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
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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
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