Role of Nawa-i-Waqt applauded
KARACHI – The Governor Sindh, Dr. Ishratul Ibad, said on May 24 that Nawa-i-Waqt, the leading Urdu daily, had played a significant and historic role in Pakistan struggle.
In his message to the 2nd National Conference on Urdu Press held at the Karachi University, he said that Urdu newspapers depict the views of 140 million people of the country. “They are inseparable from our daily life. Powerful editorials, lively colÂumns and informative articles are some of the contents which enrich our knowledge,” he added.
He praised the role of print media as compared to electronic media. He said that while the electronic media is rapidly reaching all comers of the world, it could not lower the importance of print media.
He said that Television channels and radio services never gave their own views on key issues but newspapers gave their” own views on key issues in a courageous manner.
Salahudian Hyder, Advisor on Information to Sindh Government, said that 90 per cent of people depend on Urdu newspapers and we should therefore try to maintain the standard of Urdu Press.
He said that Urdu journalism had played a vital role in the independence movement. He pointed out that Urdu journalism had created the p.ersonalities like Maulana Mohammed Ali Jauhar, Maulana Zafar Ali Khan, Maulana Hasrat Mohani and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad.
He added that Urdu journalism should adopt investigative reporting. He observed that readership of Urdu editorial, which is soul of a newspaper, is decreasing. He noted that the present government had given complete freedom to the press.
He said that despite rapid development in electronic media, it has not affected the role of the print media. He congratulated the Vice-Chancellor and the Chairman of Journalism Department for holding conference.
Dr. Peerzada Qasim, Vice Chancellor of Karachi University, said “we have gathered here to discuss Urdu Journalism, which would give an opportunity to our students, to benefit from the knowledge of our scholars.” He said that in the present global village, media is more powerful than any other weapon of the world.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of Mass Communication Department, Dr. Tahir Masood, said that Urdu journalism took its roots about 200 years ago. “It has developed an image of its own and is regarded on a par with world journalism. Still it is faced with multiple problems and the Government has not given due attention to resolving these problems,” he added.
Source: The Nation
Date:5/25/2004
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