no escape route? Another official has served up a familiar excuse — he believes that the fire was sparked by a power wire that fell on the huts. This version also seems to be too lame. If fire was sparked by a power wire that fell on the huts, it also leaves opportunities to escape and would not result into high number of deaths. Some circles are finding similarity with the fire incident of Tahir Plaza, where chemical was used in the fire.
The possibility of a deliberate attempt to set the settlement on fire cannot be ruled out as the land on which the squatters lived was valuable and might have been under the eyes of the city's powerful land mafia. There was a dispute and the mafia wanted to get it vacated. This should also be investigated. The government is aware that there are criminal gangs and mercenary killers operating in this metropolitan city, who use to get vacated the lands and plots on behest of land mafia. This could be an act of such gang.
Probe of earlier incidents was closed with the traditional ‘findings” and excuses that fire was caused due to fall of electric wire or it was accidental. There seems to be little hope that this incident would be thoroughly probe and it would go beyond the traditional findings of short circuit or accidental.
Providing compensation and alternate plots to the victim families is laudable, as announced by the government. But there is dire need to find the real causes which resulted into death of 42 people that can not compensated. Further, if there is some mafia behind it, it would continue to work and we will witness some more such incident. Therefore it demands a multidimensional probe to expose and punish the culprits. – (Jan 10)
Selected and translated by Sohail Sangi
North Karachi disaster: multidimensional probe needed
Kawish
Karachites had hardly gone to sleep when fire swept through a shanty settlement claiming at least 42 lives including 20 children, leaving 25 other critical injured. The government has announced a compensation for injured and the dead and also to initiate a probe into the causes of the incident.
Karachi people have witnessed many a fire incidents including of PNSC building and Revenue department building in Sindh secretariat. They also saw the fire flames on April 9 last year which swept the sixth floor of Tahir Plaza and experienced the smell of burning of human bodies and explosive material. But the havoc created by the fire that broke out Thursday night claiming over 42 lives made another history. The causes of fire could not be ascertained as yet. However it has left a number of unanswered questions, which forms basis of the investigation.
Divergent opinion of officials and elected representatives about the causes of fire also demands a multidimensional probe into the incident. The statement of a Sindh government official seems very funny, in which he said, some inmates gathered at the fire due to extreme cold, and fire caught shawl of one of them which engulfed the entire shanty settlement by the raging flames. How fire caught to a Shawl would burn to the ground within hours the entire settlement leaving no escape route? Another official has served up a familiar excuse — he believes that the fire was sparked by a power wire that fell on the huts. This version also seems to be too lame. If fire was sparked by a power wire that fell on the huts, it also leaves opportunities to escape and would not result into high number of deaths. Some circles are finding similarity with the fire incident of Tahir Plaza, where chemical was used in the fire.
The possibility of a deliberate attempt to set the settlement on fire cannot be ruled out as the land on which the squatters lived was valuable and might have been under the eyes of the city's powerful land mafia. There was a dispute and the mafia wanted to get it vacated. This should also be investigated. The government is aware that there are criminal gangs and mercenary killers operating in this metropolitan city, who use to get vacated the lands and plots on behest of land mafia. This could be an act of such gang.
Probe of earlier incidents was closed with the traditional ‘findings” and excuses that fire was caused due to fall of electric wire or it was accidental. There seems to be little hope that this incident would be thoroughly probe and it would go beyond the traditional findings of short circuit or accidental.
Providing compensation and alternate plots to the victim families is laudable, as announced by the government. But there is dire need to find the real causes which resulted into death of 42 people that can not compensated. Further, if there is some mafia behind it, it would continue to work and we will witness some more such incident. Therefore it demands a multidimensional probe to expose and punish the culprits. – (Jan 10)
Selected and translated by Sohail Sangi
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