The News Special Report, February 2011

TWENTY YEARS OF THE NEWS 2011 WITNESS TO HISTORY

P E E P I N G
Down memory lane s Pioneering members of The News s Going global s Magazines parts of a whole s Third Eye The News Support staff s Freedom of press s Judicial movement s A vacuum hard to fill s Are we biased? Yes!
s

T H R O U G H
s

T H E

W I N D O W
s

O F

H I S T O R Y
73 74 75 76 77 81 82 Universal healthcare for women remains a farfetched dream 84 s Not just a mans world any more 85 s Best athletes of twenty years 93 s Of poets and poetry 96 s No news without The News/ A beacon for art and culture 98 s Attique Ahmed Khan, PM AJK wishes The News 99
s

3-14 17-18 21 22-26 28 29 32-33 34 35

Reporting blues 36 s Corruption and terrorism 37-38 s Media 41 s Where Pakistan and India stand now/Its not over till its over 42 s After Pakistan goes nuclear/Water bomb 44 s Iraq: quest for restorative justice 45 s Brokering for peace in ME/ Are we heading toward Talibanisation? 46
s

Economic nosedive 48-49 s Power woes 52 s Ad gurus speak out 53-56 s HR challenges in media 57 s Population/Education: neglected sectors 58 s Ex-nazim Mustafa Kamal writes for The News/ Sharmila Faruqi on women empowerment 61 s Two decades of art & entertainment 62-63 s Gone but not forgotten 64-72

Nobody in Karachi whistles any more s Bowled over s Of homeless dogs and homesick diplomats s The dividing line s SM Zafar, Imran Khan, Altaf Hussain and Mubashir Hasan congratulate The News s The Funnies/ Sketching up a storm/Missing Tal Matol s Digital age the death-knell for print media?

A defining experience
Dr Maleeha Lodhi
hen Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman walked me into the building of The News in Rawalpindi I looked around in awe at the high-tech office and was struck by the thinking that had gone into configuring the modern, open-plan premises. This, he said, will be your office, opening the door to a room surrounded all around by glass and overlooking the newsroom right across the floor where the reporters would eventually assemble to file and chat. This was back in 1990. I had not yet joined The News but was in the process of making up my mind when Mir Shakil gave me a tour of the

and Lahore followed with other editors, lay out designers, techies and the management. Being part of a process of launching a new product, a new publication or a brand new paper is quite different from having worked in an established newspaper or having written for one. Involvement from the very inception of The News meant an opportunity of shaping the paper in so many ways from the way it looked to its identity, nature of its reportage and editorial content and stance. As I was given the responsibility for the editorial and op-ed pages this meant putting in place a system for editorial-writing, consultation with the other centers, commissioning of articles and a process for selecting letters

Sharing a happy moment with the editorial team office and then sat down to share with me his vision of an English-language daily to be published simultaneously from three cities. It was a long conversation but once we had discussed the editorial policy of the paper and several aspects of its guiding principles it did not take long for me to decide that I wanted to be part of this new venture. Here was the chance to be part of the launch team of a new publication backed by the largest newspaper group in the country, and one envisioned to break new ground in Pakistani journalism not just technologically but in content and commitment to the values integral to a free and independent media. It was an easy decision to make but one that threw me into uncharted territory. It was an intense learning experience for which as editor previously of The Muslim I was lucky to have had some preparation. A flurry of meetings in Karachi to the editor. This also entailed building consensus between other colleagues and evolving agreed approaches to the papers centre pages. Fortunately our team gelled well. Working with distinguished editors like Ghazi Salahuddin, Imran Aslam and Hussain Naqi made my job not just easier but one where I learnt from each of my colleagues. Each brought extraordinary energy and creativity to our collective task of assembling the dummies, the jargon for the uncirculated trial copies of the paper. The days leading to the inaugural issues of the paper were among the most tense in my journalistic career but also the most exciting. When the first copy rolled off the printing press on 11 February 1991 this was greeted by loud cheers and celebration with the distribution of methai all around. We were delighted with what we saw but unsure how readers

would respond and how the market would react. At around midnight, just before the first issue went down to the press, I received a phone call from Mir Khalilur-Rahman. This had not happened before but was to frequently occur for the next few months. Mir Saheb rattled off a number of news stories that he had evidently heard on the BBCs Urdu service and asked if the paper had these, which to my relief we did. Once I conveyed that he simply said shabaash and then Khuda hafiz. Those late night phone conversations gave me a rare insight into a remarkable man, fiercely professional and sharply observant but a person of great humility whose down to earth manner was at once endearing and inspiring. He always found time to share an experience or an anecdote and to mentor and encourage journalists in a field that was still evolving. Those early, exhilarating days were full of excitement. Even learning from the mistakes we made and there were many that we hoped our readers wouldnt notice was an invigorating experience. We set up a daily system of identifying errors and holding people to account. It didnt make the editor popular but had to done. The response from readers good and bad was what kept us going because it is the connection with the audience or readership that is the most rewarding and gratifying part of the news business. It also gave us a sense of whether we were really reaching our audience and providing them with the product they wanted. When I used to walk over to the City Pages desk I would often come across an irate reader insisting we print a clarification or an aspiring young writer submitting his fifth article, unfazed by our rejection of his first four. This was what the day- to-day life of the paper was made up of. And as The News established itself and its readership grew so did the noise in the office, and the visitors, some eager, some irate. But the hazards of journalism and editing a newspaper in Pakistan were brought home to me one day when, as
Continued on page 9

A manysplendoured launch
By Ghazi Salahuddin
ike a snapshot that preserves a memorable moment in your life, I have preserved the inaugural issue of The News. There are occasions when memories of that time surge in my mind and I take out the issue, with its inaugural supplement of 36 pages. As I turn its pages and become nostalgic for something that was very much like a love affair, I recall how many of my colleagues, mostly the young ones, were also emotionally involved with this once-in-a-lifetime venture. Twenty years is a long period in the context of living memory. It spans ages when you look at the information revolution that has inundated our lives. Media has since been revolutionised a number of times. We now feel overwhelmed by television networks, by the internet and its magical manifestations like Facebook and blogs, and by mobile telephony in a digital world. Ah, but The News itself was a revolution in Pakistans media. It is generally not recognised that the technological transformation of our media was firmly launched by The News. But what we have now, in that sense, began actually on February 11, 1991. This was a date that marks a watershed in the history of media in our country. And when I look at my inaugural issue, I think of how it all became possible. Frankly, I was not aware of what was coming when Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman invited me to meet him in Lahore nearly a year before this newspaper was finally launched. He offered me the editors position in the new national English daily that he was planning. This was an opportunity that I had dreamt about. However, as we started to draw the blueprint for the prospective newspaper, I became gradually aware of the grand design that Mir Shakilur-Rahman had in his mind. This is not an occasion to go over that phase and recount my own sense of awe and wonder as the plan unfolded. For instance, I spent some time in

London to discuss the design of the newspaper with some experts and learn about the launch of a newspaper and its editorial management. The fact that we were going for state of the art technology, including in the newsroom, was in itself very exciting. Then, the idea of simultaneously publishing three editions from Karachi, Rawalpindi-Islamabad and Lahore was truly ground-breaking. Maleeha Lodhi, who later made her mark in the diplo-

has been to weld our standard practices of newspaper production to systems that have not been tried in our environment. It amounted to charting out a new path. There was no model. There were no backward linkages. Hence, the recourse to trial and error. Innovative solutions had to be applied to emerging problems. What really mattered was that it worked, though there were many moments of anxiety, and there were technical hitches. The very sight of the

Ghazi Salahuddin escorts Benazir Bhutto on a tour of The News Karachi offices matic arena, came on board as editor of the Rawalpindi-Islamabad edition. Hussain Naqi was appointed as the editor in Lahore. I was in Karachi, which served as the headquarters of the newspaper and provided a large share of the editorial content. This also meant that The News had become a unique experiment in the print media in the context of its editorial management and it was really a challenge to coordinate our efforts and collaborate in a creative manner. The Special Report of the inaugural issue has this photograph, of course in colour, of the three editors talking to the senior staff. Let me quote from its caption: This picture was taken in the office of the Karachi editor. Because the technology inducted is the most modern in its sphere, the real challenge rows of computers in the newsroom and in other editorial sections provided, at that time, a glimpse of science fiction. I remember that people who came to see our offices were visibly very impressed. In the initial days, we used to have a string of visitors, including political leaders and diplomats. One memory that I cherish is when Benazir Bhutto came to see us. It so happened that the late Kaleem Omar, one of our distinguished senior staff, had met her at her trial in a Karachi court and had invited her to come to our office. The next day, I received a call from her to check if the invitation had come from the editor too. I was thrilled and pleaded that she come and a date was set. She came with some leading members of the party and took
Continued on page 14

The News - A catalyst for change

By Shahrukh Hasan
ince the launch of the Daily Jang and till the launch of Geo television, The News has been the most significant media launch in Pakistan. The News is significant not just for the many firsts it introduced, but also for the paradigm change it brought in the print media in general. There is no other newspaper that has had such a profound impact on the entire industry; The News changed all other newspapers as well. Although the Daily Jang continues to be the flagship of the Jang Group and Geo television is the standard by which all others are judged, I think it would be fair to say that both have benefitted from the investigative and exclusive reporting leverage provided by the reporters of The News. Some of the top people in the television industry are stars discovered and nurtured by The News. Small wonder that even its detractors readily admit that The News is the first paper they pick up in the morning. As a brand, The News is by far the most vibrant of all newspapers in Pakistan; in appearance, content and readiness to experiment it was, and is, a trail blazer. It was the first newspaper that set up an investigative and exclusive reporting cell. As a result, it has broken more stories than all other English language newspapers taken together. It set up separate City, Business, Entertainment and Sports sections with all other newspapers soon following. It was the first to change to a narrower, more easily manageable size. Once again, all others followed. The list is endless As a medium of advertising, The News not only readily accepted creative ideas from advertising agencies and clients, but in fact developed ideas tailored to meet the specific needs of clients. As our editors will tell you, we have

As a brand, The News is by far the most vibrant of all newspapers in Pakistan; in appearance, content and readiness to experiment it was, and is, a trail blazer.

had our share of advertising experiments! But the result of it all is that when advertisers expect or want change, it is The News they look to. The News continues to lead from the front; it has a pioneering spirit and is the most adaptive to change. This is not to suggest that The News is a perfect newspaper. Far from it. In the race to be the first with the news, in the rush to meet deadlines, it is quite possible that some stories may not have been subjected to the scrutiny and fact verification that all stories should. And then there is the curse that all investigative media suffers from! The moment you reveal something that is about to happen and the pressure builds, the perpetrators are forced to change course. Instead of being credited with averting a wrong doing, you stand accused to reporting something that didnt happen! There are many other challenges that The News faces, many hurdles that it must cross. But then that is perhaps equally true for most newspapers as well as televisions channels. The important fact is that the people at the helm - the editors, the reporters and the management is acutely aware of these shortcomings and challenges and are very clear in their mind that these battles have to be waged and won. As we turn 20, we promise to make every effort to deliver on the promise that is expected from the largest media group of Pakistan. We will continue to act as the watchdog of society. While remaining neutral in a political sense, we will continue to wage war against corruption, against misuse of authority, against negative forces that would propel us back into the dark ages and the many other ills that beset our society. We commit ourselves to the passionate pursuit of excellence in our work and to serve our readers to the best of our abilities. As time rolls on, we promise to remain youthful in terms of being forward looking and embracing change. We will subject ourselves to the scrutiny of our readers and the general public. We will readily accept our mistakes, learn from them, try and improve and provide the best newspaper to all our readers every day. The writer is Group Managing Director, Jang Group

The News - A tale of twenty!

By Sarmad Ali
have been a sales and a marketing guy all my life. My teachers and mentors had all taught me, while I was growing up, that a sales / marketing individual needs to be good at making friends. I guess I took them too literally and too seriously. When I joined Jang Group some 17 odd years ago, The News was three years old and was just beginning to make a mark in the advertising industry... I made friends with him! If I try and mentally sketch the vivid thoughts that I have of The News back in 1994, while he was this very friendly, approachable, playful sort he also had this aggressive, go-getter attitude with a kick in his walk. What struck you most was that he was this drop-dead-Greek-god gorgeous looking well built guy! We became best friends. His ever-growing urge to break away from norm impressed the people he met almost immediately. I remember him mentioning quite a few times that he does not want to be one of those boring, careful, conservative and grumpy old men who only made friends with people their own age. The News was young and made friends with the young (read: I was reasonably young myself back then). And as for the aged, they all secretly envied him, I KNOW! I realise that The News hasnt had many opportunities in the recent past to have one of those heart to heart conversations with all of you. You have been friends all these years and yet have been too busy to know what The News had all to say about himself. He has been sharing with you news and views about people around the world but never got down to telling you about himself. He feels he has a lot to catch up with you guys. On his 20th birthday, he wishes to do just that. And surprisingly, contrary to the very bold and outgoing persona that we all know he has, he chooses me to help him do that! After all, what are friends for? The News has been a trend-setter in more ways than one. It would be unfair to say that The News has had a contribution in Pakistans media industry... it has actually transformed the face of local newspapers since it rolled out from the presses 20 years ago. On 11 February 1991, with the front page of The News carrying the headline: Iraq rejects Nawazs peace plan; the

Bismillah-i-Rehman-Raheem by Guljee himself flashing in beautiful green calligraphy, The News marked what was to be the commencement of a new era in Pakistans newspaper industry. While a newspaper printed in colour was a novelty back then, the years to come were to see newspapers follow suite and change the reading experience of the then shrinking urban readership. The outburst of electronic channels was to follow and the print industry had to be proactive and preemptive in keeping its readers hooked... The News was a big step forward! The News has often been accused of desk journalism merely because it has always been a step ahead of others. Stories that did not seem to make sense at first, eventually proved to be symptoms of things to follow. The paper also sounded over the top especially when it was compared with the careful rather more conservative reporting style from its competitors but The News can boast many incidents where its investigative reporting has helped blow the whistle on a number of political and social issues. Am I at fault in saying that a newspaper is as good as its editors and writers? Does it come as a surprise or is it a coincidence that most of the media icons that you see excelling in print as well as electronic media today have worked for The News at some point in time, if not started their careers with it? To name a few, media personalities that have been associated with The News over the years include Dr Maleeha Lodhi, Kamran Khan, Rauf Kalasra, Beena

Sarwar, Imran Aslam, Syed Talat Hussain, Quatrina Hosein, Nasim Zehra, Ansar Abbasi, Saleem Bokhari, Nadeem Farooq Piracha, Talat Aslam, Kamla Hayat, Nusrat Javed, Muhammad Malick, Fahad Hussain, Ghazi Salahuddin, Gul Hameed Bhatti, Farooq Mazhar, Imtiaz Sipra, Ashar-urRehman and many more. Wow! That makes a whos who list!!! Talking of being a trend-setter, The News was the first newspaper in Pakistan that introduced separate sections for sports, business, city, national, opinion and international news. Almost all English newspapers look like The News today. The simple philosophy that went into this was to facilitate readers in locating news items of their choice directly as they picked up their newspaper copy. No point in burdening them with sifting through content they were not interested in. Since The News wanted to break away from the conventional seriousmale readership, discrete sections were developed for population segments untapped before this. Pull-out in-paper magazines were also introduced by The News with sections for fashion, art and culture catering to a female and younger male audience. Magazines like Instep, Encore, You, Us and Disney remain popular with the non-conventional newspaper readers. The News also took the lead in trying to relate with its consumers through extensive promotion and reader-interactivity campaigns during its early days. We literally wanted to take the newspaper (which is supposed to be personal property of a reader) to doorsteps and inside their comfortable living rooms. The News very soon established itself as a brand that connected with its reader, not an aloof standing larger-than-life entity. We invite people to promote their brands in our newspaper because we firmly believe in promotion... not only for others but ourselves too. Using diverse media tools like print, electronic, outdoor, celebrity endorsements to reader interactive promotions; The News elevated itself as a brand... and a strong one too! In our efforts to make The News a household brand, we have looked for opportunities to associate with various education, art and cultural activities throughout the country. Most people with a long association with the advertising industry still recall and talk of the annual basant
Continued on page 5

The News Special Report, February 2011

4
1991
January 16

TWENTY YEARS OF THE NEWS 2011 WITNESS TO HISTORY

1991
March 14
s Begum Khaleda Zia Becomes Prime

1991
May 16
s National Assembly passes Shariat Bill s Queen Elizabeth II becomes first British

1991
September 23
s Princess Diana reaches Pakistan on four-

s US and its allies attack Iraq to end its

occupation of Kuwait

Minister of Bangladesh

day official visit

February 11
s Jang Group launches English language

April 3
s Permanent ceasefire between Iraq and

daily The News

US-led allies comes into effect

All know the way, but few actually walk it

By Rahimullah Yusufzai
wenty years is a long time in ones life, but I can still vividly remember the day our newspaper, The News International, was launched. February 11, 1991 was a memorable day as not only another English language daily hit the stands, but this one was different in style and content. It had more pages, separate sections for sports, business and world news and a number of weekly magazines for children, women, showbiz and Sundays. It aimed at catering to the needs and tastes of different readers. The News International was good-looking and unique in many ways. It was a trendsetter in terms of layout, printing and get-up. Others were to follow suit. A sizeable group of editorial and technical staff from different media centers joined the newspaper under the leadership of Dr Maleeha Lodhi after she left The Muslim newspaper earlier and failed to launch a new daily, The Independent. I was part of this group and everyone was eager to return to active journalism after having waited in vain for The Independent to see the light of the day. A frequent comment one heard at the time was that the Jang Group of Publications was lucky to hire so many trained hands in one go. The Peshawar Bureau was initially located at the Qamar Mansion in a congested part of Saddar opposite the General Post Office. It was a crowded place and parking there was always a problem. The space at the office was also inadequate. Away from the sight of the

Karachi-based management, the Peshawar Bureau received far less attention than it deserved and its needs were seldom addressed in time. However, the staff at the Peshawar Bureau overcame all the shortcomings by the dint of hard work and enthusiasm. Everyone who worked there did a great job and gained valuable experience that helped re-

sent their stories to the Peshawar Bureau. They were filed mostly in Urdu, sometimes in English and Pashto and the translation, subbing and editing was done before filing the stories onwards to Islamabad and other stations. In the past, the news reports were mostly sent through teleprinters, fax, phone or post. Now in this computer age,

Some of the staff members of The News at the Peshawar Bureau in the early 1990s - Rahimullah Yusufzai (sitting) and Haroon Rasheed, Ismail Khan and Nadeem Yaqoob porters and sub-editors to earn name and credibility. The financial rewards may not be good even now, but the association with a large, well established and famous newspaper continues to be cherished. Work at the Peshawar Bureau was different in the sense that it was the focal point of all news reports originating from the North-West Frontier Province (NWFP), now renamed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). Correspondents from all 24 districts, now 25 with the addition of Torghar previously known as Kala Dhaka, 7 tribal agencies of FATA and the 6 frontier regions stories are filed by email, though faxes are still received and sometimes phones are worked to pass on the information. The news from the districts and the tribal areas are still mostly received in Urdu as media organisations dont pay district correspondents well enough to attract better educated people. At the Peshawar Bureau, we were lucky to get people from different backgrounds. There were Pashto and Hindko-speakers, Sunnis and Shias and even Christians; some belonged to urban areas and others came from rural villages - there have been colleagues from almost all parts and divisions of the

province. An interesting aspect of the work at the Peshawar Bureau was the encouragement that sub-editors received to polish their skills as writers. Apart from subbing, they would do occasional reporting and write stories with their bylines. Most of them eventually became reporters and are now wellknown. An advertisement man who was fond of reporting became an accomplished reporter and quickly climbed up the ladder of success. Living and working in Peshawar was not without risks due to its proximity to the conflict zones in the tribal areas and Afghanistan. For over three decades now, the Afghan conflict in our neighbourhood has had dangerous fallout in Pakistan, more so in the northwestern part of the country. Peshawar has borne the brunt of this conflict, serving at various times as the headquarters of the Afghan mujahideen, the so-called jihad capital of the world, the centre for spies, aid workers and militants. Journalists were in the frontline of all these activities. One had to face threats and intimidation while trying to do an honest job. There was also temptation and competition as more newspapers and then the private TV channels and the radio stations, staging a comeback, entered the field. I am proud to mention that the Peshawar Bureau stood up to these challenges as The News continued to be the number one English language newspaper in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunhkwa and FATA. It is still the newspaper with the largest circulation among English dailies in northwestern Pakistan. One reason for this success was undoubtedly the Peshawar Bureau of our newspaper. The writer was part of the launch team and is Resident Editor, Peshawar Bureau of The News

Those were the days...

June 11 October 3
s General Asif Nawaz Janjua appointed

monarch to address US Congress

s General Fazle Haq, former NWFP

new Chief of Army Staff

governor, shot dead in Peshawar

By Sahar Ali
Once upon a time there was a tavern Where we used to raise a glass or two Remember how we laughed away the hours And dreamed of all the great things we would do Nov 17, 1990...Its my first day at The News. The offices looked very shiny and new. The smell of paint and carpet glue hasnt yet evaporated. The 4th Floor of Al Rehman Building is the abode of the gods - minions proceed to the 5th floor where the young subs (journalese for sub-editors) work in shifts to edit stories that will find their way to the Sports or Business or Editorial pages. As I peer through the looking glass walls of the Newsroom, several pairs of eyes stare up from a copy of the days dummy newspaper to look at the new recruit. Oh no, not another one! their eyes seem to say. Pleased to meet you too. Im handed over to Mehdi Saheb, bespectacled and looking quite the IT manager. He takes me into the newsroom where the subs are back at work, looking very professional as they stare at computer screens and click their Macintosh mice. A Macintosh PC, or the Apple, is what all the buzz is about. This is what has earned The News and its conjuror, Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman, the reputation of a maverick who dares to modernise the print media industry in Pakistan by hauling it into the 21st century. And this he is doing while a decade shy of the new century. I start the Apple tour to fa-

miliarise myself with the workings of a machine that has turned the typewriter into a relic. Ive played plenty of Pacman in my day, which incidentally back then is not so long ago. Im barely out of college, all of 19, and cant wait to begin professional life. Not for me the barren, windswept Karachi University campus. I have come from far greener pastures - the verdant, laburnum-shaded lawns of Kinnaird College in Lahore. Ive had enough of academia for now. I want to join the working class. The 3,000 rupee salary I am offered is a princely sum compared to my pocket money. Next to me is a quiet guy also taking the Apple tour.

that leans like the Tower of Pisa. Cigarette in mouth, ballpoint pen in hand and a steady stream of one-liners on his tongue, he holds court with his team of devoted subs in his glass fronted cubicle on the 5th floor. Also on the 5th floor are (Iqbal) Jaffery and his team of reporters. Here, we have veteran Khans like Tahir Hasan and Zarar as well as cubs like Owais Tohid and Javed Soomro who bring to the mix lots of enthusiasm and a thirst for learning. Just tonight I stood before the tavern Nothing seemed the way it used to be In the glass I saw a strange reflection Was that lonely woman really me? Not lonely, but certainly nostalgic. Sheher Bano (who has

The venerable Gulgee penning the Bismillah that graced the front masthead of The News first edition on 11 February, 1991 Twenty years on, I cant recall our conversation that day but he is Azhar Abbas, a name that in the years to follow will become a legend in Pakistans TV industry. But on November 17, he like me is an Apple tourist. Imran Aslam is already a legend, though, as our News Editor. All the girls, young and old, have a crush on all 6 feet of him, and his emaciated frame commissioned this piece and literally dragged it out of me) has me reminiscing about yesterday once more... Through the door there came familiar laughter I saw your face and heard you call my name Oh my friend were older but no wiser For in our hearts the dreams are still the same

Ghazi (Salahuddin) Saheb described it as the journey of a thousand dreams in his editorial published in The News first edition which landed on Karachis doorsteps on February 11, 1991. About six months before that date (possibly longer, but Im not privy to that information), the Jang Group had started assembling its team to bring out a new English daily - finally one that would give the folks at Dawn some sleepless nights! Which it did. But thats not what were concerned with here. Its landing on doorsteps became a bit of an issue given what was planned for the inaugural issue of the paper. Days before D-day, Ghazi Saheb had invited Gulgee to write Bismillah-hir-Rehman-nir-Rahim, in Arabic script, which was to be printed right on top of the mast-head of the papers first edition. A dozen or so white chart papers were pasted together to make one long canvas which was laid across the Art Room floor where Khalid Saheb, the art director, presided. Gulgee used a paintbrush and sabz paint the colour of the hilali parcham to create his calligraphy. The dilemma was the irreverence - how could Arabic script from the Quran land up on doorsteps i e on the ground? There was trepidation but we lived not in the age of the Taliban then and the masthead finally went ahead with Gulgees beautiful calligraphy. By the time Gulgee visited, the launch was a few days away. There was an air of excitement and anticipation. We were in the midst of the Mother of All Battles (the first Gulf War following Iraqs invasion of Kuwait) which began on January 17. Najma Sadeques piece for the inaugural supplement, Puncturing the journalistic balloon, tried to temper our enthusiasm, our elation by reminding us how the media
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The News Special Report, February 2011

TWENTY YEARS OF THE NEWS 2011 WITNESS TO HISTORY

1992
January 1
s Washington-Moscow pact cuts off all

1992
January 17
s France agrees to supply 40 Mirage-2000

1992
February 2
s Russian President Boris Yeltsin and

1992
March 9
s Government merges three BCCI

military assistance to US and Russian allies in the Afghan conflict

aircraft, 3 submarines and 3 radars to Pakistan

January 11
s Algerian President Chadli Ben Jedid

February 2
s Karachi nurse, Farhat Sadiq sentenced to

US President George Bush sign historic Camp David Agreement and declare friendship

branches with Habib Bank

s People's Republic of China ratifies NPT

resigns

ten years with five lashes and fined Rs10,000 in Civil Hospital rape case

February 10
s Algeria bans Islamic Salvation Front

March 14
s 2000 die in Turkish earthquake

Seasons in the sun

By Maheen Usmani
t was the best of times, it was the worst of times. The years I spent at The News are forever embedded in my memory as halcyon days. Undoubtedly it was a steep learning curve, but it was also a time of pure fun, unfettered high spirits and invaluable bonding. If you stir fry raw, young restless talent in a bubbling cauldron and garnish it

By Zarar Khan
he News was the first newspaper to introduce high-tech computerised page-making technology in Pakistan. It may not sound as thrilling today when even my little son is at ease with ultra-modern gadgets, but it certainly was awe inspiring way back in 90s. All of us were thrilled to see the Chicago Tribune guy pasting the copy manually and rushing to get it filmed. Jubilation was in the air and it was an honour and a source of pride for me to be a part of the launch team of a newspaper that not only became a trendsetter in news reporting, but also introduced modern practices in the newspaper industry. Since it was our first brush with high-tech, there are days still etched in my mind when we were at the mercy of the technicians in the system room. I suspect they, especially the late Turab Mehdi and Saifuddin and Sydney Peter who, I suppose, are still part of the team, delighted in exploiting our helplessness. But I must confess that after getting the hang of the new Mac, we carried on with the tradition and took our revenge on others. Apologies to Shamsi Saheb and Fasahat Mohiuddin!

the tremors of a news revolution in Pakistan. In fact, The News has been the training ground for all modern-day Pakistani journalism including the BBC Urdu service. I worked on the Sports Desk with its motley array of characters. The grave Ali Abbas Rizvi, who seemed genuinely horrified to find himself surrounded by irreverent moi, the immaculate Rishad, the two Khalid reporters who I used to always

Launch night shenanigans

The friends I made during the course of looming deadlines, editing horrors, greasy canteen fare, crazy jokes, sombre seminars and reporting assignments have always been precious to me
with seasoned calm professionalism, what do you come up with? A synergy of the very best, a tangible life force bursting at the seams with energy, discourse and enthusiasm that led to the incredible launch of The News. To the veterans in our tribe, perhaps we were little more than novices. They said we didnt stand a chance in hell with a young untested team like ours. But we proved the naysayers wrong as we ushered in the memorable launch night that saw months of hard work and perseverance finally coalesce into The News. The print media was soon to be transformed by mix up, the ultra confident Waheed aka Ace, the crazy Daniyal, the irrepressible Fareshteh, and the cool Gul Hameed Bhatti Saheb. Bhatti Saheb had a penchant for amazing Punjabi jokes for every situation and his desk was the magnet for one and all, as it creaked under the weight of delicious food and icy cold drinks. Fareshteh Aslam recalls: There was the usual tea party with parathas at Bhatti Sahebs table. MSR (Mir Shakilur-Rahman) saw us through the Editors glass room and a debate started on whether to ban food on floors. He said Main apna paratha kha loon phir

ban order shurooh karta hoon!. Needless to say we were eating at our tables right till the very end! The air of camaraderie and good humour which permeated the ambience at The News has always stayed with me. How can I forget the candle-lit poetry sessions where we were spellbound at discovering the works of poets like T S Eliot and E E Cummings? Or the gathering of the girls in the Common Room where we would flop to chill out in the midst of a hectic day? Or the arguments with angry reporters over the editing of their atrocious English? Or the struggle to cudgel brains and write in a flowing, structured style which seemed so unattainable? Or the frequent complaints against the prickly IT department who seemed to be above any errors? Or the agitation for higher salaries after we realised that although we were working like slaves we were being paid peanuts? The friends I made during the course of looming deadlines, strategy meetings, editing horrors, training sessions, greasy canteen fare, crazy jokes, sombre seminars and reporting assignments have always been precious to me. Over the years, I was immensely saddened to lose wonderful friends and colleagues like Zulekha, Najma, Kaleem Omer and Bhatti Saheb to the scythe of the Grim Reaper. But as I relive my time at The News, I cannot resist the smile stealing across my face at the memories of those wondrous days, loyal friends and that great training ground. Wishing The News a very happy anniversary- You will always be special! The writer was part of the launch team and is a freelance journalist

Down memory lane

The News was an innovative initiative; hence the idea was to make it look unique and different in every aspect. Unlike contemporary papers, it used glossy paper, captivating headlines, appealing by-lines, unique datelines, colour pictures etc. The team worked tirelessly to give it an inventive look and introduce it as a source of dependable information, but of course we went through our share of teething problems: We had no proofreaders at the time of the launch which resulted in a whopper of a mistake on the very first edition of The News: The headline of Kaleem Omars article read: WHOS foreign policy is it anyway instead of WHOSE, and on the front page! Another blunder resulted from a new team, new technology and no proofreaders when our newly founded paper once displayed a three column headline that read, SORRY BOSS! THIS IS A BIT DELAYED BUT WORTH PUBLISHING above M A Niazis article. This was actually a personal message to Imran Aslam, then-editor of The News! Regardless of our mistakes,

The News - A tale of twenty!

Continued from page 3

The diligent Iqbal Jaffery with his core team of reporters I believe that that initial The what I considered Imrans unNews team eventually became fair treatment of Amir Zias a source of pride for the news- article. Imran had continued paper. Many of us started here to be adamant and defiant as amateurs but are now work- and I had lunged at him in ing at senior positions in differ- anger when a voice from beent organisations of both print hind me said, I know he and electronic media. I will not must be in the wrong but I take names, but that includes a cant watch him being beaten, particular gentleman who I am his father. I released my spilled tea on a keyboard and grip on his neck and saw then rushed it to the washroom Afzal Sherwani, his father, to rinse it off! He is now the standing right behind me; across the table were his head of Radio Pakistan. Another incident during mother and would-be mothermy ten years with The News, in-law who, I later heard, acwhich has a special place in cepted his proposal without my memory, relates to my delay. The best part though was scuffle with Imran Sherwani, one of our finest writers. It our team spirit. We broke began when I questioned some great stories as a result efforts on our part that stand out but it is extremely pleasing and satisfying to see the results today. The News is the 3rd largest print media brand in the country in terms of its revenue. It is also the largestread English newspaper in the northern half of Pakistan; making it a preferred choice over its competitors for advertising. While the print industry generally saw a stagnant trend in recent years, The News and Jang are the only two print brands in the industry that have grown in the last two years. I would be selfish here to not thank all advertising agency personnel, clients and colleagues whose support and efforts over these years

of working together and being on the same wavelength. There is a host of memories and countless incidents which I would like to share but I will wrap up my article with this incident: During the torrential rains of 1992. Owais Tauheed and I were assigned to cover the catastrophic damage at Lyari. I still remember Shahrukh Saheb and Ghazi Salahuddin Saheb standing at the door of the City Room, asking Qaiser Mehmood to arrange for helicopters to fly the reporters and photographers there. When they were told that the helicopters could not operate in rain, Ghazi Saheb quickly asked Shahrukh to arrange two four-wheel drive vehicles, which also turned out to be dead-end. The final result? Owais and I waded through neck-deep waters all the way to the Lyari River but still covered the story. I think it was that thrill, will power, enthusiasm and determination that made us become good journalists and has created a great newspaper. On their 20th Anniversary, I wish The News greater success in the years to come. The writer was part of launch team and is working at Associated Press in Islamabad

get-togethers organised by The News. Other cultural activities like performing-art festivals, theatre, cinema, and book festivals have all been supported by The News. The long-sustained and ever-increasing confidence of advertisers in The News as their brand promotion vehicle has much to do with the never say no attitude of its marketing personnel. We have always looked for opportunities to provide tailor-made, effective and creative ways of brand promotion. Creativity

is a virtue seldom associated with print advertising but normal is an animal we never tamed. The News has been on the forefront of introducing creative advertising in print. Some prominent examples include cutting a hole on the Instep front page in line with Polos theme of the mint with a hole; colouring the whole front page lavender to match the Pampers theme and Telenors most talked about launch to-date with a full page creative advertisement on the front page. It has not only been virtues and

have made this all possible. The News himself stands obliged, touched and humbled. Join me in congratulating our friend here on a very happy 20th birthday and wish him many more prosperous years of health and joy! This commemorative report is a treat to all of you from The News. While you keep yourself busy in reading the report, I am off for the birthday celebrations, some candle blowing and a bit of singing.... after all its all fun to be friends with the Greek god :) The writer is Group Managing Director (Marketing), Jang Group

The News Special Report, February 2011

6
1992
March 22
bonds worldwide

TWENTY YEARS OF THE NEWS 2011 WITNESS TO HISTORY

1992
April 4
s First Pakistani plane lands at Kabul airport

1992
August 20
s Veteran politician Nawabzadah

1992
May 4
s Sindh High Court Declares Asif Ali

s Pakistan withdraws foreign exchange

after 13 years

March 25
s Pakistan, under captain Imran Khan,

April 8
s PLO chief Yasser Arafat survives

Nasrullah Khan announces formation of National Democratic Alliance

Zardaris trial inside jail illegal

August 28
s Prof Sibghatullah Mujaddedi takes over

May 18
s 300 die in Muslim-Christian lashes in

wins the cricket World Cup, defeating England by 22 runs

emergency landing in Southern Lebanon. Three of his aides die in the accident

Nigeria

as the new President of Afghanistan

A journalistic express freight train

By Ali Abbas Rizvi
n a bright sunny afternoon of September 1990, I descended The News building and stood on the footpath of the I I Chundrigar Road. It seemed business as usual at the business hub of Pakistan. However, I had just been offered the post of a sub-editor at the Jang Groups upcoming newspaper, The News. To me, the world that day seemed even brighter and more exciting. With some four years of journalism and copywriting experience under my belt, I was about to jump into uncharted waters. I was about to board a journalistic express freight train that would blow away the traditionalist, conservative old fashioned journalistic trends in Pakistan. The next nine years were a revelation of sorts. Countless unique introductions to the world of Pakistani journalism were made by The News, which met Pakistans

out the two outer and one or two national pages. And they, more than often, came out with flying colours. It goes to the credit of the team that a man of the stature of the late Ahmad Ali Khan, Editor Dawn, sent out his accolades to the young team on quite a few occasions. This is now

sometimes played a small role in it. The bold colourful layout, pictures and compelling headlines made all the difference. It was the first newspaper in Pakistan that started publishing magazines every day. And each magazine catered to different sections of readers. I did not, and could not, read all of them but saw their impact on readers. Ours was the first newspaper that took advantage of the vast resources of its sister concern Jang. If The News did not have a correspondent in a small city where there was a major development, the paper then put to use its team of translators who made sure the paper did not miss out on the story. This synergy helped us to produce a better newspaper. We were the first newspaper in Pakistan to have a large fully capable news monitoring section that recorded bulletins from All India Radio to BBC to VOA, translated important stories and sent them

A bold response to challenges in economic journalism

By Khalique Zuberi
akistans economy was entering into another momentous phase in early nineties. The concept of the State commanding the economic heights was giving way to the private sector emerging as the engine of growth once again. Privatisation, expansion of the financial sector, surges in equity market and revival of investor confidence were visibly some of the most significant signs dotting the overall economic scenario. The challenge was to put together a business section which would carry the latest, informative, and exclusive news reports and economic data and capture the very essence of unfolding policies and events. For instance, the policy of privatisation and its impact on the economy, on the people working in sectors intended to be privatised, on market prices and on the prospects of expansion under new management, demanded a dynamic approach to deal with this highly significant change. In economic journalism, new areas were opening up, putting to test the ingenuity and efficiency in news reporting and analytical writing. Amidst these formidable challenges, another challenge was to be fully conversant with major global economic events. With the explosion of information and the economies being globalised, this was yet another area which required a close watch and its impact on the countrys economy reported and analysed. As new dimensions were being added to the inflow of economic information, The News tried to fully respond to the new role that lay ahead. The effort to provide to its readers

growing appetite for professional journalism. For example, it was the first newspaper that introduced a state-of theart professional working environment. The News offices had a beautiful setting- the looks of a western journalistic approach and corporate environment, all fused together. Then, it was the first newspaper that introduced a large number of novices to the world of journalism. It had the highest number of young reporters and sub-editors on its team of any other paper in the country. Due to the technological barrier, with everything being done on desktops rather than paper and pen, the newspaper had to bank on younger people on the desk. Most of the editors recruited on the desk were still in their 20s. And that was fun too. At times, there used to be only two to three people on the National Desk, responsible for putting in place and bringing

history! I found out that The News was the first newspaper which was different inside and outside from others. It introduced the trend of fullfledged investigative journalism, without fear or favour for powerful interests, public and private, ending the gaping deficits of independent reporting in the country. The News stories incorporated notions of fairness, objectivity and public interest. Before it, most reporters had failed to report explicitly on many important issues. The News also introduced analytical stories to the world of Pakistani journalism. The culture of independentminded but professional reporting set new trends. Every major development was dissected, assessed and its possible implications reported in detail. With regard to developments on the military and geo-strategic scene, I also

to the newsroom. Ours was the paper that provided its reporters and sub-editors a great opportunity to write on (almost) any topic under the sun. The first editor, Ghazi Salahuddin, and the News Editor Imran Aslam, who later took over the paper, fully encouraged and supported the young team to the hilt. Imran relished risk-taking and new challenges. The News hired a large number of girls and experienced women journalists since the beginning. Some sections, especially some magazines, were fully dominated by the women staff (some of us were sort of upset about it). It was the first paper that encouraged new women journalists to venture into the field. It started new sections like the Political Economy, The

News on Sunday magazine that focused on unique topics and regular columns like The News Watch. I had the privilege to produce the Defence Watch column for several years. And then The News trained a whole breed of journalists who slowly took over major English newspapers, magazines and foreign wireagencies. They also had a great impact on BBC, where the Urdu section at one time was staffed wholly by people who had worked at The News. The News was also the most high-tech newspaper of its time and far outpaced its competition. The layout, the design and the colour printing, changed the very newspaper industry in the country. Until then, English newspapers used to be sober and somewhat dull, catering to the middle aged, well-placed readers, mostly in bureaucracy and the corporate circles. The News was the first English mainstream newspaper that changed the landscape. It began catering to the younger people. Sports became a separate full section. Coloured photographs became an essential part of the daily newspaper. It was never so before. The emphasis was on being reader friendly. It was prepared on Apple Macintosh computers, which were the most advanced at that point. It ended the teleprinter culture and came out with Newsnet and Picture Nets that generated both news and pictures on computers. Invariably, the grey- haired did not appreciate the technology back then. The News was the first paper that introduced regular colour printing. It was also the first paper that appeared on glossy paper. It was the first paper that put into use the technology to transfer stories and full pages from one station to another. The new technologies helped produce a vibrant newspaper. While The News changed the world of journalism in Pakistan, that day on the I I Chundrigar Road the decision to join The News changed my life. Yes, professionally speaking, for the better. I felt great working for the paper that unfolded rapid changes in Pakistani journalism. It was the leader, a creative force at work at an incredible pace. It collapsed the journalistic barriers in Pakistan; to this day, others continue to follow the trends introduced by The News. We changed the industry standards in a big, big manner. Others were forced to change and indeed change for better. We were the pioneers! - The writer is working as News Editor in The News Karachi

Reaching for greater heights

By Amir Zia
nly a handful of journalists get a chance to be part of the launch team of a newspaper in their lifetime. A smaller number can boast that their team had just the right blend of experience and youth. And fewer get the opportunity to witness the technological revolution of an industry. The launch of The News in February 1991 made all these three possible for us. From rickety old typewriters, stacks of rough paper, the manual labour of page-making and telex machines to the wonderful world of computers, it was indeed a great leap forward for print journalism in Pakistan. The young ones were in awe of the brand new Macintosh machines. The computers allowed them to rewrite, cut, paste and improve the copy in the blink of an eye. They helped with spellings and even allowed them to kill time with free games of crystal quest and solitaire. Some just played - climbing higher and higher on the ladder of levels in their quest for crystals and others balanced pleasure with work. Computers were an ultimate luxury at that time, which those born in this age take for granted. Some of our seniors missed old typewriters as one misses a beloved. The nostalgia for typewriter ribbons, rough paper and the loud rattle of the typewriter keyboard was immense. Some of them made it a point to get typewriters rattling sound from computer keyboards. No wonder, many computer keyboards suffered fatalities. But it was not just the technology that made The News the most exciting and happening project of its time - it was a trend setter in more than oneway. The biggest remained the freedom to experiment, expand boundaries and explore new grounds in journalism. From the conservative news writing and editing style to a creative and unconventional one and, from a controlled newsroom culture in most newspapers of those times, to a more open and liberal one - The News has many firsts to its credit. With Ghazi Salahuddin as its founding editor in Karachi and Imran Aslam as News Editor, one could have expected nothing less than what the initial years of The News had to offer to its team in terms of work environment and exciting content to its readers. A bold new voice set to report, articulate, simplify, explain and analyse - all the news that mattered. Now every dawn will break with The News, was one of our launch slogans. Ghazi Saheb was often seen parading visitors through the once-swanky offices of The News in its pre- and postlaunch days or huddled in meetings with senior team members with the occasional exchange of greetings with juniors like us on the stairs or fourth or fifth floor offices. It was not that our softspoken, gentle Ghazi Saheb

kept his doors shut to us, but many of us juniors stayed clear of his path because he was the editor. For many who were at the start of their career or starting their first ever job, the stereotypical image of tough editor remained glued to their minds. It was Imran Aslam who usually was the victim of oppressive attention from young reporters and sub-editors of that time. We used to barge into his office to get our special stories edited. The ones we thought the city or the national desk would not be able to polish and shine to make them worthy of our bylines. Imran always had time to guide juniors, though I wonder now how he managed to edit stories and even do translations with all the other pressing work. During those days, he stayed away from the computer. Yaqoob Haroon typed for him as Imran

We had Abid Ali Syed as Editor Style and Production, who used to fret about the way we committed atrocities on the English language. Despite being an easy-going and softspoken person, he kept us on a tight-leash when it came to reporting and writing standards. Najma Sadeque, the editor of the weekend magazine We, was a tough task master and demanded highest level of dedication and focus from those who reported directly to her or contributed to her pages. We was replaced by The News on Friday in the mid 1990s, which is now The News on Sunday. Sadeque now works for a nongovernment organisation. The late Iqbal Jaffery, the first city editor of The News, was an institution unto himself. He already had seen the peak of his career as a correspondent of BBC and The Associated Press and The News was his

Those were the days when you went to the office with a spring in your step and a fire in your belly. Wherever there was a big story, some of us jumped liked paratroopers to get a byline. There was great comradeship, but stiff competition. No wonder, members of The News launch team today hold some leading positions in the national media.
dictated changes, correcting articles, putting in the right prepositions, removing adjectives and replacing them with powerful verbs, adding a line here and a word there, which made the copy standout. The next day we would take credit for all the good in the story, though the best lines and sentences came from Imran. Often we wanted his time to discuss ideas which, in 99.99 per cent cases, used to be a one-way traffic from Imran - one idea after another. How many were wasted in our raw hands or did not see the light of the day remains for another story. When there was no other pretext left, it was just the pleasure of listening to him on issues ranging from politics to literature, the 1970s Balochistan insurgency to Quaid-e-Azam Mohammed Ali Jinnahs politics, Che Guevara to Maulana Maudodi and novel to drama. And when Imran was not in his room, we went inside to read British tabloids stacked in the office to improve our writing. But often it was the Page 3 of The Sun, which commanded our attention the most. There was a star-studded team of seniors at that time from whom young reporters had loads to learn and unlearn. Abbas Nasir, the Chief Political Correspondent of The News in those days, not just gave reporting tips and shared experiences, but also rewrote copies of juniors, giving them the much-needed punch, the angle, the depth of background and analysis. There never was a dull moment in Abbas Nasirs presence. last job. No reporter could take him for a ride - he knew the city and most politicians like the back of his hand. He kept a hawks eye on his reporters, instilling the core values of accuracy, impartiality and fairness among them. He could scold you for catching a cold and be kind when one least expected it. Qaiser Mehmood, who was initially a senior commerce reporter but later became chief reporter, had untiring stamina and determination to chase and hound reporters 24/7. He was often the first to arrive and the last to leave the office. He turned down all our requests to find a girlfriend or a wife who could have diverted his attention. He left The News ages ago, but remains a confirmed bachelor even today. The highly talented, but fiery-tempered Imran Sherwani, was everywhere in the pre-launch and post launch days, making pages, editing and writing stories for many of us and at the same time fighting, arguing, shouting. It was fun to be with him - a man divided between the love of journalism and theatre. He also left The News in its initial years. The reporters room gave an impression of a gas-chamber most of the time as we lighted one cigarette after another. The heavy smell of tobacco of every kind and flavour hung in that smoke-filled room. Yes, in the early 1990s, we had not become civilised enough to ban smoking in air-conditioned offices. It was still the rough-andtough world of journalists. The reporting team of those days

mostly comprised of youngsters or the young at heart. Undoubtedly, it was the dream team for any newspaper. Those were the days when you went to the office with a spring in your step and a fire in your belly. There were beats, but many of us never cared about them. Wherever there was a big story, some of us jumped liked paratroopers to get a byline. There was great comradeship, but stiff competition. No wonder, members of The News launch team today hold some leading positions in the national media. Azhar Abbas, who covered the city government at that time, is the managing director of the countrys biggest channel Geo News. In a retrospect, Azhar had the remarkable ability of staying calm and getting a story without making a fuss or wrinkling his dress even then. Murtaza Solangi, currently the Director General Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation, was the first high-tech reporter of The News - keeping his contact list in an electronic diary. He ruled the diplomatic beat and passionately covered the nationalist and left-wing parties. Owais Tohid, perhaps the only reporter among us who wore branded clothes, loved to write colour pieces. In the initial days, he covered the health beat with a special focus on leprosy and aids patients and later moving on to political and crime beats before he left The News to work for AFP and other media organisations. Then, we had late Zuleikha Ali, who died young in an accident in the initial years of The News. She made her mark in a short span by writing moving stories on wildlife and the environment. Kamal Siddiqi, now editor at The Express Tribune, was among the key business reporters. He was always gentle, friendly and focused on his work, as he is today. The late Sarwar Naseem covered the education beat, while young guns including the bubbly Javed Soomro and the thoughtful Nusrat Amin added depth to the political and court reporting along with seniors like Manzoor Hussain, Zarar Khan and Shujaat Ali Khan. Mohiuddin Azam, sang as he typed stories. He was one of the most prolific reporters of the initial team. The 1991 team has scattered long ago. Macintosh computers have been replaced by unbranded ones and The News offices may not look that swanky and modern now. However, in the eyes of some young reporters of the current team, one finds the same passion and hunger for stories that was the hallmark of the initial team. The legacy of The News lives on. The writer was member of the launch team and rejoined The News in March 2010 after15 years of working with some of the leading national and international media organisations

the business section, comprehensive and complete in all respects, has been carried on during the last twenty years with hard work and devotion. Being first with the news was, of course, the basic objective. As economy encompasses all segments of society, its canvas is obviously very large. As a consequence, a newspaper has the prime responsibility of keeping its focus on all economic issues ensuing that its readers are kept fully armed with latest related information. The decision to devote a four-page separate section to economic and business news shows the priority and attention that was given to national and interna-

Some past, some present

By Azhar Abbas
ness issues in detail, these articles have proved to be a reservoir of background information serving as valuable reference material. In short, it can be said that economic and business news as well as analytical articles carried in this specialised section can duly claim to have made considerable contribution to the furtherance of economic knowledge. By highlighting the economic problems of the people and their aspirations, The News has been trying to serve the people. In all humility, I would like to recall the pre-launch period in the early nineties when I had the honour of joining The News as its Economics Editor. The preparations were in full swing. Amidst visible excitement, everyone was working hard to do the assigned job. The economic team was also gearing itself up and was fully cognisant of the challenges ahead. Its performance has been second to none. With cooperation and assistance from the economic team and all other colleagues in The News, it has been possible to carry on with my own assignment in a familylike atmosphere. My association with it has been both educative and enlightening. I wish The News all the success and glory in the years to come. The writer is Editorial Advisor, The News Rawalpindi/Islamabad So its been 20 years I still remember joining The News in 1990, a few months before its launch as a junior reporter on the city desk. It was my first job in mainstream media and you know it had its share of excitement, but then it was intimidating too. Back in the day, we at The News really pushed the envelope on all fronts - we changed the very nature of press in English, pioneered new forms of reporting. And it did not take long for The News to make its presence felt with its entirely different approach to journalism. We made an impact with every report, no matter how long or short, whether it was the lead or not, whether it was the new reporter waiting in the wings or the old hawk. Moreover, we also challenged and then did away with the domination of the old guard in the English press as well as the overall print media. The sole credit for all this goes to the first team, which was an excellent mlange of youth and experience. The heady mixture of passion, vibrancy, energy, youth and exuberance allowed us to have an The two men had died soon after they had opened paint cans in a godown in Shershah. I got in touch with the doctors and collected lab analysis and then got expert opinion on the medical report. Nine stories were filed consecutively on this issue and finally the authorities took notice. An operation was carried out and the entire area was cleaned and the toxic dump was moved else where. We also treaded the no-go grounds, and did not hesitate to report on prickly issues. The most scandalous stories, in fact, were about the politics of plots in Karachi. Jam Sadiq, Irfanullah Marwat and Muzzafar Ali Shah were in power then but we carried investigative reports. Twenty years ago, it was a whole different ball game. The freedom to write and explore, the encouragement, it all allowed us to learn more and work harder. On an average, we would put in 14 hours on a daily basis. From page making to layouts, we all got a chance to experience how a newspaper was made. If you notice, most of the young guns then are now holding top positions at TV channels and newspapers. Twenty years on though, I feel we have regressed in some aspects. The passion we had earlier is missing. There are some reporters who are filing exceptional exclusive stories but on the whole, that verve is missing now. Plus, there is also need for the print medium on the whole to evolve yet again. More people watch TV maybe due to lack of education and also the paper prices that have been rising, but world over major newspapers are simultaneously updating their web content and focusing on new media. The News needs to follow suit, aim towards an interactive and vibrant website along with phone applications. However, on a more personal note, I will admit that I miss print all the time. I love writing. I recently wrote a news analysis for The News after a long time and enjoyed it. I have been attached with print even while I was doing television. The only time I got cut off completely was when I joined Geo News. But still, I do find writing to be cathartic and do miss it. And last but not the least, best wishes to The News on its 20th anniversary. The author is the Managing Director of Geo News

tional economic issues. The business section of The News took another initiative by providing to its readers a weekly economic section, which appears every Monday, and is exclusively devoted to in-depth and thought-provoking articles contributed by its staff and economic experts. In addition to enlightening the readers on economic and busi-

entirely different viewpoint. Simply put, we changed the way how a city like Karachi should be covered and reported upon. No more press releases, no more mundane impersonal reports. That we knew for sure. Whatever I am today, The News team has played a pivotal role. My seniors in the nascent days included Ghazi Salahuddin, Imran Aslam, Iqbal Jaffery, Abbas Nasir, and Gul Hameed Bhatti. In fact, Jaffery Saheb was the then city editor and he was a truly inspirational force in the newsroom. Back then, my beats included civic issues, local bodies issues and environment. There was a very small story that appeared in the paper about the death of two people.

The News Special Report, February 2011

8
1992
May 20 June 4
s Army called out in Sindh

TWENTY YEARS OF THE NEWS 2011 WITNESS TO HISTORY

1992
June 8
s Investigation reveals that nine slaughtered

1992
June 20
s Army takes over Nine-Zero, MQM

1992
August 26
s PM Nawaz Sharif inaugurates Quaid-e-

s Sindhs border with Rajashthan sealed

in Tando Bahawal were innocent villagers

The young Turks

June 5
s Army claims the killing of 9 terrorists in

June 19
Karachi

s Army launches anti-MQM operation in

headquarters in Azizabad s Czechoslovakia agrees to peaceful split of 74-year-old republic into two independent states

Azam International Airport in Karachi

September 28
s 167 people on board the PIA Airbus die

June 27

Tando Bahawal

s MQM quits government

By Sheher Bano
oining The News, in the words of Ghazi Salahuddin, has been a love affair for me. It was a stroke of luck, that I was invited by Dr Maleeha Lodhi to join The News - the new English daily by the Jang group, whose creative ads had taken the whole country by storm. When it is the news, it is in The News The slogan had, and still has, that dynamism and assertion which speaks volumes about real objectives with which The News was launched on Feb 11, 1991. Dr Maleeha Lodhi had just shelved her own brainchild the Independent, a daily newspaper she had wanted to publish from Islamabad and I had happened to be a member of her core team along with Shaheena Maqbool, Imran Shervani, Syed Talat Hussain, D Shah Khan, Salim Bokhari, Seema and some others. Since I was already pursuing my Masters at the Quaid-i-Azam University, I squeezed myself in a cocoon filled with text books and novels again, when Independent was closed. But just two weeks had passed when I received a hasty call from Dr Maleeha and this time I landed at the third floor of the AlRahman building on Murree Road. I was told that I had been appointed a Sub-Editor at The News along with the above mentioned colleagues. I was assigned to work on National and world pages. The task was humongous for Dr Maleeha, as The News was Pakistans first high-tech English newspaper and she was the first female editor of a daily. In editorial contents our quality benchmarks were equivalent to that of the Financial Times and the Independent. On Dr Maleehas insistence that each of us know every aspect of newspaper production, we learnt the art of news-making, editing, writing and production with the help of the Macintosh system, which I had learnt was the highest tech and biggest set up in Pakistan at that time. Writenow, Photoshop, Newsnet, Quark Xpress were the new words in our daily vocab. A team from a well known IT company was engaged to train the staff and soon mouse replaced pen. Since it was a dummy phase, there were a lot of daily meetings, trainings, pondering over story ideas and headlines, lay-outs and designs. The activities bore resemblance to the preparations of welcoming a baby, being born after a very long wait. It was the learning of a lifetime because our seniors would go through each and every line we had edited and would tell us our mistakes, which sometimes would drench us to the toe, but the exercise paid us off in the long run. These five months were like a full dress reversal for the D-Day. At last, we were ready to hit the stands on Feb 11, 1991 to usher a new era in newspaper production. A day be-

By Murtaza Solangi
ay back in the early 90s, I often met senior journalist Abbas Nasir at the Karachi Press Club, the hub of all democratic and progressive activity back then. One day, late in January of 1991, Nasir asked if I would be interested in joining an upcoming daily The News, International as a reporter. I did not have much of a background in journalism but Nasir thought I could do it. Can you write a few hundred words on the six month rule of Jam Sadiq Ali? he asked. Of course I can! I told him. The very next I found myself in the Reporters Room on the fifth floor of the Al-Rahman Building. Nasir guided me to a small Apple Mac computer and asked me to finish my first article that was published in the very first edition of The News on February 11, 1991. I still remember the feel of the glossy paper carrying my first by-line for The News and that was the start of an addictive journalistic career. I remember hitting the road in search for stories and coming back to work to file my labour of love. I also remember waking up late in mornings, combing through the pages of the paper looking for my by-line and the type of display my stories got. At around 7 oclock, the Reporters Room would start brimming with the energy of some two dozen men and women. Fingers tapping madly at the key boards, the printers whimpering and spewing out our stories, the endless rounds of tea and coffee, the free exchange of jokes, the ever-ringing phones and a steady inflow of people delivering press releases-a lot

Gratitude is the memory of the heart

By Farhat Anis
emory is a way of holding onto the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose. ~ From the television show The Wonder Years Today, on the 20th anniversary of The News, I can still visualise clearly, how we had put the paper to print around midnight, on February 10, at The News office in Karachi. While Gulgee was putting colours together for his calligraphy to be published on the front page, everybody gathered on the fourth floor, tired, released, but waited for the first papers to be brought upstairs. When I joined the Jang Group in the autumn of 1990, working with print media seemed to be the most challenging and exciting thing I could possibly do with my life. And yes, it still is. Out of the mainstream journalism, though still in communications and media, I can see that a lifestyle had disappeared after working with a newspaper for more than 17 years. It wasnt simply a job; it was a way of life. The News still has a niche above the rest in many areas, however, there cant be two opinions about the fact that the Jang Group was lucky enough to have launched the most popular newspaper on February 11, 1991 that has been continually counted with blessings for being able to live and serve the tens of thousands of readers who look forward to this newspaper. Despite the general opinion that journalism doesnt pay well, the fresh blood hired in The News never cared. It involved knowing what was going on before anyone else did, seeing the byline published on top of a story and doing our little part

of activity in an adrenaline charged environment. With a few exceptions like Abbas Nasir, the then- Editor for Special Correspondents, most of us on the team were rookies including Azhar Abbas, Owais Tohid, Amir Zia, Javed Soomro, Tahir Hasan Khan, Zaib Azkaar Hasan and Zulekha Ali. We would usually get done by 10pm and yet would continue to loiter around till 2am when the copy was sent to press. We would wait till the last minute to accommodate any breaking story and then would hit Bandar Road for a sizzling barbecued dinner or end up at Sheraton or Holiday Inn for a caffeine dose before heading home. Despite being the Young Turks, we tried our best to compete with a well established daily and gave our best. We congratulated each other for doing good stories and often passed on tips and information to each other on a regular basis. There was less jealousy and more cooperation creating unbreakable bonds that exist even today after the passage of two decades. We often worked together on major stories, each of us tackling a different aspect. In March, 1992, after the death of

Jam Sadiq Ali, the election for the new Chief Minister in the Sindh Assembly was a huge event. Muzaffar Hussain Shah was elected after a massive use of force and high-handedness by the then-Home Minister Irfanullah Marwat, who also happened to be the son-in-law of President Ghulam Ishaq Khan. The lead story on the election of the new Chief Minister the next day carried a shared byline of six reporters or so. Besides doing our daily beat stories, we frequently filed stories for different magazines of the paper. I remember filing many cover stories for WE magazine under Najma Sadeque. I still remember receiving a letter of appreciation from Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto after the cover story The suicide wave in Sindh in 1992. She was then the leader of opposition during the first government of Mian Nawaz Sharif. Imran Aslam, then the news editor, Ghazi Salahuddin, the editor, late Iqbal Jaffery, the city editor and Abbas Nasir are unforgettable people who trained us and changed our lives for better. Nasir was a real academy for us as he taught us to write, investigate, research and polish our skills. A lot of times, he would add new information into our stories but would give us the credit for all those pieces. Since joining it two decades ago and then parting ways from this publication, we have all moved on with our lives but whatever we have achieved in our respective careers still carries the mark of The News which gave us a head start. - The writer is Director General, Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation and Vice President, Asia Pacific Broadcasting Union

And the bond grows stronger...

who played in the Editors room totally unaware of the sombre discussion around them. In May 1992, I bade farewell to T The News Islamabad and shifted to Karachi. It was a transfer from a picturesque small city to a metropolitan one and a cultural shock for me; the girls here were bold, liberal, modern and outspoken compared to my own low profile and simple demeanour. My next abode, office and home was the fourth floor of Al-Rahman Building attention he arranged official transport for me. Iftikhar Saheb (Administrator) and Ali Mujtaba (Admin officer), would send Zaheer, Zamin or Kazim (drivers) with me because they were the ones who could be trusted. Sometimes, they had to drive me home in extremely tense and curfew like situations, in floods, amidst cross fire, burning tyres or vehicles, and sometimes along corpses on the way. It was not unusual to have people holding Kalashnikovs intercept but, spotting a female in the vehicle, allow us to pass. I think, 18 years ago, even goons and the thugs had some respect for women but unfortunately things are different today. After Zeenat Hisam left The News, Sahar joined the desk. She too left soon and finally I was given the charge of the supplements desk as Editor. Supplements were the amalgam of marketing and editorial and a new process of learning commenced. Although The News was well-received by readers due to its strong editorial content, there was still the need to tap a greater market in order to generate finances. In a market where supplements on dry topics were a norm, the idea was to provide something that catered to the tastes of readers. It was during this time that teams from marketing and editorial visited countries like South Korea, France, UK etc to conduct exclusive interviews and gather interesting stories and features with the first hand knowledge. Excellent country reports were printed during that period. Shahrukh Hassan was the Director Marketing at that time and a thorough professional. He appears to be an introvert but those who have the opportunity of working with him find him a cultured and learned person. I still remember when Shahrukh Saheb appointed me incharge of the supplements section, he asked me about my timings. My immediate reply was, Sir I dont even take my one hour lunch break. I am glued to my computer from 10 in the morning to 10 in the night. To my surprise he smiled and said Then you are setting a wrong trend. It will create problems for others. I could understand the wit in his sentence and smiled hesitantly in response. But when I worked for his country reports, I learned what is meant by precision, quality, creativity, perfection and professionalism. Later, Shahrukh Hassan took over editorial supervision and Sarmad Ali joined the Marketing team. A new era of innovative marketing techniques began. In editorial department, Ghazi Salahuddin was succeeded by Imran Aslam, Quatrina Hosein, Gul Hameed Bhatti, Shaheen Sehbai, Hummaa
Continued on page 12

when it crashes shortly before landing at Kathmandu in Nepal

fore the launch, I completed my pages, and rushed home around 10 O clock, filled with the excitement of seeing the first edition of our paper the next morning. It was raining heavily in Islamabad and as I got off the bus, it hit me from behind. I fell unconscious due to head injury and I regained consciousness in the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS). Our baby had taken birth- The News was on the stands and I was in the hospital, crying for not being able to participate in the launch

With my first boss Dr Maleeha Lodhi ceremony. I was agonising over the thought that as junior sub-editor I was not significant enough to be missed amidst the fanfare. But I was proven wrong when the very next day Shaheena Maqbool brought a large bouquet along with a beautiful card filled with get well soon wishes and the first copy of The News on behalf of Dr Maleeha and the whole The News staff; my eyes filled with emotional tears. As soon as I recovered, I was part of my team again. My love had now turned into passion and my bond even stronger. After sometime, I was promoted to Morning Shift Incharge. Dr Maleeha was a caring boss who kept the team spirit high; she used to send cakes to the whole staff on special occasions like the New Year, her own birthday, The News anniversary etc. A number of historical events unfolded during this period. Just before the launch of The News, there was a grand ceremony for the golden jubilee of Jang. Both Nawaz Sharif and Benazir Bhutto sent their best wishes to Mir Khalil-ur-Rahman and Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman (popularly known as MKR and MSR). MKR who came to Islamabad to inaugurate the function also met The News team and, in his usual soft style, advised us to work hard as the task that lay before us was very challenging. Later on, besides many prominent personalities, Benazir Bhutto came to The News along with her young kids, Bilawal and Bakhtawar, on I I Chundrigar Road, Karachi, at The News office. I entered the room of Ghazi Salahuddin, my new editor in Karachi, where Professor Karar and Quatrina Hosein were having a serious literary discussion. Amidst this heavy debate, Ghazi Saheb noticed my presence, asked my name, and cheerfully said: Good, that is my daughters name too. I was happily welcomed as a new member of Karachi family and I was appointed to work under the supervision of Zeenat Hisam, the Supplements Editor, whose office was on the fourth floor. The Fourth Floor carried immense significance, not because the editors office was there but because it was the abode of the self-proclaimed movers and shakers of the office. Its uniqueness was its female dominance. Besides, work here was fun. All the magazines were produced here and we had a king-king relationship; no one was a boss and no one a subordinate. Those were difficult times. An army operation had started in the city and I heard gunfire for the first time in my life. I saw new faces of terrorism, lawlessness, arson, and protest in the following years. Once, the workers of an ethnic party surrounded my house with Kalashnikovs and I was simply terrified; it may have been routine for Karachiites but not for me. My home was located in a stronghold of two rival political groups I had to travel around 50 kilometres daily. After the situation came to MSRs

of informing, educating and disseminating - something that we studied in the university. And there it was - the time to finally implement it. The energy was at its peak, everyone wanted to excel. A newsroom may be a noisy place to concentrate and work for others but we were attuned to it. The hammering of dozens of keyboards made a constant ticking sound that synchronised with the endless ringing of telephones, just like in the movies; the background sounded with reporters exchanging information across

the newsroom at the top of their voices but nothing distracted us, we carried on filing the stories and finally delivering it to the editor before the deadline. There werent any cubicles either. We worked on desks lined up next to each other, row after row which is how the newspaper office is open for communication. Preparing for an interview meant not only doing homework on the profile but also constructing a notebook out of papers torn in half to slip into your pocket with your ball-point. The small handmade notebook at times carried information enough to shake the whole world. I remember how prestigious it

was to wear a PRESS card. The motto of being a journalist, can ideally be described in one of our editor, Imran Aslams words, he used to say, If your mother says she loves you, check it out. You are a journalist from The News. The News was more about the people and times of our lives that made the organisation very special. What made this organisation rise above the rest was its approach towards the community. Professionally too, it was more about the community, people and their issues. Investigative reporting always gave an edge to the newspaper. Under the editorship of Imran Aslam, we produced some of the best reports in every section of The News. The News was and, I am sure, still is a unique amalgam of senior most journalists of that time, eminent writers, fearless reporters and energetic fresh graduates. My career started from the Sports desk, where I met the Editor Sports Gul Hameed Bhatti, the rest of the team comprised Maheen, Daniyal, Zulekha, Waheed and Rishad. And then, there were faces like Najma Hazir, Quatrina, Sahar, Amjad, Abbas, Owais, Saadia, Saman, Muneeza, Talath, Azhar, Amir, Zarar, Qaiser, Javed - you name it and they are still alive and fresh in my memory. My years at The News was a great journey. I will always cherish the opportunity of having served the Jang Group while availing some of the best professional opportunities, meeting exclusive people and making great friends. I wish The News, the very best and hope it flourishes with the spirit it was launched. Thank you for letting me collect all those wonderful memories! The writer was part of the launch team and is currently employed with E&P sector

Team The News

By Lubna Jerar Naqvi
joined The News, Karachi in March 1993 when I was fresh out of college. I had considered working for a year before I continued my studies, but I was so wrong. Once you have worked at The News you are hooked and 19 years later Im still with the Jang Group. Its not like I havent worked elsewhere, but you wont find the relaxed, friendly atmosphere you find here in The News office Karachi. Your colleagues are not just that, they become family. After all you have to spend more than eight hours with them six days a week, more than you spend with your actual family. You tend to grow fond of them as the years go by and you greet them with the same respect and warmth years later. I remember my interview with Imran Aslam, then the editor of The News. I was a bit nervous, since this was my first interview. But Imran Aslam has a way of making one feel comfortable and the interview went extremely fast. He told me to join as soon as possible. I guess this interview messed up my other job interviews because I was too relaxed in most of them though I guess one needs to be more aggressive in this corporate world, which I wasnt. But I dont regret not going anywhere else. This was a great place to work and learn from some of the most intelligent people in the media world. Our initial team comprised people who made the electronic media what it is today - like Imran Aslam, Abbas Nasir, Azhar Abbas, Gul Hameed Bhatti, Ghazi Salauddin, Fareshteh Aslam, Talath Naqvi, Najma Sadeque, late Kaleem Omar, late Kamal Habib, late Hameed Zaman, Beena Sarwar, Quatrina Hosein, Owais Tohid, Amjad Bashir, Kamran Khan, Nasir Baig Chugtai, A H Khanzada, Kamal Siddiqui, and Mohsin Saeed as well as many Urdu print media personnel

who are now icons of the electronic world. There is certainly no way that the relation between the print and electronic media can be severed. And I had the fortune to know and work with these people. I joined the magazine section and worked for Us - magazine for the youth, while contributing for several other pages and sections of The News. But let me tell you, working for a youth magazine wasnt as easy as people thought it was. For one thing, our readers gave us quick response (fortunately we didnt have internet but we used to get

guide us and give us excellent ideas, but that didnt stop him from appreciating a good idea from us. His sense of humour was and is exceptional. And he can make anyone feel at ease. He would encourage us and allow us to experiment and bring out a well-rounded magazine. He never scolded or spoke loudly, his tone revealed what he wanted to say and he made you feel like a valuable member of the team. Imran of course is quite senior but he has always given his colleagues respect regardless of their age and therefore he gets respect from others. Even today when I

more than 50 letters per day), they were critical and honest and hard to please. Saman Jafri was the editor of Us at the time, and with her we did many fun stories and shoots; however that didnt mean we did not have a serious magazine. We tried to guide the youth and lend them a listening ear. Unlike journalists today, who are pampered with cars and assignment desks, we had to line up our shoots, photographers, models, venue for shoot, and use our own transportation and get the job done. Fortunately, we quite enjoyed this and never let any hurdles hold us back. The adrenalin-rush of getting a job well done was good enough for us. Working with Imran Aslam as boss is one of the best experiences one can have. He would

approach Imran with a professional issue, he gives me good advice. He knows ones potential and places them in such a way that their talent can be utilised. I remember when Azhar Abbas came back from US after studies. At the time when Pakistan only had one channel, Azhar Abbas had taken up studies in electronic media. Being a reporter himself, he would discuss topics with others and encourage them to write on those topics. I remember he asked me to write about PTV at the time and how it doesnt report the situation in the city (at that time the situation in Karachi was quite tense). I called up PTV and spoke to the concerned person, asking him why the channel doesnt report properly so that viewers can be

aware of the dangers lurking on the roads. The gentleman had his own arguments regarding this issue, and we had a polite spate about it. When I told Azhar this, he smiled as if he had anticipated this and said why dont you write on this? and I did. He encouraged stories that were different. Once it rained heavily in Karachi and we were stuck at the office. The next day when we came to work via flooded roads, he said why dont you write on your experience of Karachi rains? I now realise that Azhar was, and is, good at getting stories with interesting angles. He would give the stories a three dimensional look even though it was in print. Abbas Nasir gave us new people encouragement, and though he was a bit strict with his reporters, he groomed them to become what they are today. Azhar Abbas, Owais Tohid, Jawaid Soomro and the other reporters held him in high esteem, as did others who didnt report to him. You could ask Abbas Nasir for help and guidance, and he never said no. Gul Hameed Bhatti, Editor Sports, was liked by all. He used to order tea or munchies and we would all have discussions about everything. Bhatti Saheb had a great sense of humour and was a delight to talk to. Even when he became editor of The News, he was as friendly as he had always been. He encouraged people to walk into his office and talk to him about everything from work to personal issues. He not only gave guidance and advice, he was a good listener and tried to make the other person feel better. Kamal Siddiqui also encouraged different stories. When he became Editor Reporting in The News, I would write articles/stories for the city pages which he always ran. He would comment on the stories and interestingly, remember lines that he liked from my articles. I was of course pleasantly shocked and feigned embarrassment. Fareshteh Gaiti Aslam was in charge of Instep and her team comprised Mohsin Saeed and Reema Abbasi. She would encourage everyone to write

and allowed us to experiment with our work. I remember I would be about to leave for the day and Mohsin, almost panicking, came and said, Lubi Zuzu I need a story of about 500-1000 words on XYZ topic. You are my star writer (read I have no one else - just kidding). I could never say no to him and would churn out an article for him and Reema would edit it and sharpen it for printing. Talath Naqvi editor of You magazine at the time and Sheher Bano, Editor Supplements, also encouraged us to write for them. We would be writing on various serious and lighter issues, which allowed us to apply ourselves and which helped us to learn to work with deadlines. All these experiences groomed us to work as a team and earn and give respect to our colleagues, a trait which is missing in most people today. Back then every department was somehow interlinked with the other. And we worked like a big family. We even had time to go on office picnics and enjoyed ourselves thoroughly. I must say that once you have experienced working at The News, and fortunate enough to work with the aforementioned people, you will find it very difficult to work anywhere else. Which would explain why I rejoined The News twice after I left it. I rejoined The News Op-ed pages after taking a four year break and freelancing in 2003. There I had the honour of working with Khalique Zuberi Saheb and D Shah Khan, and then I moved with the Op-ed pages back home to The News Karachi in 2005 and had the honour of working with Talat Aslam, who is also a breed apart from the usual bosses one encounters. My return to Karachi was like I had never left. In 2007, I took a short break to experience the electronic world and joined Geo but I returned to the Op-ed pages and to work with Beena Sarwar on the Aman ki Asha pages - and it felt as if I had returned to the comfort of my home and family. The writer is Assistant Editor Op-ed

The News Special Report, February 2011

TWENTY YEARS OF THE NEWS 2011 WITNESS TO HISTORY

1992
October 2
s Nelson Mandela reaches Pakistan

1992
October 17
s Indian army kills 2 Pakistani tourists,

1992
October 31
s The Field General Court Martial awards

1992
November 29
s Hindus gather at Ayodhya to build temple

October 9
s 2 Sikh militants convicted for killing

Intikhab Ahmed Zia and Habibullah

October 25
s Japanese emperor Hirohito apologises for

death sentence to Major Arshad Jamil and life imprisonment to 13 others for June 5 massacre at Tando Bahawal

on Babri Mosque site

December 7
s Cricket Match between India and

former Indian Army chief Arun Viyda hanged in Amritsar

massacre of thousands of Chinese when Japanese forces captured Nanking province

November 3
s Bill Clinton elected as 42nd President

of the United States

Bangladesh cancelled when crowd attacks Dhaka Stadium

Remembering Us
By Saman Ali
here are some memories that are imprinted in our memories forever. One of these was a cold December afternoon in 1990, when I found myself on the fourth floor of Al-Rahman building. I had little idea that this place would be my abode, my office and my habitat for the next six years. I had just completed my graduation and after a brief stint at a monthly magazine in Karachi, I had the opportunity of joining The News. Being associated with The News was not just work- it was learning, adapting, molding and enlightening. I had the opportunity to meet a fresh breed of journalists who later excelled in their work and made a name for themselves in their fields. They became my friends and being with them through the process of transition was exhilarating. I chose to work for the childrens magazine as I wanted to be a part of the team which would provide information, entertainment and knowledge to children in Pakistan. I never regretted my decision as Us became the most popular childrens magazine and readership grew by leaps and bounds. Under the editorship of Najma Hazir, Saima and I made a think tank to ascertain what the young readers would want in a magazine designed exclusively for them. We were targeting readers between the ages of seven and twelve and consulted our young cousins, their friends, neighbors, school kids for what they wanted and expected in a weekly magazine for them. Mir Shakil Saheb made sure that we were provided with the latest collection of books on science, general knowledge and history. We not

only wanted to impart knowledge but also aimed to provide them fun and encourage youngsters to write, develop their skills and help them grow into writers of tomorrow. We made lists of ideas, logos and hunted for talented students and achievers. A G Khalid, our art director, was very patient as we changed colors, formats and drop letters every day. Food and tea were as integral as colours and contributors at the Us desk. My shami keand babs parathas were gobbled down by all. My chic water thermos was called a weapon from Star Wars! Najma kept on ordering Biryani for everyone. We shared a number of light moments too. Once I brought a dhol for a photography session, and to Najma and others played it and sang wedding songs for days. One of the most embarrassing memories is associated to our interview with Amin Gulgee. We had planned a photo session cum write-up on him. To satisfy my hunger pangs, I had bought a chicken Tikka and savoured on it on my way to his house. In an attempt to be a civilised Pakistani, I preferred to leave the leftovers in the car and dump them in a trash on my way back. As we settled in Amins artistic drawing room, a strange thing happened- there was a knock at the door and Amins servant handed him the plastic bag containing my chicken Tikkas leftover bones. He said, the ladies from The News left this in their car. Saima and I froze with embarrassment. Amin opened the plastic bag and looked inside, then at us and then again inside the bag. Till today, I wonder what made

that driver come back and deliver that package. Finally, all our efforts were rewarded and Us was launched on Feb 16, 1991. The evening was exciting, tiring and exhilarating-all at the same time. The three of us went to the press to check the first copy. For the next two days we waited with bated breaths for our first letter to arrive. On Feb 19, at 4.00 pm, the door of the fourth floor opened and the mailman delivered a huge pile of letters, our desk was flooded with loads of them. We jumped, danced and had a party. Those letters became a ritual at the Us desk in the years to come. Children sent artwork, jokes, quotes and stories. Opinions poured in regularly from all over Pakistan. We wanted our readers to become our contributors. Us paid for articles and poems. This encouraged kids to earn their own pocket money. We held writing and art competitions, sponsored events, and introduced fashion for children. We even had a vocabulary corner and an agony aunt section. We arranged psychiatrists/counselors to answer queries as well. Our first models were neighbors and friends nieces and nephews. Later it became easy to get hold of celebrities to pose for Us. Mohsin Sayeed did our fashion shoots adding vivid colors to Us. We did interviews with educationists, philanthropists and Mr. Jinnahs colleagues and friends to inspire our youngsters. Sadly, we lost Najma Hazir in 1992. But the mission that had commenced went on. I took over the responsibilities as the editor of Us after her death. Muneeza Kidwai and Lubna Jarar joined as my team members. I got married in 1996 and left Us to shift to KSA. I still have a few issues of Us with me here in my home in Khobar. I have an endless list of interesting anecdotes and stories to share with my daughter. It is always a source of joy when I meet someone who knows me as Saman Jafri from the Us magazine and will always be. The writer was part of the launch team and has shifted to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Yesterday I dared to struggle, today I dare to win

By Talath F Naqvi
t was last month when a young reporter belonging to Geo Television, a part of the Jang Group, was brutally killed, that it hit me hard because no matter where I am, no matter what I do, I am part of the Jang Group family, just as I was 20 years ago when The News was launched. As part of the inception team, we laid the foundation of taking print media to a new level, when we brought out The News. And I say we, because it was not just the publishers that owned the paper, it was all of us. Like any new project there were the highs and lows. Team work was essential. I remember the elements were A group photograph of the pioneering team of The News not too helpful the night of our launch, it poured and the real con- the paper under control and the death for the new paper turned cern that whether we would be newsprint was not permitted to out to be an aggressive fight with able to hit the stands in time that leave the docks at the port, every- the whole journalist fraternity historic morning, prevented every- one knew the implications of the standing behind The News. The one from going home. We stayed, dynamics of the powers that be- government of the time eventually praying and doing whatever we to kill the newborn baby. A newly succumbed. The verdict in the

could. Spirits were high when we made it despite the slashing rain. It was a young, dynamic and outspoken team. The consequence the daring face, is a given eventuality in any part of the world, more so in ours. I recollect, the time when political pressure was applied as a tactic to bring

launched newspaper needs to establish itself; it cannot afford not to be at the door step each morning. Being victimised was just another opportunity to show the true grit of the team. The decision was to cutback on the number of pages but to come out each morning. What could have been certain

Court demanded the release of the newsprint and I will never forget riding out atop the truck with the enormous reels, beaming from ear to ear. Memories were made and friendships developed. I can never forget a young, dynamic young reporter, Zulekha Ali. This young lady was well liked by all and was making her way successfully in her field when an unfortunate incident, took her away from us. Zulaikha did not lose her life in the line of duty, instead she lost it while trying to save a young girl who was caught in the tide at sea. Though she was successful in saving that girls life, but lost her own instead. She was always concerned about the safety measures on our beaches and had been working on related stories; the life guards duties were stepped up after this incident, because of this brave young girl! Many have left and moved on, but all those who have worked there remain part of the family. The News is now 20 and has achieved more than any other media group, it makes me proud to have been a part of the team that made this newspaper what it is today. The writer was part of the launch team

A defining experience
Continued from page 3

editor, I was served with a notice of sedition from the authorities of the day. Before a warrant of arrest could be served, the High Court stopped the government from proceeding with the case against me in an anti-terrorism court. This together with a public and Parliamentary outry eventually led to the withdrawal of the case. But not before I and my colleagues witnessed some extraordinary scenes and developments of police barricades outside to prevent newsprint from reaching our offices, threats to the owner and publisher, and suspension of official advertising all part of coercive efforts to stop us from performing our professional duty to subject governance and the countrys governors to critical scrutiny. I learnt then that this was par for the course and to be taken in ones stride even if my family didnt quite see it the same way. One day my son, returning home from school, asked if all editors were provided with the security and escort detail parked outside our house. He was referring to the two cars that were invariably positioned outside our residence with odd-looking

people sitting inside but usually hidden behind a cloud of cigarette smoke. They would usually tail my car wherever I went. It took me a while to explain to Faisal that this was not a privileged perk of the job, but a professional hazard, as the vehicles outside belonged to the intelligence agencies and the chain smokers were spooks. In so many ways my years at The News were a defining experience, and despite the downside, part of a professional journey which taught me much and helped me hone the skills that were to prove so valuable in my later diplomatic career. Nothing quite tests your intellect, wit, endurance and patience the way editing a newspaper does. The experience left a lasting imprint on me and my professional ethos, teaching me how to work on tight deadlines, exercise judgement under pressure and learn to listen to the voice of our constituency: the papers readers. After returning from my first stint as Pakistans envoy to Washington, Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman, asked me when I was about to rejoin the paper as editor for the second time: Are you sure you want to do this again? Yes I said, But I know why you ask I am ready for both the joy and the pain, the risks and the reward. The writer was launch Editor of The News Rawalpindi, Ambassador to the US and High Commissioner to the UK and is currently Special Adviser International Affairs at the Jang Group

The News Special Report, February 2011

12
1993
January 1

TWENTY YEARS OF THE NEWS 2011 WITNESS TO HISTORY

1993
January 12
s General Abdul Waheed Kakar becomes

1993
March 12
s Series of bombs go off in Bombay killing

1993
May 26
s The Supreme Court reinstates Nawaz

s First face-to-face talks between Bosnian

Muslims, Croats and Serbs in Geneva s Prof Burhanuddin Rabbani sworn in as President of Afghanistan s European Community eliminates trade barriers to create European single market

new Army Chief of Staff

200 people

Sharif as Prime Minister

January 20
s Bill Clinton succeeds George H W Bush as

April 18

s President Ghulam Ishaq Khan dissolves

the 42nd President of the United States

national assembly and appoints Balkh Sher Mazari as caretaker Prime Minister

Once upon a time in The News

By Amjad Bashir
he first edition of The News was published on February 11, 1991 with Gulgees calligraphic Bismillah..... adorning the masthead. The newsroom then had an almost fifty-fifty ratio of young and middle aged copy editors keeping the average newsroom age at 32. Besides the seniors, most who joined and launched the paper were young newcomers and rookies to the profession committed to making their mark. Despite the tough and demanding nature of journalism, the presence of youngsters both in the newsroom and reporters room made it a second home to most. The newsroom became a boisterous place with youngsters who worked with gusto, initiative and agility. Their enterprising spirit made high pressure news management work look like a piece of cake. The place looked so different from the dull and arid newsrooms of the rival papers. Among those on the National Desk was late Khurshid saheb who would do huge amount of quality work. The workaholic Khurshid saheb would mostly keep to himself during work, silently working on his computer with his glasses perched on his nose. Asma Ahmad was another senior copy editor with a pleasant personality who introduced and addicted us to the fried kababs, nihari, fried fish and lassi of Burns Road. Every night one copy editor or another would hop in her car to bring us foods from the infamous food street. We also had soft spoken Ali Abbas Rizvi on the National Desk, who was also referred as juvenile to differentiate from a senior Abbas Saheb. Ali Abbas soon became the defence analyst for the newspaper, writing articles and commentaries on

defence related issues including weapons purchases, their performances etc. Translating the difficult technical stuff into simple, readable and interesting language was his added qualification. There were many others Naushad, Soomro Saheb, Ms Almas, Maheen Usmani, Ilyas Khan, Shailat Khan, late

larly when reporters would file stories without keeping deadlines in view. While the reporters would file an excessively long story, pressed for space and time, the editors would edit and rewrite to bring the facts buried at the end of the story to the top, changing its whole complexion. A classic example of the reporters be-

from Gorbachevs detention during the Putsch and peoples resistance against the tanks and troops that moved towards the Russian White House. In Pakistan, the political developments of the 1990s particularly those related to Karachi were distressing. The country and the city and its people were

The regular strategic planning meetings amongst The News editorial heads Zulekha Ali, and Raza Hamdani among those who filled the newsroom. There was also Rashid Hussain, who besides looking after the newsroom would also do his political stories and commentaries. In the initial days of The News, missing deadlines of the paper had become a sticking problem. No matter how hard one works the deadlines would still be missed. The only person who made sure that the whole edition met the deadlines and was transmitted even before time was our edition incharge Tanvir Ahmad, fondly called Allama. He would somehow find a way to slash a story on page when no one else could, keeping the report still intact. He would also ensure the whole newsroom finished the copy by 1:30 am..... half an hour before the 2:00 am deadline. The newsroom and the reporters room often worked as a well oiled machine but were also at odds at times particuhaviour was when of our reporter friend who filed a story of a police officers murder very late at night though the incident had happened early morning. Every night there would be telephonic conversations with the chief editor for stories and angles that were important and had to be accommodated. Some headlines had to be changed and new strap lines added as the clock ticked towards the deadlines or even crossed them. Sometimes there would be resistance and heart burning from the junior editors who thought that Urdu news traditions were worming their way into the more open and progressive English press. The newsroom of the 90s handled a multitude of major international and national events. From January 1990 to December 1991, a series of events unfolded leading to eventual disintegration of USSR and emergence of Russian Federation and the CIS. The published stories in this period ranged watching a new political culture unfolding. Some journalists like Azhar Abbas, now MD Geo News, and his brother were beaten up at their homes, others were threatened. This followed the blood curdling operations against the MQM including the one by interior minister late Naseerullah Babar. Those were the dark days of Karachi when target killing and sniper fire did not allow anyone to remain safe anywhere. As vendetta mounted, badly tortured, trussed up bodies of rival political activists and policemen would turn up in sacks along alleys and streets of Karachi. One day was extraordinarily horrible, when scores were killed and we asked our editor Imran Aslam to give us a headline suiting the terrible situation. The lead headline the next day was: Death Line Karachi. It looked a little sensational but truly depicted the prevailing state of affairs. Our editor Imran Aslam,

who is now president of Geo TV Network, has a knack of giving poetic and literary headlines and captions and soon became friends with everyone in the newsroom. Being a playwright, he has perfect command over English and Urdu languages. He could create pun with words which all of us would find unthinkable to do. After Babri Masjid demolition and anticipating Muslim reaction in Pakistan he came up with a headline: two wrongs make a riot. On Imran Khans terrible world cup winning speech in which he forgot the contribution of the teammates, the headline was: Imran suffers from vitamin I deficiency and: We rule the world. There was an advertisement of our paper: Everyday Dawn breaks with The News and during Gulf War Desert Storm Rages. For Asif Zardaris loan defaults, he punned with Shakespeares line: Neither a borrower or a lender be, for borrowing takes the edge of husbandry. During the 90s violence in Karachi, there was picture of a man crying in a mortuary while looking at his bloodied palm, the caption was: Blood mingling with our fate lines. When Gen Asif Nawaz died, the headline was: Farewell to arms. The period also saw two alternating governments of Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif coming in and being packed away by late presidents Ghulam Ishaq Khan and Farooq Leghari. We also saw the departure of both Ghulam Ishaq Khan and Nawaz Sharif courtesy COAS Gen Waheed Kakar. Then there was the short interim term of IMF economist turned prime minister Moeen Qureshi who was imported all the way from U.S to preside over our fate. Life goes on. Many people went away, new ones joined in but there was never a dull moment in the newsroom. We however do miss the family, The News had become and the camaraderie that developed. The writer is the Senior-Executive Producer at Geo News

In the diplomatic way

s Cambodians vote in UN supervised

May 28

elections

s Eritrea and Monaco gain entry to UN

By Ishrat Hayat

uring the many years I have written about diplomatic functions, I have met and interacted with dozens of diplomats from both the senior cadre as well as the junior and it has been an integral yet interesting part of my professional life. A quote by an unknown author says, Diplomacy is to do and say the nastiest thing in the nicest way and this explains what the job of a diplomat is all about when it comes to dealing with problems and interaction with persons they meet, both friendly and unfriendly, during their tenures in different countries. Yes, there are good, bad and indifferent diplomats: There are those who are sugary sweet and those who are somewhat nasty and rude; some of them genuinely like Pakistan and want to extend their tenure while others dislike being here and cannot wait to get outthough Im happy to say these are only the very rare ones who never meet the local people or get to know them. I have been accused of being too soft on diplomats and only giving a positive image of them in my columns; that I am more diplomatic than the diplomats. Islamabad is a small place, or rather the social circle is not that big, and those who belong to it are all too keen to repeat what they have seen or heard - gossip does not spare anyone! And although I do get to hear many stories about behind the scene activities and goings-on but frankly speaking, I do not feel it is my duty to judge or criticise them! Diplomats, whether good or bad, are human beings too and their privacy should be respected as long as they are not harming the country. Doing what I do has not always been easy though most people think its a cushy way to remain busy - attending func-

And the bond grows stronger...

Continued from page 8

Ahmad and now Talat Aslam as editors. Of all the editors, I enjoyed working with Imran Aslam the most. He has an inborn quality of dealing with people according to their temperament. He was never domineering with his staff, but somehow gave a subtle message of what he expected from us. I still remember it was either 1995 or 96 when, at 10 in the night, I was asked to produce a Year-end Special Report. I panicked as I was left with a couple of hours with no editorial content and was almost in tears as I narrated this to Imran. He simply smiled and asked me to call the page maker. He guided the pagemaker to make a masthead and layout and returned to his office. Imran feels more comfortable writing on paper instead of using a computer; he started passing me his notes on small papers and I was just typing and proof reading them and sending them to the design section. To my delight, the pages were ready by two in the morning, much ahead of the printing schedule. It happened a number of times that I panicked due to workload and pressure and he shared the burden in his usual cool manner. Najma Sadeque, Azhar Abbas, Abbas Nasir, Kamran Khan, Qaiser Mehmood, Zarar Khan, Owais Tauheed, Javed Soomro Hameed Zaman (Late), Late Dr Ashfaq Kadri, Imran Aslam, late Kamal Habib, late Kaleem Omar, Zulekha Ali, Farhat Anis, Mohsin Sayeed, all contributed exclusive stories for supplements. Contrary to the notion that supplements are just a marketing venture and only serve as a trash bin of editorial

content, The News supplements and reports became a source of follow-up on main stories and attracted a lot of readers. Reports on the 2005 earthquake, Tsunami, 2010 floods, environment, science, health, education, IT and defense exhibitions, on the millennium, year-end reports, all broke new grounds. In the mid 90s, the introduction of broadband made Pakistan a

years. Najma Hazirs craving for all sorts of odd snacks, Najma Sadeques somber attitude (which many termed as that of a dictators) towards work, Hameed Zamans art discussion, Kamal Habibs sweet nature, Saman Jafris emotional mood swings, Imran Aslams exuberant style and deep inspiring voice that caused the hearts of many girls to skip a beat, and his novel ideas, Kaleem Omars precision in language and work, Imran Shervani and Mohsin Sayeeds jokes, Jaffri Sahebs economic talk amidst sweet fragrance of Condor tobacco of

Those were the days...

Continued from page 4

part of a global village. New templates, layouts and designs were introduced as readers awareness level was increasing. It was The News, due to which many contemporary papers changed their policies regarding editorial content. While The News was touching new heights in terms of its popularity, the legacy of team spirit further strengthened during all these

his pipe, Talath Naqvis filmy gossip, Azhar and Kamrans investigative stories and shopping sprees with Farhat, are all an asset for me and a binding force which persuaded the team to work hard. The team lived through thick and thin and shared tears and laughter; they reported from neck deep water and faced bullets but all undertook their jobs with the utmost de-

votion. I can still recall Kaleem Omars layout advice: Bhai is article ko khanche men fit kardo what he actually meant was the box in the layout. Since the whole team comprised young people, especially girls, most of them got married. Few even found a match within the office. I still remember when I was getting married in the mid nineties, late Zulekha Ali (Zuli, its so difficult to write late with your name), arranged a dholki for me in the office and all the respected names mentioned above sang wedding songs for me, while beating desks in the magazine room. Magazine Room as the name indicates was not actually the magazine room, it was rather our den, a retiring room for all of us where we could sit, relax, gossip, eat, and even sleep. All the above-mentioned people are now distinguished and prominent names in the print as well as electronic media industry. But we also lost sweet people like Zuli, Hameed Zaman, Dr Ashfaq Kadri, Najma Hazir, Kamal Habib, Kaleem Omar, Gul Hameed Bhatti who have left behind a long list of friends and a legacy which will continue to prevail in this office. Over these 20 years, The News has come a long way. A timid person like me who was even afraid of the tidal flow traffic system in Karachi, gathered the courage to travel across the world and the credit goes only to The News. The baby that was born on 11th of February is now 20, while we all have grown older nurturing it. We love this paper as if it is our first-born. Happy birthday The News! The writer was part of the launch team and is Editor Supplements Abbas is back in his now native UK after a stint as Dawns editor, and Imrans booming voice can occasionally be heard on Geo TV which also benefits from his inimitable way with words. It mustve been love... sang Roxette. The News was indeed a labour of love. Working at the paper, at least for the young and restless, never seemed like work. There were endless cups of thick, strong tea accompanied by gaiety, laughter and fried omelet sandwiches. Aaaaarghs over difficult subbing assignments alternated with yippeeees when a record was broken in Tetris. There was singing as well as shouting. The enthusiasm of youth was tempered by the wisdom of experience. There were brilliant one-liners and thousand-word masterpieces. Then the busy years went rushing by us We lost our starry notions on the way If by chance Id see you in the tavern Wed smile at one another and wed say... Those were the days my friend... The writer was part of the launch team and currently works in the development sector

Strength to strength
By Ali Mujtaba

tions; getting to taste many different cuisines and generally have a pleasant time. I have to be careful not to write anything that can be misconstrued or is culturally offensive. I try not to be biased because one countrys diplomats are nicer to me than anothers. And not being a trained journalist but just someone who came into the media because I love to write, I certainly do not have the killer instinct! I have met diplomats of many shapes; sizes and temperaments - some polite; some with ego problems and others a little suspicious of what I am doing. I recall that once I was sitting with the US ambassador and another European diplomat and I think they were talking about Pakistan and India - I was not interested and wondering to myself what light tit-bit I could pick up for my report, when the European envoy warned his American colleague to be careful as I was present. To which he replied She is not the type to repeat anything and in any case, she is a friend. This suspicion was also repeated by another European diplomat who admitted that before he got to know me well and consulted with his colleagues, he thought I was working for a secret agency and collecting data on the diplomatic community which was why I nice to them and took so many pictures! This bothered me so much I asked a senior diplomat from Bangladesh whether he or his colleagues thought I was spying and he reassured me with the words, Not at all. You dont ask the right questions This reassured me though it made me wonder if I came across as a silly, social butterfly type! When Ambassador Raphael, who was killed in the Bahawalpur air crash, said that he wished I had written the report about the US Independence Day instead of the reporter who had been assigned the job by the editor because it was an important occasion -

he wrote a very political piece- I felt happy and relieved that I was no long suspect. Though I must admit that at the start of my writing career I was approached to report on conversations but I refused and said what I heard was written in my reports, nothing more nor less. After 9/11, the overall carefree atmosphere that used to be a hallmark of life in Islamabad has changed, especially as far as the diplomatic community is concerned, and the diplomats have become wary of reports about their unofficial fun parties, something which was not frowned upon before this fateful day. In fact they looked forward to the page Collage which came out on Saturdays and had the weeks events captured in photographs - the beginning of social columns that are found in many magazines these days. Now only official functions are for reporting while the others are not, though they still take place if not as frequently as before, then often enough. Over the twenty years that I have been reporting diplomatic activities of the non-political kind, I have made many good friends in the process and I am in touch with them or their wives. Friends and family ask why I am not interested in moving on to other subjects but I have the same reply to them - I love what I do; I get to meet people from around the world without having to travel to do so and Im not really interested in sightseeing as such. Maybe when I retire I will write a tell all book about my experience but in the meantime heres to many years of diplomatic writing - in both senses of the word! And to the twentieth anniversary of The News, that gave me the opportunity to have a career that I loved... Congratulations! The writer is a journalist and contributes regularly to The News

thrived on other peoples misery. Bad news for us was good news; excellent news in fact. If the government is functioning well, thats their job, explained Chief Political Correspondent Abbas Nasir, without any sympathy, and by way of justification for all the abuse heaped at the government of the day by the media. I had been arguing why the media couldnt give credit to the government where it was due but it turns out that credit is never given for a job well done. Next door to such discussions about the medias role, Najma Hazir played a dhol beat using her hands and her desk while singing a vintage Bollywood number. She was Editor of the childrens magazine Us, one of five weekly magazines that were to be published every week day with the paper. While Najma sang, the immaculately groomed Talath Naqvi swung her ample but elegantly draped posterior onto the desk to sing along. Fareshteh, who completed this merry threesome, was busy trying to break her own record playing Tetris on Najmas PC. The gaiety was infectious. Bliss was it in that dawn to be alive

But to be young was sheer heaven Diagonally across Najma, in one corner of the long 4th floor editorial section, sat Sports Editor Gul Hameed Bhatti holding court among his energetic team of reporters and subs from the Sports Desk. This might have been a corner, but these were no wallflowers and sitting there was a privilege not a punishment! It attracted several young subs from other desks, most frequently Zukekha Ali. Essentially a tomboy, Zulekha once brought home-cooked (though not by her) food to share with the late-afternoon gathering around Bhatti Sahebs desk. Seeing this womanly side to Zulekha, one of the reporters not known for his command over English remarked, Very domesticated! as if she were a cow or goat. Bhatti Sahebs wasnt the only lively corner on the 4th floor. At the opposite end of the open plan 4th floor was KOs (the encyclopedic Kaleem Omar) domain where one would often find his mutual admiration society - News Editor Imran Aslam, Foreign Editor Quatrina Hosain, and of course the one-andlonely KO, himself and he. Clad in his signature black shalwar kameez

Awaiting the launch of The News and waistcoat, KO would stride into the office after lunch walking with great purpose towards his desk, a roll of newspapers under his arm, and more piles of papers waiting on his desk. They provided a natural barrier to unwanted (by him) visitors, and the promise of a feast for roaches. These roaches were the bane of the nearby magazine room, which was more a dining room and lounge for the youth on the 4th floor wanting to escape the wrath of their editors. This was also where trays laden with chicken tikkas and prawn masala from Khairabad were delivered and consumed every day. Those were the days my friend We thought theyd never end Wed sing and dance forever and a day Wed live the life we choose Wed fight and never lose For we were young and sure to have our way. Alas, Najma, Bhatti Saab, Zulekha and KO have embarked on journeys beyond our realm, Fareshteh has quit journalism for more stylish pursuits, Quatrina can be found on a TV screen near you,

major event took place on February 11, 1991 when Pakistans largest media group, Jang Group, successfully launched its English newspaper, The News International simultaneously from Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad and London. The News, with its Macintosh computers under the youthful Editor-in-Chief, Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman, had some of the best and talented journalists in Pakistan. He took pains to adequately staff the paper with experienced and fresh talent from all over the country. I distinctly remember that I joined in September, 1990, in the HR & Admin. Department. I was interviewed by Shahrukh Hasan. The ten-storey The News building situated on the I I Chundrigar Road was sprinkled with fresh flower pots at several prominent points. One could share the excitement of senior journalists and young apprentices as the launch date was approaching. At last, the morning of February 11, 1991, dawned beautifully simply with the resonant and throaty voice of Imran Aslam ringing in our ears, Stay on the top of the news...!. The trend setter paper hit the market with its first headline Iraq Rejects Nawazs Peace Plan printed on fine glossy newsprint. Even now I can happily recall that The News had to be printed twice the same day in the afternoon because the huge bundles of The News were sold away in the morning. Such was the fervour for the launch issue of The News among the English newspaper enthusiasts in Karachi. Celebrating today the impressive completion of 20 eventful years of The News gives me immense joy because I have been closely associated with every de-

velopment and change for better in the last two decades. I believe it would be worthwhile to talk about the prominent persons who significantly contributed to making The News a leading English paper from the day one. Eminent columnist Ghazi Salahuddin was the first editor of The News. Youth and childrens magazine Us was initially edited by late Najma Hazir. Capable Talath Naqvi worked hard as Editor of the You. Another magazine insert We was edited by Najma Sadeque. Business pages were eminently edited by Khalique Zuberi and Sports by late Gul Hameed Bhatti. Pioneer of Investigative journalism, Kamran Khan of The News has successfully branched out as the top presenter of Geo TV. The important IT Department was run by late Turab Mehdi and Art Department by A G Khalid. In the initial years, The Newsbuilding served as a multipurpose structure providing the auditorium facility under the name ICN with a capacity for 80 persons. Now this auditorium, with upgraded facilities and entirely new beautiful interior, is used for live transmission of Geo Super. Some of the known columnists contributed and still contribute to the Op-ed pages with deeper insight into national and international issues. As a part of The News launch team, I am still actively serving The News because it has friendly, almost family like work environment that keeps everyone enjoying the work. As an HR & Admin. person, I can confidently say that The News has become an institution known for its powerful stories and projecting free expression by telling the truth every day. The writer was part of the launch team and is Senior Group Manager, The News Karachi

The News Special Report, February 2011

TWENTY YEARS OF THE NEWS 2011 WITNESS TO HISTORY

1993
June 4
s Security Council decides to send

13

1993
July 17
s President Ishaq Khan, PM Nawaz Sharif

1993
September 9
s Israel and Palestine Liberation

1993
September 18
s Nusrat Bhutto launches election

troops to protect 6 Muslim enclaves in Bosnia

step down following army intervention

June 5
s 24 Pakistan soldiers in UN contingent

July 18
s Moeen Qureshi sworn in as caretaker PM

in Somalia are killed in Mogadishu

and Wasim Sajjad as acting president. Ishaq announces elections in October

Organisation (PLO) sign agreement recognising Israels right to exist as a state and PLO as representative of the Palestinian people

campaign for absent son Mir Murtaza Bhutto

September 29
Haider Wyne is assassinated

s Former Punjab Chief Minister, Ghulam

From the conflict zone

By Delawar Jan
n a wet and chilly evening on February 6, 2008, I first reported to the Peshawar bureau of The News. Only some minutes ago I had received a call from the editor, Rahimullah Yusufzai, who straightaway asked me to interview Maulana Sufi Muhammad. Sufi was a militant cleric who led the Tanzim Nifaz Shariat-e-Muhammadi (TNSM). Since 2001, no journalist had been able to interview him as he was jailed on the charges of rounding up 10,000 volunteers to fight on the side of the Taliban against the US-led coalition forces in Afghanistan. Hospitalised for prostate trouble, he was in one of the 14 heavily guarded rooms in the Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar leaving little hope for one to slip past the police cordon and meet him. You can never interview him! I thought, giving up before I could start. It was a tough assignment for a young and inexperienced journalist like me, then only 27. Not having a single source in the city of added to my worries. When I finally obtained the interview in March that year, it was Sufi Muhammads first interview in six years. Since then, lady luck seems to be smiling on me. The Peshawar Bureau opened a window of opportunities and now I am pursuing a fellowship in the US; a success I attribute to my learning at The News. The volatile situation in the region demanded hard work. With deadlines always looming, power outages added to the challenges. The situation worsened in 2008-09 as insecurity made our job hard and dangerous. Bomb blasts and wailing ambulances became a way of

life. A couple of blasts even shook the building where I lived. The suicide bombing at the Peshawar Press Club fuelled our worries. In 2009, reporters were exempted from coming the bureau due to security threats. But I continued coming to the office the editors appreciation encouraged us to work more. Working in Peshawar was different to Dir, Upper Dirs main town where I was a correspondent for six years for The

by fighter jets and gunship helicopters In one such visit to Peochar, the Taliban nerve centre, I walked with an empty stomach uphill and then downhill for four hours while fasting in the month of Ramazan. At one point, I covered four troubled, militancy-hit districts of Malakand division. The editor would always take a promise of sending stories from home before allowing me to take leave. My mother always felt offended when I got busy writing a story

hands of the militants if not the jet fighters. Swat at the time had become a dangerous place. A visit after the murder of Musa Khankhel, The News correspondent in Swat, was terrifying. Following a so-called peace agreement between the government and the militants, I observed that Swat had become more insecure than before. When militants trapped our colleague Musa Khankhel after being invited for a never-intended interview, I learnt a lesson and turned down an offer to meet and interview Swat Taliban chief, Maulana Fazlullah.

All in a days work

By Aftab Ahmad
had hardly spent a year in active journalism when The News International was launched on February 11, 1991. Those were heady days as the country had started moving back to democracy some two years ago after a long and dark decade of dictatorship that had journalism in chains. Everyone wanted to express his and her thoughts and be heard. Perhaps it was the spirit of the time and the fact that there was a desperate need for a progressive new newspaper to revive journalism. The Newscame like a breath of fresh air to a media asphyxiated by years of martial rule. In the absence of private TV networks that have made journalism glamorous now, the only ambition for journalists in a small regional paper was to make a leap to a better and bigger one. With The News offering just that, my dream came true after waiting for 17 long years. It was a happy day when I joined The News International as senior sub-editor at its Peshawar office on January 1, 2008. Working with a newspaper brought out by the biggest media group has been a great experience. It gave me satisfaction, which increased considerably working with a team of dedicated, capable and sincere colleagues and a seasoned team leader Rahimullah Yusufzai. He is a perfectionist and wants all his colleagues to make an effort to do a perfect job. The environment at The News in general and at its Peshawar office in particular is highly favourable for all those wanting to learn journalistic skill and disseminate information to the readers in possibly the most perfect manner. The

The staff members of The News at Peshawar office News. I was jack of all trades covering politics, crime, security matters, human rights issues, health and education. But I mastered none of the beats. In Peshawar, I was asked to cover militancy in Swat and other districts forming part of Malakand division. It was unusual for a young journalist to be assigned such a difficult beat but it was the editors trust that encouraged me to take on the responsibility. At the time, Malakand and particularly Swat had experienced a spike in Taliban activities. Swat took centre stage in the violence that Pakistan was experiencing. I met the Taliban militants leaders in Peshawar, approached them in Mingora and went to their bastions in upper Swat valley amid bombing as soon as i reaching home instead of joining the family at dinner. My beat was not free of dangers. A Taliban militant in GatPeochar once warned us that they have become suspicious of members of the media. Fighter jets recently bombarded a place soon after departure of two journalists from there. We are looking for them, he said as he was passing on the message to us and other journalists. He hinted at retribution if warplanes attacked after our departure from the area because in that case we would be presumed as spies. Worryingly, planes had bombarded the area just a day before and hovered overhead the moment we left. Another bombing raid by the planes and we too would have gone, at the Breaking the news of a military operation in Buner district landed me in the illegal detention of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) in Peshawar for a night. It showed that we in the media were confronted with threats from legal and illegal forces. My bosses and colleagues firmly stood by me and I must again say a big thank you to all of them. Today working in the huge newsroom of the Washington Post, I miss the thrills of journalism I left behind in Pakistan. In Peshawar, we enjoyed reporting truth and then saving our skin from a crowd of unseen enemies. Delawar Jan worked as a staff reporter at The News in Peshawar and is a Fulbright scholar

daily is not only an academy for its workers but also for journalism graduates from different universities seeking internship polish their journalistic skills. Prior to joining The News International, I served three English-language newspapers including The Frontier Post, The Khyber Mail and The Statesman. I found something different at The News and that was the stress on accuracy of facts and a strong news stories follow-ups. It helped to have an experienced editor to keep you on your toes, pushing you to do the best. These are the traits unfortunately getting extinct in the contemporary newspapers. I feel no hesitation in acknowledging that my colleagues and I have had the full opportunity to polish our skills at The News International. The most encouraging aspect of working here for the last over three years has been the presence of a professional editor among us who remains present at the office and is always ready to guide us in case we are faced with any difficulty. Once I remember he returned from a tour to Norway, jetlagged and tired but eager to know if things have been smooth in his absence. He came straight to the office from the airport and got busy supervising us till late at night. His stamina and sense of responsibility makes us envious and we wish the same for ourselves. In the last decade, The News Peshawar offices have expanded considerably in response to the challenges and developments in the region. It has become a self-contained operation with various sections including Reporting, News desk, Photography, Page-making, IT, Marketing, Circulation, and, last but not the least, Human Resource.

The News Desk-Reporters rivalry is a common sight in every newspaper office, but that is at its minimum at The News Peshawar office. Reporters may visit the Newsroom to discuss any story with the Desk staff but here at The News Peshawar a mutually supportive environment ensures that senior subeditors and subeditors feel no hesitation in turning to the Reporters Section to exchange ideas or seek further information about a story filed by a reporter. The same gesture is reciprocated by our reporters, some of whom have been in journalism for the last 27 years. The LAN (Local Area Network) Messenger has made mutual communication and coordination among all the staff smooth as it easily provides file reading, sharing and chatting facility. Of course, all this would not be possible without the support of our counterparts at The News in the Rawalpindi office. Ghulam Hussain and his colleague Syed Aamir Shah always extend maximum cooperation to The News Desk and reporters from Peshawar by accommodating the news stories even if sent to the Head Office as late as 12:00 midnight. We all try to do our best. We also seek appreciation and acknowledgment and it happens when our stories receive recognition, are well-placed and prompt readers to give us a feedback. This is our reward and we feel that the hard work put in by us while running the business of news has been worthwhile. Wishing The News and its team members all the best! The writer is a journalist working at the Peshawar Bureau of The News

Testing times

By Ghulam Dastageer

oining The News Peshawar Bureau as a staff reporter and covering the beats of legal affairs and human rights was indeed a breakthrough in my career as a journalist. Being the largest circulated newspaper, at least in our region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and FATA, it provided me an opportunity to prove my worth as a reporter and gave me immense exposure in the field. My four-and-a-half-year association with The News enabled me to polish my skills and learn from journalists of international repute who were a source of inspiration as well. However, at the same time the environment at the Peshawar Bureau was a little demoralising due to certain reasons. Salaries of the Peshawar staff were not only meager but way less than those working in Islamabad, which is one-and-a-half-hour drive from Peshawar. Operating in the conflict zone, Peshawar-based journalists deserve good salaries than those working in relatively peaceful environment. The News International is no doubt a good organisation. Employees would prefer to stay at this organisation if they feel their future is secure because a satisfied worker is a productive worker.

The writer is a journalist and was Staff Reporter at the Peshawar Bureau from June 2006 to December 2010

The News Special Report, February 2011

14
1993
October 5

TWENTY YEARS OF THE NEWS 2011 WITNESS TO HISTORY

1993
November 13
s Farooq Leghari elected President

1993
December 8
s US President Bill Clinton signs into

1994
January 14
s Russian and US sign deal on co-

s China performs a nuclear test, ending a

worldwide de facto moratorium

November 18
s Both white and black South African

law the North American Free Trade Agreement

operation in nuclear field and other security issues

October 19
s Benazir Bhutto sworn in as Prime

Minister of Pakistan

leaders approve democratic constitution to give blacks the vote and end white minority rule

December 19
s Asif Zardari acquitted in the Unnar case

January 16
s France offers Pakistan Mirage 2000-5

aircraft and submarines on deferred payments

Reporting from the back waters

By Ejaz Khan
started working at the Quetta Bureau of The News in 1997 as its chief but more often than not I ended up multi tasking as a reporter and as a coordinator. I have reported several stories relating to general public like drought in Balochistan, killing of Baloch leader Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti, general elections and others. The News has reported extensively on the target killings and bomb explosion incidents not only in Quetta but also in other districts of Balochistan. Despite limited resources and other constraints, the Quetta Bureau always ensured to thoroughly review and check the authenticity of the news re-

Charting new territories

By Javed Afridi

ports it is sending for publication. It is due to this diligence that during the last two decades not even a single published report has been contradicted. Besides the stories on Baloachistan, the Quetta Bureau also

filed reports about people living on both sides of Pak-Iran and Pak-Afghan borders etc. The News is the first English daily in Pakistan which filed stories about the construction of wall at Pak-Iran border from the tiny border town at Taftan, a tehsil of district Chaghi, where Pakistan carried out its nuclear tests in 1998. Moreover, The News has fully covered the widespread floods in Zhob, Naseerabad and Sibi divisions on July 22, 2010. The flash flood had claimed the lives of dozens of people, affecting over 0.2 millions people. Despite the claims of the government, the people of flood hit areas are still awaiting rehabilitation. Coal is perhaps second on the list of natural resources found in Balochistan. Although the coal fields of Sorange, Mach, Shahreg and Dukki cannot be rated as the largest coal fields of the country yet about sixty per cent kilns thoroughout the country get coal from various coal fields of Balochis-

tan. The News has highlighted the discovery of huge coal deposits in Chamalang area in addition to the problems being faced by the coal mine workers. Another issue highlighted by The News was about how the constitution of Pakistan has fixed the quota of provinces in the Federal services on the basis of the population. However, not many ambassadors, chairmen of autonomous and semi-autonomous corporations and federal secretaries belong to Balochistan. All these issues not only perturb the people of Balochistan but also create unrest among the unemployed or under-employed youth. As The News celebrates its 20th anniversary, I hope that we continue to bring the problems of the masses to fore and report with utmost honesty. May this light continue to shine! The author is the Quetta Bureau Chief of The News journalists such as Syed Bukhar Shah and Nisar Mehmood sitting next to me. Then there were cooperative friends such as Javed Aziz Khan, Tauseef-urRehman, Yousaf Ali, Mushtaq Yusufzai, Ghulaam Dastageer and Qaiser Afridi. I have worked for five different media organisations in my 13-year professional career and I know I can never have such a working environment anywhere else. I would have never opted to leave this organisation but for some financial constraints. Last but not the least, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Jang Group of Publications for continued success. May The News prosper more and always continue to inspire a whole new generation of young journalists! The writer worked as Staff Reporter for The News Peshawar Bureau and is a Fulbright scholar

A many-splendoured launch
Continued from page 3

t was the afternoon of January 17, 2007, that I first entered the offices of The News for my first day of work as a reporter. I had little doubt that this would be the beginning of an experience of a life-time and the launching pad I was looking for in my career. I was standing on the shoulders of the giants. With noted journalist Rahimullah Yusufzai leading the team and professionals like Behroz Khan to inspire, guide and lead us, what else could I ask for? Leadership made all the difference. I had to raise my personal benchmark almost overnight. The demands of my job were high, but I was ready to grow and challenge myself.

My bosses encouragement and the cooperation of my colleagues facilitated my task. I will attempt to enlighten the readers with a few examples that might illustrate what makes The News truly special: While sitting in the reporters room, I would be asked to come over to the bureau chiefs office. On every such occasion, Behroz Saheb will welcome me as if I was a very important friend that he had not seen for a while. Then he would reveal that he came to know about some development taking place in my beat and would ask if I was interested in filling a report on it. If I agreed, which I certainly would, he would give almost 50 per cent of the details plus contact information of the people I

would need to talk to. Such were the boosts we would get if we happened to find difficulty in filing an exclusive report. After Behroz Khan joined Geo TV, Rahimullah Yusufzai started coming to the office regularly. About him, I would say that there is nothing comparable to the work stamina he has. I feel lucky to have worked under him. There couldnt have been anyone more encouraging than the Resident Editor himself who went through each and every word that we wrote. He would make necessary changes to whatever we filed that day and would let us know why exactly those changes were made to the sentence or paragraph. My colleagues made life easy at The News. It was a dream team. I had experienced

a tour of the office and met with the staff. She loved the coffee we served. Jam Sadiq was the Chief Minister of Sindh at that time and he was pursuing . his animosity towards PPP After Benazirs visit, he invited himself and sent a message that he would have lunch with us in the office canteen. Ambassadors posted in Islamabad used to have a date with us during their visit to Karachi. By the way, Benazir Bhutto, as a former Prime Minister, had written an exclusive piece for the inaugural issue. The first Gulf war was in progress and she wrote about peace prospects in the region. Whenever I have looked at the inaugural issue, sometimes after an interval of some years, I have always paused at the editorial that I had written with the title: Journey of a thousand dreams. I am fond of telling people that I had drafted it a few months before the launch. It gives me a strange sensation when I read it again because I feel that it conveys the thrill and the joy that I had lived through in those days. Everything begins with taking the first step, it said. We are doing that today. But ours is a journey not so much of a thousand miles as of a thousand dreams. The long editorial ended with these words, A newspaper has been likened to a nation talking to itself. We would like this dialogue to be conducted at a high and dignified level. As I have said, I have fond memories of that time and what stands out is the excitement of the staff. When asked to write this article, I thought of just listing the names of the entire editorial staff we had when the newspaper was launched. One reason why I wanted to do this was to highlight the great contribution that this newspaper has made by introducing journalists who later became shining stars in the profession. So many of them began their journalistic career with The News back in 1991. While we had some very capable and well-known journalists at the senior level, I consider it my achievement that The News became the launching pad for so many young men and women who had no previous experience of working in a newspaper. This was a difficult and painstaking process. We had approached all educational institutions as part of our

talent scouting. A test had been devised and I had asked a friend, who used to teach English language at the University of Karachi at that time, to make the initial selection and then our senior staff would interview them. One image I carry is that of the fourth floor of the building almost becoming an examination centre. This induction of youth made a substantial contribution to the overall cheerful and buoyant atmosphere in the office, particularly during the run-up to the launch. We were very anxious and somewhat nervous in that phase, mindful of the gravity of the challenge. It was my conscious endeavour to maintain a very friendly and relaxed working environment. This was contrary to the conventional style of management in our surroundings. I remember being advised to be more strict and keep a distance from the junior staff. But I was convinced that the situation demanded an inspirational approach at least in the pre-launch phase. Fortunately, most of our editors in charge of specific sections, were very good human beings and kept their cool even in very tense moments. Gul Hameed Bhatti, our Sports Editor who passed away recently, had such a friendly demeanour that I used to call his section Guls Coffee Corner. Incidentally, the sports pages were the highlight of the newspaper and it readily changed the quality of sports coverage by our competitors. Similarly, we devoted particular attention to our city pages. It would be instructive to put that inaugural issue alongside the other English dailies of the same date to understand the impact of The News that was later reflected in their layout and journalistic approach. The point to stress here is that the print media in Pakistan was transformed in response to the challenge that The News had posed. For the first time, we had colour photographs on our outer pages on a daily basis. I do not have the space here to recount instances of how we covered certain events with an emphasis on action-oriented pictures. During the first spell of rains in Karachi after the launch, we had a seven-column spread of a photograph that covered almost half the front page. So many memories of what The News was able to do in that exciting period have crowded my

mind that I must desist from recalling them in this short piece. So, let me return to the inaugural issue and when I look at it now, the Bismillah that is splashed in green above the masthead catches my attention. It was my idea to ask Gulgee for an exclusive calligraphic inscription. Gulgee had created a niche for himself in Quranic calligraphy and the passion he invested in this enterprise was remarkable. Our art room was too small for his style of action painting. The Bismillah he did on separate sheets of paper was about twenty feet wide. We had to paste the panels on a wall to photograph it and then reduce it to our desired proportion. The inaugural issue has a detailed account of how he worked. As I have said, the world has changed in twenty years. Though we felt at that time that with our new technology, sharing our pages electronically between our three editions, we had leaped into future, it was hard to imagine the great advances in information technology that were made subsequently. Still, there are some things that have not changed. The law and order situation in Karachi, for example, was very bad when we launched The News. Journalism was very hazardous job and we constantly felt threatened. I had a personal experience when my car was snatched on gunpoint in the Gulshan area. In some ways, the feelings that I expressed in my weekly columns then have persisted. The main op-ed piece in the inaugural issue was written by Maleeha Lodhi titled, Has Pakistan become leaderless? This only means that the journey of a thousand dreams that we began twenty years ago is still fraught with danger and uncertainty. Let me conclude with this quotation from my inaugural editorial: It is a measure of our disjointed times that this newspaper is being born in the midst of a bloody war in the Persian Gulf, a war which is being waged with greater ferocity in the hearts and minds of people than perhaps on the battlefield. The distress that this conflict has caused and the ambivalence that it generates should serve to underline the importance of open debate and rational analyses. The writer was launch Editor of The News Karachi. Currently, he is working as Editorial Director Geo TV

The News Special Report, February 2011

TWENTY YEARS OF THE NEWS 2011 WITNESS TO HISTORY

1994
January 26
s Prince Charles escapes attack in

15

1994
February 19
s India tests surface-to-surface Agni

1994
April 28
s Pakistan recognises South Africa

1994
June 9
s MQM leaders Altaf Hussain and Salim

Sydney, Australia

missile successfully

February 3
s Pressler Amendment to remain part of

April 21
s Supreme Court orders restoration of

June 5
s Justice Sajjad Ali Shah takes oath

Shehzad sentenced to 27 years imprisonment in Major Kaleem case

as the Chief Justice of Pakistan

August 13
s Indian PM Narasimha Rao threatens to

new US Foreign Assistance Act. Pakistan suffers major diplomatic setback

Sabir Shah Government in the NWFP

annex Azad Kashmir

With a clear edge in investigative reporting

Ques: How do you see The News content, news reporting, and our investigative reporting compared to other newspapers? Ans: The News has a clear edge in investigative reporting and I think you ran some cutting edge stories that made a difference and made a name for yourselves in exposing various news. Ques: The News introduced the concept of creative advertising in newspapers; do you recall any campaigns where the customized creative solution offered you and your brand extra value for money? Ans: We have done some very creative advertising in The News. There have been many out of the box placements and in particular in can recall a campaign for Polo. The tagline was hole wali gooli and we created an ad for The News which actually had a hole in the newspaper. I think The News can be considered a pioneer where most out of the box ideas have been accommodated and should definitely be complimented. Ques: How do you see the advertising industry at present and have we recovered from the couple of difficult years we witnessed? Ans: I think this year will be a good year for advertising thanks to some new product launches. This is also a world cup year so there will be lot of activities around it. So I think there will be a growth this year. Ques: We have seen shift of major advertising revenues to TV from print; crease in this medium? Ans: Digital is an area that even advertising professionals in the west have not mastered. Advertising industry is still more comfortable with the conventional media. We have case studies that show that Internet has not been able to attract the marketing dollar that it should attract by virtue of its penetration. Even in Pakistan, every client wants to have a presence on the Internet but I think very few have used it effectively and this is an area that should grow but its not happening tomorrow or anytime soon. Ques: With TV channels, Internet, OOH and radio gaining a share of advertising, how do you see the future of newspapers and newspaper advertising? Ans: There is a certain type of advertising that is suited only for press but having said that the difference is newspapers have raised their rates year upon year and today they have out-priced themselves whereas in television advertising, while fragmentation has occurred, the cost has not gone up that high and TV offers a better ROI. So, because of the cost and CPM, for most advertisers, TV has become a more cost effective option. Ques: Your message for The News on its 20th anniversary? Ans: I think The News has done a marvelous job in keeping people of Pakistan informed over the years and I wish The News all the bests for next 20 years.

Newspapers to remain a The News is liberal, challenging business bordering on adventurism

Ques: How do you see the changing time for the print industry in last 20 years since The News was launched? Ans: When The News was launched, it brought competition that was lacking in the segment and which is good for business and in the end benefits the final consumer -the reader. I think The News has done really well in how they have grown in last 20 years, Ques: How do you see The News content, news reporting, and investigative reporting compared to other English newspapers in the country? Ans: The content is great and The News has done really well by capitalising on the infrastructure of the Jang Group to get an edge over competitors. The News has kept the integrity of the paper and yet they have been flexible enough to balance the interest of both advertisers and readers while offering solutions Ques: How do you see the advertising industry of Pakistan? Ans: To be honest, the party time that our industry experience earlier was to a large degree related to the cellular industry and few other sectors. In my opinion advertising industry will face some more tough times but, even when the industry comes under pressure, some sub-segments and companies still do well depending on how well they are managed. For example, last year when advertising industry was under teething problems. A big problem for the industry is the shortage of talent. Secondly, profit margins have really shrunk in recent years. Also the audience has become more demanding and they have more choices compared to many other countries in the world so the audience has been the biggest beneficiary of this media boom. Ques: How do you see the future of newspapers and newspapers advertising with TV channels, the Internet, OOH and radio also gaining their share of advertising, Ans: Newspapers in Pakistan will remain a very challenging business and the key would be to innovate content or in terms of how to deliver content to the reader. Newspapers have to be adaptable to change and they need to understand their audience better and bring in more research, as it is relevant for the marketing of any other product. Ques: Your comments for the Jang Group and the 20th anniversary of The News? Ans: No one can question the immense contribution of Jang Group in the development of media in Pakistan in terms of expansion, quality and the freedom of media and they need to be credited with all that. To survive 20 years in such trying circumstances, I think The News deserves all the credit and congratulations on the 20th anniversary. Ques: Can you recall how The News made a difference in the English newspaper category when it was launched? Ans: Yes it was the early 1990s. The News came with a totally new look and feel both in appearance and in the way they created their appeal for the readers and the business community. Their use of colour photographs, more than one weekly magazine, sports page, color supplements etc were the appearance part while the investigative reports, extensive coverage of sports, lifestyle magazines made a difference in content and their flexibility to address the needs of the business by giving space to PR, photographs etc made them popular amongst businesses Ques: How do you see the content, news reporting, and our investigative reporting as compared to other English language newspapers in the country? Ans: Liberal and at times bordering adventurism. More share of this kind of content than any other English language daily. Ques: How do you see the advertising options when it comes to The News? How effective is it and are you satisfied with the readership and value for money that you get against your advertising rupees? Ans: Efficiency of advertising money (ROI as gories that are the primary advertisers for print are relatively inactive in this recession. The real numbers will come once the situation improves and I think that newspapers will gain share. Also, once the novelty value of news channel wears off and the viewer comes out of the current euphoria, newspapers will become a important tool for news, analysis, reviews. Ques: What is the future of advertising in Pakistan? Ans: Bright. Because communication is the future and this form of communication is the lifeline for organizations whether they are involved in the commercial or the social sector. Ques: Your comments about the contribution of Jang group in the overall media environment of the country. Ans: It is the leader in this business. Has set new trends and standards. Has the power to reach people. Ques: Lastly, your message for The News on completing 20 years of its existence? Ans: Keep improving and try to create niches as the future will see more segmentation and as a newspaper aspiring to live for many years, it is important that The News caters to the new segments of the population which is emerging as the reader and consumer of the times to come.

Taher A Khan CEO of Interflow Group

Sohail Ansar Chief Executive Officer of Group M Pakistan

aher A Khan is the CEO of Interflow Group, which is the leading organisation in marketing communication and includes companies like Interflow Communications, Jupiter, Pyramid Production and joint ventures in Ogilvy & Mindshare Pakistan. Interflow Group also has interest in broadcast media and includes TV One, News One, Waseeb TV and an FM channel, Radio One.

Numan Nabi CEO of The Brand Partnership Pvt Ltd.

how do you see this trend in the coming years? Ans: I think the pie of TV advertising is growing and due to the fact that there are so many TV channels, the competition is increasing. For print, last year was more or less static but this year even print spends should increase and the newspapers should have a good year. Ques: How are you looking at digital media? We have seen some increase in the online advertising spend in Pakistan in last 2 years and now with Internet base population increasing, do you see any major in-

ohail Ansar is the Chief Executive Officer of Group M Pakistan, which is part of WPP Group of UK and is a global market leader. Globally, WPP has more than 80 companies that include creative agencies, research agencies, PR agencies, branding agencies and media agencies. Mr Ansar has more than 26 years experience in the field of marketing and spent 18 years with Unilever before moving to Group M in 2002. While at Unilever, Asnar looked after different brands and also spent some time in the corporate head office in UK.

pressure, there were certain segments of the advertising industry that still grew and this trend will continue this year as well. Ques: How would you summarise the last 10 years of media expansion in the country? Ans: Chaotic! Since its comparatively a very new industry, not just for Pakistan but globally as well, we went through the

they say) in a newspaper is gauged in more than one way. There are quantitative and qualitative parameters for it depending on the kind of product or service being advertised. Not all type of products will get similar results through any media vehicle and that should stand true for The News also. However, in a perfect fit case, The News does give the desired results. Ques: With so many TV channels and with Internet, OOH and radio also gaining their share of advertising; how do you see the future of newspapers in general and advertising in newspapers in particular? Ans: Everything grows if it is focused. Newspapers will have to prepare a better bear trap and then only will they be able to arrest the decline in their share. Judging the situation by the current loss of revenue in print will be a mistake because cate-

The News Special Report, February 2011

16
1994
September 19
of the NPT

TWENTY YEARS OF THE NEWS 2011 WITNESS TO HISTORY

1994
September 22
s Hundreds die in Indian plague while

1994
November 3
s Chief Minister NWFP Aftab Sherpao, ,

1994
November 5
s Taliban emerge in Afghanistan; capture

s Bill Clinton calls for indefinite extension

thousands are hospitalised

September 21
s Pakistan decides to purchase three

October 18
s Army moves into Karachi after 13 people

announces enforcement of Shariat in Malakand Division

November 4
s Pakistan and France sign 710 million-

Kandhar and release Pakistani caravan carrying goods and medicines to Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan

Agosta 90B submarines from France for 950 million dollars

die in sectarian violence

dollar deal for communication satellite and railway system in Karachi

November 16
s Government release Mian Mohammad

Sharif on parole

Digital media to get a major The News investigative reports are remarkable share in the future
Ques: Can you recall when The News was launched and how it made a difference? Ans: Before the launch of The News, Mir Shakilur-Rahman had launched the Lahore edition of Jang which was a major success despite the market being dominated by another major player. When The News was being launched, everyone had high hopes and expectations. Now we can all see how well The News has lived up to those expectations. Ques: What are the biggest strengths of The News? Ans: The News has always been at the forefront of investigative reporting and has made a niche for itself. The credit goes to writers like Kamran Khan and Ansar Abbasi who are some of the most credible and respected names in the field. I must say that the Jang Group has some exceptional talent working for it. For any commercial organisation, the backbone is its revenues and market share and Jang Groups backbone is very strong in the shape of its Managing Director Marketing, Sarmad Ali who is undoubtedly the best marketing professional in Pakistan. Ques: The News introduced the concept of creative advertising in newspapers in Pakistan. Do you recall any campaign where a customised creative solution offered you and your brand extra value for money? Ans: Quite a number of times, we used creative adtal agencies is outdated. We may see the one-window operation back in business again. Ques: There is a major shift of advertising revenue from Print to TV in recent years. Is this going to continue in the future? Ans: It will continue and prints share will go down further. Digital media will get a major share in the future and other new media like social media are also emerging. It is the fastest growing area in terms of percentage in Pakistan and as the internet base increases, we will see more advertisers moving to online media Digital has a lot more to offer than just banner advertising and advertisers should be ready to adopt this change. We are very committed in this area and will be launching a digital company soon. Ques: Your comments about the contribution of Jang Group towards media development and expansion in the country? Ans: The impact of the Jang Group on media development has been bigger than that of all the other media groups put together. What the Jang Group is doing now is a public service with all honestly as it is unveiling all the corruption cases and bringing them out in the public eye. Most of the judiciary cases are based on Jang investigation and reporting that is commendable and I salute Jang Group for this. In all honesty, the credit goes to the leadership of Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman who has nerves of steel. Ques: Can you recall the time when The News was launched back in 1991? Ans: Yeah, I remember very well that the launch created a big buzz in the market as the biggest media group was coming up with an English language newspaper; and with colour pages it really became the talk of the town. My biggest motivational factor was the sports pages which I loved. Ques: How do you see the content, news reporting, and investigative reporting of The News compared to other newspapers in the country? Ans: The insightful reports and investigative reports of The News are just remarkable and keep the people of the country informed. Ques: The News introduced the concept of creative advertising in newspapers; do you recall any campaign where a customised creative solution offered you and your brand extra value for money? Ans: Yes, number of times we have worked on creative designs, innovative layout and positions. I think a big advantage that Jang Group enjoys is having a guy like Sarmad Ali there who has been in advertising before and worked with some of the top clients; so that gives Jang an edge. Ques: What are the current challenges the Advertising industry is facing and have we come out of the pressure situation of the last two years? Ans: When media buyagency and single window operation for clients is a possibility? Ans: I dont see the possibility of single window operation returning because of too much competition. You need more indepth understanding of the brand which requires more than one agency to add a flavour and bring in a certain amount of experience. On the other hand I honestly believe that the media buying houses in this country have not played their role and put too much emphasis on discounts rather than being creative. Ques: In recent years, we have seen shift of major advertising revenues from print to TV; do you see this trend continuing? Ans: Print can never get eliminated all together. A lot of budget has moved to TV and that trend will continue. Advertisers will continue to explore all the available media options that can help increase reach and is cost effective Ques: How do you see the role of Jang Group in Pakistans media development? Ans: Jang Group has become bolder and aggressive which was not their earlier image. I was also part of the lawyers movement and Jang Group played a very important part and everyone acknowledged that. Ques: Your message for The News on its 20th anniversary? Ans: I wish The News all the best. Its lovely to see a socially responsible newspaper playing its role effectively.

Print industry needs to focus on getting more information about readers

Ques: Can you give us a brief background of Mindshare Pakistan? Ans: Mindshare was launched in Pakistan in September 1999 as a royalty brand. In 2003 WPP bought Mindshare through GroupM. Ques: How did the launch of The News make a difference in the English newspaper category? Ans: At that time there was only one major English newspaper and The News became the first newspaper that had colored pictures and a front page with colored photographs was a fresh change. Also, the important part of The News, the hallmark, is investigative journalism that I still read. Ques: The News introduced the concept of creative advertising; can you recall any campaign where a customized creative solution offered your brand extra value for money? Ans: I think we were the first one to do masthead branding of The News for one of our brands. Ques: How do you look at the media expansion in last 10 years? Ans: I think last 10 years have belonged to television. TV viewer-ship has grown and cable penetration has increased across Pakistan and AsiaPacific. Does it mean that print will die? Of course not! The print industry needs to focus on getting more information about readers and focus on how to get them to go back to per will be not just a simple print ad but how well advertisers can leverage editorial and news content to support their communication both from the corporate perspective and brand perspective. Supplements are one way of adding to that base but are other things that we feel can be done more viably. That will only happen when the print industry and advertisers can discuss and debate but, right now, the print side is governed by rules that at times seem outdated. Without flexibility the decline of print advertising will continue. Ques: How do you see the contribution of Jang Group in last 10 years of media expansion and keeping the nation informed and updated about all the happenings in Pakistan and abroad? Ans: Immense contribution! They have established credibility have done a mammoth service to the population in keeping them informed all these years. Now the newspapers need to become more reader-friendly to create consumer demand rather than the paper pushing readership. Ques: Your message for The News on its 20th anniversary? Ans: Congratulations! More importantly, like investigative journalism is the hallmark of The News theres room for improvement in entertainment, sports, editorial sections. The quest for constant improvement should never stop.

Masood Hashmi CEO of Orient Communications

Jamal Mir CEO of Prestige Communications

asood Hashmi is the CEO of Orient Communications. He has over 25 years of experience in the field and is one of the most respected names in the advertising industry.

vertising with our Mobilink and Jazz campaigns. I particularly remember one unusual Gillette campaign where the creative appeared as if we had shaved the whole newspaper. Ques: What challenges and opportunities do you see for the advertising industry and have we come out of the sluggish period we witnessed in last 2 years? And: I see advertising industry growing. FMCG companies, be it Unilever, P&G, Nestle or Engro have all registered growth which is good news for advertising. But the general advertising model is in trouble worldwide because of the fees structure, less commission and clients who want more and more for less and less. The structure of different creative, media, PR and digi-

amal Mir is the CEO of Prestige Communications. Mir graduated from UCLA with an Economics degree and got into the advertisingbusiness in 1987. In its 51st year of operation, Prestige is affiliated with GREY, which is part of WPP group- the relationship goes back 11 years.

Fuad Hussain Managing Director Mindshare Pakistan

uad Hussain is Managing Director, Mindshare Pakistan. Mindshare is one of the GroupM companies operating in Pakistan and is the largest media communication agency, spend-wise.

ing houses came in the country it was a huge warning to all advertising agencies that governance and the business model have to be very strong because the money that was earlier routed through the agency was not any more. Most agencies have weak financial disciplines and that is where we suffered. Secondly, many clients have not understood the business very well, which is something we have taken up with the Pakistan Advertising Society. Agency, media and client are partners in business and have to support each other to be successful. Ques: Do you think the return of earlier model of full service advertising

newspapers. Ques: Is Mindshare Pakistan doing anything to develop expertise in digital media that can educate and benefit the clients? Ans: We want to move in much stronger footholds and are looking at various options. We know we have a good client base who will understand the direction we are taking and excellent regional and global support. We feel that in next 2 years we should come out as a dominant player in the digital sector in Pakistan. Ques: How do you see the future of newspapers and newspapers advertising with TV channels, the Internet, OOH and radio also gaining their share of advertising, Ans: To me the future of advertising in newspa-

The News Special Report, February 2011

TWENTY YEARS OF THE NEWS 2011 WITNESS TO HISTORY

1994
November 22
s Shujaat Hussain arrested for fraud

17

1995
January 17
s Devastating earthquake in the Japanese

1995
March 15
s Mir Murtaza Bhutto becomes head of his

1995
April 27
s Israel and PLO sign landmark economic

December 10
s Russia bombs Chechen capital

city of Kobe claims 6,430 lives

February 9
s Two Christians sentenced to death for

faction of the Peoples Party

accord

December 11
s Russian President Boris Yeltsin orders

April 26
s ICRC report claims 100,000 people have

May 2
s Nelson Mandela wins South Africas all

troops into Chechnya

blasphemy by district sessions court in Lahore

race election

been killed in Rwandan civil strife

Less Me and more We

light the internal tussles of political par- cordoned off the crime scene, and I remember walking all the way from Schon ties. My stories on political issues Circle to the spot amidst heavy crossfire, ndrew Carnegie, a Scottish-American entrepreneur and philan- adorned the front pages for months at the he recalled. His story not only grabbed a thropist, once said, Teamwork is time, when several drastic political place on the front page but also gained the ability to work together towards a changes were taking place in Sindh, and him much fame and recognition. Mansoor strongly believes that there we extensively common vision. The ability to dican be no other organisation covered and rect individual accomplishments like The News, adding, disclosed polittoward organisational objectives. It ical issues and is the fuel that allows common Here, the reporters have the human rights people to attain uncommon refreedom and liberty to write violations. In sults. and report on topics and isfact our newssues of their choice. The News team is living proof paper actually Business Editor, Amir Zia of this saying as, together, they coined the now still remembers the day when revolutionised media in Pakistan. commonly he was invited to work for the February 11, 1991- for many, the used terms innewspaper. I had come to date is an unforgettable one. It was cluding extraon this particular date when The News building to meet a j u d i c i a l dreams turned into reality, dumfriend when I met the thenSaadia Shariff Uzma Zia Rizvi killings, he said. mies became hard copies and newsNews Editor, Imran Aslam in a H o w e v e r, stands grew vibrant. Twenty years lift, who offered me a job on on, the journey with The News has been Khan had to bear severe intimidation due the spot. Amirs first beat was reporting on exceptionally pleasant for its team mem- to his bold stories and was once kidbers. They believe that not only did they napped and held hostage for several trade unions and religious parties such as hours. But this JUP and JI, while his first byline grow as worthy professionals and incident did story was about a religious fesearned wide acclaim but for many, not discourage tival. He and his fellow rethis acknowledgement to date rehim from reporters were least bothered mains to date a huge factor that porting; his about the dangers of reporting motivates them to give their best. battle against and visited sensitive areas for Senior News Editor, Aftab such elements coverage. I also covered the Syed, who joined as a shift inbecame more floods in Sindh during the charge, has worked in the night intense. early 1990s and went to shift through out his career at The Long servQuetta to interview Nawab News. Recalling some memorable ing crime reAkbar Bugti. Going to the moments of his career he said, porter of The Karachi Press Club once a day Every year, when the national was must for us. The senior News, Kamran budget is announced, there is a journalists were generous and lot of activity in the newsroom; it Mansoor reMrs Ahmed Sheher Bano supportive, he quipped. is quite a sight to see a buzzing called the eve of Senior journalist, Zaib Azkaar Hussain, newsroom where updates are actively fol- the launch when celebrations were in full lowed and usually a biryani dinner pro- swing. After finishing our work, we all started his career with an eveninger of the gathered on the fourth floor and there was Jang Group but moved to The News after vides a much needed break. its launch. The founding president of The Reminiscing about one of the darkest merriment all night long. Mansoor describes the early days as, News Employees Union, he has written moments in Pakistani media history, he said, Back then, Prime Minister Nawaz Peaceful times - People had no cell extensively on labour rights, trade unions Sharif initiated a campaign against the phones but we never had any problems and court cases. I interviewed Asif Ali newspaper. I was heading the team in the contacting them as they were always avail- Zardari when he was in prison but there is absence of the Editor. We went on a able in the office or at their residence. a case that I still remember. A prominent hunger strike at that time to support our Those who were handling the newspaper lawyer was pressurising a judge to turn group. Syed said that he is proud to be a were not only professional but extremely down a case in which the other party was part of The News which introduced inves- supportive. The editors used to be aware innocent. I broke the story, and the innoof the news before the reporter. cent party received justice, he said with tigative journalism in Pakistan. Mansoor was the first reporter to reach a sense of pride. Sharing similar sentiments, senior Hussian, who has reported on cultural journalist Tahir Hasan Khan said that The the spot where Mir Murtaza Bhutto, News was the first publication to expose brother of then-Prime Minister Benazir corruption in the government and high- Bhutto, was assassinated. Rangers had Continued on page 18

A dream team
By Muhammad Anis
he News was the first English language daily that was published from three stations simultaneously. The paper had a pool of new and senior staff who built the publication from scratch. Twenty years on, they recall the ups and downs over the years. Shakil Shaikh joined The News Rawalpindi/Islamabad in 1992 and has been leading the reporting team as Chief Reporter for the last decade and half. Journalism in Pakistan thrived with the advent of The News. It changed the face of journalism in Pakistan and gave a voice to the masses, who were more than pleased to be heard finally, he said. I am also blessed with an exceptionally talented team of professionals who have made The News the best publication. The credit goes to Mir Shakil-urRahman, the editors and seniors who allowed us to play a part in reshaping the society. Senior journalist and The News Islamabads first chief reporter Tariq Butt said, Im lucky to have worked with an energetic team of young professionals. Its been a learning experience. Some distinguished members of the launch team have undoubtedly touched new heights in journalism because of their professionalism, honesty, dexterity and uninterrupted hard work, earning a great name in subsequent years. Sharing similar sentiments, a beaming Amir Qureshi, City Editor of the Islamabad edition, said, The News has been a second home for me these past 20 years and I feel immense pride that I was a member of the launch team. Most people consider editing an isolated job that draws copy editors into a cocoon. They fail to see how a story is shaped

By Rabia Ali and Sumaira Jajja

up by them. Its a very challenging job. Whenever a major story breaks, work becomes intense and feverish as we try to keep up with every twist and turn while remaining mindful of the deadline, he commented. Talking about his 20 years association with the publication, he said, Twenty years on, I still feel that The News offers an atmosphere, which no other newspaper can match even in one thousand years. Syed Raza Hasan and Amir Shah joined The News as computer operators in 1990 and were promoted to the post of sub-editors within a year. Raza

peared in the newspaper, Nawaz Sharif had denied having met General Javed Nasir. Over all, the experience and learning which I have gained during my association with The News would not have been possible in any other organisation, he said. Aejazul Kabir and Riaz Ahmad Khan were also part of the launch team and continue o work with The News. Aejaz terms his experience of transmission of data via Modem and Public Data Network, photocatchers, etc simply marvelous in terms of working with the latest technology of the time. Head of the Research and Reference Department, Nasir Zaidi, who joined The News in 1990 has always been of great help to reporters in providing

a great time with The News and its been an interesting experience for us, they maintained. Layout Assistant Iftikhar Ahmad performs the duty of giving layout plan of advertisements to the newsroom so that the concerned news desks could finalise their pages accordingly. The Rawalpindi office was the first to shift from traditional pasting exercise to one-piece page. This technology was then transferred to the Lahore and Karachi offices, he said with immense pride in his voice. Abdul Rehman, another wellknown figure of The News Rawalpindi office, is as energetic as he was 20 years back. Serving as an office boy, he is of great help to the members of The News team. He recalled

Editorial team of The News Rawalpindi / Islamabad Hasan, now Editor Newsnet said, The News is like my second home! Both Amir and Raza do the vital job of sorting out news stories coming from reporters and news agencies and passing them on to the news editor and shift in-charge. Senior photographer Naveed Akram started his career with The News in 1991. It feels like a dream when I look back. I am always in search of exclusive photos whether those relate to long marches, political activities or sports events. Talking about his career, Naveed recalled how he was praised by Editor-inChief Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman and then-Editor Dr Maleeha Lodhi when he captured a photo of Nawaz Sharifs hand shake with ISI Chief Major General Javed Nasir. Before that photo apbackground information in the shortest possible time. Being one of the pioneers, he has always enjoyed working with professional editors, investigative reporters and courageous columnists at The News. My 20 years experience with the core team remains a source of inspiration for me even today, Zaidi said. Sajid Javed joined the organisation as a junior clerk and has came a long way to become Senior Editorial Assistant. Sajid also holds additional responsibility of working as assistant to the Resident Editor. Working with The News is an honour and feels like a dream! he said. Muhammad Aqeel and Tahir Malik (presently page makers) started as copy-pasters on the same day in 1990. We enjoyed that it was his brother who requested Mir Shakil to get him a job in the publication. Thanks to Shakil Saheb, I got a job in The News. I have performed duties for editors including Dr Maleeha Lodhi, late Farooq Mazhar, Salim Bokhari, Talat Hussain, Ziauddin, Fahad Hussain and now Mohammad Malick. Dr Lodhi was the toughest of all as she wanted to see discipline in the office, he said. I think serving tea to the editorial staff is the most important job for me as it will keep them alert and fresh while they perform their challenging tasks, he noted. The writer is Staff Reporter, The News Islamabad/Rawalpindi

The News Special Report, February 2011

18
1994
May 11

TWENTY YEARS OF THE NEWS 2011 WITNESS TO HISTORY

1995
August 13
s Kashmir militants are accused of

1995
September 12
s Sher Bahadur Deuba is sworn in as

1995
October 2
s France carries out nuclear test in Pacific

s Charar Sharif shrine is gutted during

shootout between Islamic militants and Indian troops in Occupied Kashmir

beheading Hans Ostro, one of the their five western hostages

May 17
s Jacques Chirac sworn in as French

September 6
s Thousands of Afghans storm Pakistans

president

embassy in Kabul, slaying one official

In the face of adversity

sain Naqi, the founding Editor of The News along with execuhe pioneer members tive director of the group Dr Arof The News believe shad Islam. I found Naqi Saheb to be a that their two decades long associ- thorough professional who ination with this news- troduced a new culture in Enpaper was the major part of glish print media where emphatheir lives and they were proud sis on team work was greatly relied on and far away of having this great from the Babu culexperience. ture prevailing in These founding other newspapers of members have also the country. witnessed some Recalling the turbulent phases in dummy days of The the history of The News and were of News, Kamal said the view that dethat a lot had spite a few bitter changed in terms of episodes when technology. I started even the paper was working at The News reduced to four and was paid an Moeen Ahmed pages during amount of Rs 3000 as Nawaz Sharifs an apprentice, which, second era, its staffers were not at that time, seemed good subjected to any economic enough to make both ends hardship and always felt se- meet. We used to play cricket cured of their jobs. matches that were really fun for Kamal Azeem, a senior sub- all as our female colleagues editor, summing up his 20 years used to cheer us up while we at The News said, I always was were on field. One-dish parties passionate about were held in colleagues journalism and houses and in the used to write artilighter vein marriages cles for Pakistan are made in heaven Times and differbut some are made in ent English magaThe News. zines particularly He added that duron sports. When it ing his two decades was advertised that long association with the Jang Group this largest English daily of Pakistan, he was going to had the privilege of launch a state-ofworking with some the art newspaper seasoned professionin English, I made Kamal Azeem als like Hussain Naqi, it a point to join this prestigious organisation. Masoodullah Khan, Dr Masoom Thousands of applicants ap- Abidi, Imtiaz Sipra, MA Niazi, plied but only the best made it Kamila Hayat, Salim Bokhari to The News. I remember giv- and Ayesha Haroon. Imran ing English test in the Jang Aslam, Fareshteh Gati (now Forum Hall. I was interviewed Fareshteh Aslam), Ashar by a seasoned journalist Hus- Rehman, Amir Ghauri and

By Faizan Bangash

Less Me and more We

Continued from page 17

of journalists including the towering figures of journalism like Ghazi Salahuddin, Hussain Naqi and Maleeha Lodhi reMuhammad Ayub are also the mained associated with The people I miss in the office. News and this paper was a sucAbdul Rauf Sheikh, another cess story within a few days of founding member said, I its launch and still occupying a joined this newspaper because major slot in the English print I thought that this media. I joined this could prove a very organisation in good experience for September 1990, me and my assumption the days when the eventually proved paper wasnt even true. Rauf Sheikh, launched and I currently serving as have worked in it Editor Coordination for almost two with The News, Ladecades. Moeen Ahmed hore went on to say stated that he was that the period he had also the witness of spent while working in that episode this esteemed newspaper is still the most Abdul Rauf Sheikh which remained the most turbulent memorable time of his phase of The News in late 90s life. Rauf Sheikh further stated but even then its staffers were that Editor-in-Chief of the not affected economically. group, Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman Munir Khokhar, another piwas the source of inspiration oneering staffer of The News, for him when he joined this or- and also the President of Jang ganisation, adding, It is Mir Printing Press Union who reShakils hard work that has re- mained at the forefront during sulted in the glory being the struggle period of bestowed on The late 90s when Jang News. Group was fighting Moeen Ahmed, for its right against another pioneering the then government member of The stated that The News News from Lahore was the only English who is currently servdaily which had ing as a Reporter in never compromised Geo TV stated that it with regime, when it was this newspaper comes to principles. which gave a new diIt is a matter of mension to English immense pride for journalism. me that I stood Munir Khokhar He said when this with this newspapaper was launched, it was a per when it faced the worst beginning of a new era in En- form of victimisation by the glish print media and The government and it was reduced News introduced several new to merely four pages but even concepts which were not seen then, the administration of this in another newspapers before group didnt compromise over 1991, thus made it a paper of its principles! high quality. The writer is Staff Moreover, Mooen Ahmed Reporter, The News Lahore further said that the best team

Seize the day

Nepal Prime Minister

October 11
s Bosnian govt signs ceasefire with Serbs

October 1

s US court convicts Sheikh Omar of Egypt

October 20-30
s 2nd Middle East North Africa Economic

and 9 others of plotting to blow up UN HQ and kill President Hosni Mubarak

summit is held in Amman

By Salman Aslam

he largest circulated English daily, The News, is going to celebrate its 20th founding anniversary with the promise of practicing journalism without fear and favour in the years to follow. Former members of The News, who had been serving in various capacities, lauded the newspapers contribution to the countrys journalism which they say maintains impartiality, ethics, accuracy and objectivity. The News achieved highest popularity among other English dailies in the country for its ethical standard. It has brought radical change in journalism for gaining peoples confidence besides coming closer to the common people, in joy and sorrow, in the last two decades. Salim Bukhari, known for his immaculate concepts and vision, who had served in various capacities in Jang Group in the past two decades, says its a unanimously accepted fact that The News is a vibrant newspaper and represents all segments of the society. The News has taken up high risk issues regardless of the consequences. The News has attracted a significant amount of attention due to its innovative approach. It is not structured like a traditional paper. The papers team worked with innovation to come up with a new way to organise the product. Unlike the popular trend in our society The News brought technological advancement in print media by bringing in Apple Macintosh

systems and coloured display in 1991. He said that the teams produced by this organisation are no doubt the elites of the journalistic community. Its views can arguably be termed as the best among all contemporary newspapers. Mir Shakil-urRehman is the most daring entrepreneur who has taken up anti-ruling-party stances and has gone the extra mile by staying consistent with them without bowing to pressures no matter how intense. The magnitude of the Jang Group is such an extensive net-

Former News Editor, Waqar Mustafa, feels proud to have been associated with The News for about a third of his career that spans over two decades. He says The News was an agent of change in introducing the latest technology that made the production process faster and more efficient than before and put the new entrant to the Jang family ahead of its competitors. The News would always feature investigative stories ones that gave the people in the saddle reasons to shudder. As a former news editor,

In addition to providing captivating and enlightening insights into news and issues, The News has had the privilege of availing the services of the most celebrated professionals in the field of journalism
work which no other media organisation can neither afford nor sustain and the success of Geo TV Network rests on the strong foundations built by Jang and The News. The paper has given the freedom to experiment and this freedom has been passed on to all the staff. The team members were extremely enthusiastic about their working environment and what it allows them to do. Theres this motivating feeling, he recalled. The paper chose to hire not just experienced professional journalists, but brought in some young people who were technologically adept and very knowledgeable about computer, photography, designing and printing. Waqar cherishes presiding over The Newss moments of glory. Synthesising copy, pictures and headlines to create compelling pages; directing a readers eye with clever design; taking information from diverse sources and turning it into a clear narrative such a wonderful period it was that I would cut short my weekends, lengthen my work hours, ignore my friends and immerse myself in work. The News should never identify with any side in an issue, a conflict or a dispute. It hurts me to see The News being perceived as biased. The News must always strive to be scrupulously fair and balanced. It must also be on guard against bias in its choice of words. It

should make a fundamental distinction between its factual news stories and clearly-labeled opinion pieces. Only better editing can be a solution. The use of better ink is a must to stay in competition. Smudging is something only few readers like, he suggested. Rana Jawad had served The News Lahore as Chief Reporter, said, The News is a trend setter in investigative reporting. Its outstanding performances set a new benchmark for other newspapers throughout the country. I will always treasure those memories of my time I have spent there. Sharing a similar sentiment, Atif Mateen said, The News has not only introduced new electronic technology in the industry but also produced generations of laudable journalists. The major achievement of the newspaper is its matchless trend of introducing investigating and bold reporting and a prompt response to issues. I hope the trends introduced by this newspaper would attain further achievements in future and other newspapers would also follow the footsteps of the paper, said Naeem Tahir. The News is a trendsetter in investigating reporting. It digs up information on the stories which are yet to be published. It has introduced a new newspaper format by bringing in separate pages like city pages, business pages, international and local pages. The best and top writers contribute to the newspaper particularly for editorial pages. The newspaper has introduced the latest technology and colored pages since its inception besides launching its publications in America and Europe, said Jawad Muzaffar Goraya. The writer is Senior Staff reporter, The News Lahore

Senior Sub-editor (Business Desk), Asma Ahmed has also been and literary activities in Karachi, with The News for the last twenty said, I believe that The News gave a years. This was my first job and will new life to city reporting! be my last. The time I have spent Editor Supplements, Sheher here has been extremely pleasant, Bano, joined the organisation on and the people I have worked with September 15, 1990, in Islamabad are wonderful. Appointed as a seas sub-editor when the paper was nior sub-editor at the National Desk taking out its trial pages. She main- and for the World pages, she later tained that The News is a wonderful moved to the Business pages. organisation which has always enThe next best thing to being a couraged women journalists. In sportsman is being a sports journal1992, she moved to Karachi and ist, believes Editor Sports, Khalid started working on the supplements Hussain, who joined The News at desk where she was doing the age of 17. His belief editing as well as reportproved to be right when he got the opportunity ing. In 1995, she took the to cover top sporting charge of the desk as its events and tournaments editor. across the globe. One of the most memHe termed the Sydorable interviews I conney Olympics as a great ducted was of Zafarullah Khan Jamali, the former experience. It was Prime Minister, who had amazing to see how the the privilege of being the entire city was involved polling agent and bodyin the sporting event. guard of Mohtarma Fatima Another event which I Abid Abdullah enjoyed covering was a Jinnah. I also travelled all over Pakistan to interview the nurse, squash match between a 7-foot tall personal cook and staff of the Qauid- American basketball player and the i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, and legendary Jahangir Khan. I have always been there at contried to gather historical facts about them, she said. Another reporting trovertial times. When Bob Woolmer assignment of hers, on the launch of died during the World Cup, I turned JF-17 Thunder, became the lead into a crime reporter for days- covstory on page one. Bano has also ering press briefings and going to been awarded for a story on women hospitals for the reports. Last year, I was at Lords, when the living near the Indo-Pak borspot-fixing scandal der who had never seen a broke, he said. doctor in their lives. Hussain is now aimYet another memorable ing to attend this years interview of hers was of Wimbledon, and cover the wife of Mir Khalil-urthe FIFA in Brazil in Rahman (MKR), which is 2014. I have been to all so far the first and the last the continents except interview given by the lady. Antarctica. I just want to I was given the vision of go there and see if any this paper right at the besports are played there, ginning by the Editor-inhe said while smiling. Chief Mir Shakil-ur-RahAftab Syed Talking about the iniman and his father, the tial days of The News, founding editor, Mir Khalilur-Rahman. During this interview Group Executive Director and Mrs Mir Khalil further clarified Group Executive Editor (North), MKRs sacred mission of upholding Abid Abdullah said that Mir Shakilthe norms of truth through journal- ur-Rahman (MSR) had a huge responsibility on his shoulders. With ism, Bano recalled. Bano, who holds an MSc in An- The News, MSR aimed to carry on thropology, said, I always wanted with the vision of his illustrious famy voice to be heard and that is why ther, Mir Khalil-ur-Rahman. Since it I became a journalist. The was a change of guard, risks were there as the News supplements set the line between success trends and others simply and failure was very followed. The journey here fine. MSR had new and has been just the right bold ideas and he transcombination of tears and formed the Jang Group laughter. Being my parent organisation, I never felt to cater to the reading like leaving The News. It habits of a new generawas thanks to my learning tion at the far end of the from the most experienced 20th Century. Like his journalists of the time that father, he had his fingers on the pulse of the I could pursue a short felLucas Peter changing times. lowship on advance reportAbdullah feels that the two ing offered in collaboration with the British Council and London School decades of The News is a story of of Economics. I want The News to perseverance where the publication reach greater heights in the years to stood by the ethics of truth in news come and eagerly look forward to reporting, investigative articles and more so the presentation of facts to celebrating its silver jubilee.

The News legacy lives on... former editors Ghazi Salahuddin (fourth left) and Imram Aslam (third left) with current Editor Talat Aslam (centre) along with the Group MD Shahrukh Hasan (second right) and the editorial team photographed at The News Twentieth Anniversary bash

its readers in their origilike Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, nality. Though the print we walked right into a media in general has refairytale. sisted the coercive My earnest desire for stance of the establishThe News is to bring to its ment, The News has alreaders and advertisers a cutting edge approach ways been a victim of through innovations, stayextra pressure from the ing ahead by creating power corridors but it trends others can follow. has had the grit and Uzma Zia Rizvi, Group courage to face such Director Marketing arm-twisting policies. Sohail Mirza (South), started her career This was mainly made on December 8, 1991, as a possible by its management and working journalists who Marketing Executive in Lahore. stand by the truth in all adverse cir- After completing my Masters in Sociology from the Punjab University I cumstances, he said. Given that building a brand is no responded to an ad in Jang Lahore. mean feat, the marketing depart- Sharif Javed, the Supplements Manment of The News had a hard task ager at Lahore, interviewed and ofwhen it came to building a strong fered me the job. I even remember identity for The News. Commanding the exact date of my joining as it was a lions share due to its my parents wedding ancreative marketing niversary. I worked for suptrends, The News broke plements for nearly three ground and set up new years before moving to standards for other pubKarachi, and joining Jang Karachi as Assistant Manlications to follow. ager Supplements. In Joining The News September 1995, I moved in 1996, after working to The News ROP and for a highly organised havent looked back she and systematic MNC said. was like shifting from As for her long associacruising to rafting- with tion with The News, she all its ingredients of Amir Zia risks, adventure, and said, I cant compare The hard-earned rewards, News with any other orsaid Group Director Marketing ganisation since Jang Group is the (North), Saadia Shariff. only organisation that I have worked Sharing her experiences of mar- for. The News was my first job and keting a new brand, she said, The my first love. I consider it an honour concept of turning a newspaper into to be associated with the largest a brand was a novelty in itself back media house of the country. then. We took upon the task with a Sharing her experience in terms barrage of advertising, PR activities of marketing The News as a brand, and innovative sales. I she said, it has been a jourspecifically remember ney towards modernisaour campaign that tion. The News was the touched every aspect of first newspaper that the Lahori Life so started offering innovative much so that we had the and creative advertising slogan If its in Lahore, opportunities for its clients its in The News. On to project their message the twentieth annivermore effectively. The News not only stood out sary, Shariff says, Sharbut became a trend setter. iff terms The News BasSharing one of her ant at Kamran Bara Dari memorable marketing asas her most memorable event. A moment of Tahir Hassan Khan signments, Uzma recalled, epiphany on the bank of River Ravi Once I organised the Boney M show brought about the most magical at the Karachi Parsi Institute for our event. Sitting in the grandeur advertisers and agencies. Listening Mughal architecture amidst the tra- and watching Liz Mitchell sing and ditional colourful environment of perform live her popular numbers basant and listening to musicians like Daddy Cool, Ma Baker, By the

as a force to reckon with, he said, I wish The News team, editorial and marketing, all the best. Sohail Mirza, currently the General Manager (Sales & Distribution) backed Qazis views and said that he has grown with the publication. I had recently graduated, was in my early 20s and jobless after a six month stint at a company, when I came across an ad of the Jang Group looking for fresh staff. I joined as marketing executive, a very junior position. At that point, we didnt have the attractive packages that included fuel, cell phones or cars, but (2nd row): Sarmad Ali (C), Uzma Rizvi (L), Saadia Sahriff (R) & Lucas Peter (3rd we put in a lot of hard work regardleft) photographed with Jang Groups marketing team less. I remember travelling on a bike Jang Groups General Man- to get business and by the time I Rivers of Babylon, Run ager (Special Projects) showed up in the office, I was Run Rasputin and Saleem Qazi is one of the sweaty, hungry and half asleep. This Brown Girl in the Ring, oldest employees in the did not deter me, in fact it gave me was simply nostalgic. company. Facing the Her- the courage to do things in an out of Even today, when I get culean task of marketing the box manner, he asserted. a chance to listen to Talking about the initiatives taken the publication, he and his Boney M music I recall team remained steadfast, by The News, he said, When reachthat tribute concert for Initially business was slow ing out to potential clients, we often Boney M. I still cherish and to be honest, in loss. got the feedback that news is the the autographed photo Its true that we had a same in all publications. We agreed that Liz Mitchell gave strong backing of the Jang with their view point but said, yes me on that occasion. Group but for The News news is news but at The News, we Expressing her Saleem Qazi thoughts on completion this was often taken in a take a different approach and interof 20 years by The News, she said: negative way. However, in later act with the readers. The USP of This is an occasion for us to cele- years, we gave tough competition to The News was its sports pages and brate our achievements and renew our competitors. We received major the Op-ed section. Given that it wasour commitment to give the best to business especially from the automo- nt easy to break the monopoly of a our customers in the days to come. I bile sector which was booming in the rival paper, we banked on young am looking forward to celebrating country at that time. We worked readers and created a new market the silver jubilee of The News in hard on the brand image of The for the paper. Mirza stressed that throughout 2016! News and built it from scratch. Its Group Director Marketing Online now a matter of pride for us to see the years, the marketing team tried to cut down the gap between manand OOH, Lucas Peter said that his our hard work paying off so well. agement and advertisers. Talking about a love for The News develWe competed head to tough competitive oped when he saw the market, where one head with a rival publicaptivating advertiseEnglish paper had cation for supplements. ments during its ruled for a long Market intelligence was launch. At that time, I time and The followed actively. Our was not working but I News was still in foreign supplements was impressed by the were popular and atads and the music. its nascence, he tracted the readers and When I saw the glazed said, Since incepadvertisers. From crenewspaper, I wished tion our main tarative advertising to regthat I worked for it. get was to grab ular interaction, we ofWith his focus on readers interest. fered something dealing with the online With its colour Khalid Hussain marketing of the Jang pages and various Kamran Mansoor different, he said. There were incenGroups websites, Peter magazines full of was the part of the team which human interest stories, The News tives for readers too. The Newslaunched the first newspaper website offered a complete package to its Club was a success. We had dinners in the country. It was in February readers. Supplements ranged from and days-out at Fun Land at Clifton, 1997 that the groups website in-depth reports on Korea and with halva puri breakfasts and free www.jang-group.com was launched. Japan, to having special issues on rides for readers. At the end of the Sharing his experiences he re- important days. day they felt part of The News and called a supplement on education Summing up the can do, will do this loyalty has endured, he said. which he took out along with Sup- approach of the organisation, Qazi Stating that he never felt the urge plements Editor Sheher recalled, Once Frontier Is- to leave The News as it is now a Bano. It was the first lamics Shakirullah Durrani home away from home, he said, time that professionals was printing a prospectus On its 20th birthday, I wish to see it belonging to the educain collaboration with an- flourish and prosper all the more. tion sector and instituother publication. I called And best of luck to The News team. tions were promoted in Two decades is a long time but him up and asked as to why the media, he said. The News was not chosen for many it still feels like yesterday Despite digital for the project. Durrani when The News was launched. While media threatening the Saheb said that they didnt many members moved out and many newspaper industry have the budget for The more joined in, for every staff memacross the globe, Peter News. However, I got MSR ber of The News, WE has refeels that no such to call him as I knew he re- mained consistent. As we celebrate threat is prevalent in spected him a lot and would the 20th anniversary of the publicaZaib Azkaar the country. Print has not refuse. Eventually we tion that changed the media landa future in Pakistan. However, our got the task. Later, Durrani Saheb scape in Pakistan, here are three organisation needs to put more em- called me and appreciated my move. cheers for team The News! phasis on the digital part of The These were little things, going that Rabia Ali is reporter and News, he suggested. extra mile, which helped us a lot. Sumaira Jajja is Senior Well known for his deep voice, Happy and content that the Sub-editor, The News Karachi friendly personality and witty quips, baby born 20 years ago now stands

The News Special Report, February 2011

TWENTY YEARS OF THE NEWS 2011 WITNESS TO HISTORY

1995
November 4
s Israeli PM Yitzhak Rabin assassinated in

21

1995
December 20
s NATO takes over Bosnian peacekeeping

1996
January 13
s General Jehangir Karamat becomes Chief

1996
January 21
s Yasser Arafat scores landslide victory

Tel Aviv. Foreign Minister Shimon Peres is named acting premier

mission from UN. It is the biggest military operation in its 50-year-history

of Army Staff

in presidential elections.

December 19
s Jehangir Karamat succeeds Abdul

December 21
s 40 people die and over 140 wounded

January 16
s India decides to deploy Prithvi missiles

January 27
s India tests long-range Prithvi missile

on border with Pakistan

capable of carrying nuclear warheads.

Waheed Kakar as Chief of Army Staff

when bomb rocks Peshawar

Going global entering the digital age

By Chris Cork
nybody picking up the first issue of The News twenty years ago would have in their hands a very local product. It would have been bought from a street vendor or one of the larger bookshops that stocked Englishlanguage newspapers, and read by primarily men who were part of a thin stratum - the educated middle and upper classes. Outside of the diplomatic community few foreigners would have read it. Circulation figures for newspapers in Pakistan are as closely guarded a secret then as they are now, but it would be reasonable to assume that sales for The News were, nor are, anywhere close to those of the Urdu and vernacular language dailies. It launched into a market where English-language newspapers tended towards the conservative - and quickly made a mark as being slightly less conservative editorially than its companions, a position it has maintained. For the world outside the military and some of the larger multinational companies twenty years ago, the internet was a concept beyond common knowledge. Computers were not items of domestic use outside the early and primitive games machines and word processors, and the thought that within less than a generation the worlds children would have the opportunity to play together online in their millions would have been met with disbelief. It all started to change in the early 1990s. The age of the internet dawned, and it dawned for Pakistan in 1993 with the establishment of Imran-Net, a dial-up email and newsgroup service. By 1997

there was an internet connection in a large Gilgit NGO and by 1999 the foundations were in place for the nationwide network that continues to expand today - with the latest estimate being that there 18 million of us with an internet connection. The explosion in communication technologies across the world might have been slower to happen in Pakistan, but its effects are no less dramatic. In order to make an international phone call twenty years ago, especially in rural areas, you had to book the call often a day in advance. Today, the world can speak to itself - for free using one of several VOIP services that allow computer-to-computer calls over the internet. Cheap mobile telephony, which is not literacy-dependent for its usage has made an even bigger impact. Pakistan has the highest regional mobile penetration at 64.2% at December 2010 figures, and an unknown proportion - but probably very small - of those consume their news via their handsets. A cell phone owner who cannot read or write can call New York from the middle of their cotton field as easily as if they were shouting over the wall of his or her compound. For a developing country we are highly connected, and with the slowly growing literacy rate and an increasing number of pages on the internet being available in Urdu, the trend towards connectivity for all

people is steadily upwards. To use the jargon, platforms are converging. A phone used to be just a phone, a computer a computer, and neither spoke to the other. If you wanted to buy a book you went to a bookshop. If you wanted to read a newspaper you went to anything from a street-based vending machine to a public library. Today all the principle newspapers of the country, in several languages, are available for free on the

internet. Western experiments with paid access to online newspapers have mostly been costly failures thus far and are unlikely to make an appearance here. Our newspapers, The News included, now have a web presence

and their readership has leaped by untold millions; none of whom pay for their papers. Versions of them can be read on a mobile phone or a device like a Blackberry, and all of them can be read on the new tablet devices or e-readers. Newspapers have ceased to be just paper or have any physical

presence at all, yet amidst this plethora of mediums for communication the print media and the English-language press in particular, survive. The paper newspaper of twenty years ago was parochial and only part of the internal dialogue, but the digital revolution of the 90s gave newsprint a global footprint. Nation did indeed begin to speak to nation, and there were created vast galleries of pictures of life and times in places other than the one where we all live. Initiatives such as Aman ki Asha which is now into its second year would have been impossible to conceptualise or execute without the internet. The News may not have a large paper presence in India, but it can be read in any Indian home or office or internet caf courtesy of the world-wide web. The bridge that politicians on both sides have failed to build now exists in cyberspace. Digitised words and images need neither visa nor air ticket to fly across miles and fortified borders. Indian writers appear on these pages because they are able to send their copy in seconds across a border that is physically impossible for most of us to cross. Our politicians who people the OpEd pages and the analysts who decode for us what they are trying to say, all do so via the internet. The News has a daily letters section. A lively interchange of views and comments - and The News only rarely receives a pen-and-paper letter. The vast majority of letters that get published come through the internet - and they come from all over the world. People who may be thousands of miles away from the opportunity to buy a physical copy of the paper read it online, and they interact with it in the same way. It is significant that this newspaper was subjected to a sustained and prolonged Dedicated Denial of Service (DDOS) attack in 2010. Whoever wanted to silence it, or in-

The first iteration of The News is as alive today as it was twenty years ago. There will be many who prefer to absorb their daily intake of the affairs of the world through a set of folded sheets of paper that still, no matter the advances in print technology, leave you with inky fingers. And in another twenty years? Who knows. We may be buying a newspaper that is itself a semi-sentient creature which uses the latest nanotechnology, which speaks to us rather than us having to go to all the trouble of actually reading it
fluence content, did not attack the physical offices or the printing presses - they attacked the cyber-presence of The News, they tried to silence the global voice that was presenting a view critical of the government and individuals within it - and failed. Some vendors in parts of the country were threatened and beaten, and copies of the newspaper burned by political activists, but it was the ability to speak nation-unto-nation that the hackers wanted to interdict. It was a costly battle, but ultimately lost by those who sought to silence a voice

that has more tongues than they have means of silencing them. The most recent developments in the newspaper as a cross-platform medium have taken them into the truly interactive. The News now talks directly with its readership. Comments on the stories that appear can be posted and these exist only in cyberspace, they do not appear in any print edition and add a wholly new dimension to the experience of reading a newspaper. Video clips have further fleshed out the news experience and anybody opening the webpage of The News today, be it the e-paper or the news portal, will find themselves at the cutting edge of news-as-somethingother-than-a-newspaper. Not only unthinkable twenty years ago but unthought-of outside the realms of even fantasy fiction. And yet, there still lives the print edition. The first iteration of The News is as alive today as it was twenty years ago. There will be many who prefer to absorb their daily intake of the affairs of the world through a set of folded sheets of paper that still, no matter the advances in print technology, leave you with inky fingers. You find The News in the fashionable coffee shops of Zamzama in Karachi, the supermarkets of Islamabad and on the hostess-serviced intercity buses that ply the land. It gets handed out on aircrafts travelling nationally and internationally, and gets printed in the UK as well in these diverse days. And in another twenty years? Who knows. We may be buying a newspaper that is itself a semi-sentient creature which uses the latest nanotechnology, which speaks to us rather than us having to go to all the trouble of actually reading it. Whatever it is it will not be anything other than global, speaking to the Pakistani Diaspora and them to it. And there will still be those, in twenty years time, who have a wistful remembrance of that most unique of smells - the intermingling of the aroma of toast, freshly-brewed tea and the intoxicating perfume that comes from a freshly-opened printed newspaper.

The News Special Report, February 2011

22
1996
April 25
political party

TWENTY YEARS OF THE NEWS 2011 WITNESS TO HISTORY

1996
June 23
s Sheikh Hasina Wajed sworn in as Prime

1996
September 27
s Taliban capture Kabul and hang former

1996
November 5
s President Farooq Leghari dissolves NA

s Ex-cricketer Imran Khan launches new

Minister of Bangladesh

May 16
s Vajpayee sworn in as Indian Prime

August 6
s Scientists find evidence of possible life

President Najibullah and his brother in public

November 18
s Accountability Ordinance promulgated

November 4
s Bill Clinton re-elected President of the

December 8
s US & Egypt draft a document to serve as

Minister

on Mars

United States of America

a basis for a Hebron Agreement

A labour of love
By Sheher Bano
he birth of The News came at a time, when the world was witnessing the ravages and the damages of the cold war era. It was the time when Pakistan had hardly savoured the fruit of democracy, after the long dictatorship of Gen Zia-ul-Haq. When it is the news, it is in The News. The slogan had and still has that dynamism and assertion, which speaks volumes about the real objec-

riod was the technological revolution in making the world a global village. While keeping pace with time and coming at par with the latest trends and changes, The News made its headway in many respects. The English newspapers which traditionally remained an elite domain and a medium of communication to generally very serious and sober audience now appealed everyone, from young to old and from literate to semi literate-pro-

tives with which The News was launched on Feb 11, 1991. The determination for digging the facts, finding exclusive stories, and giving striking features which attract the readers was and still is its primary objective since its inception. The world has changed tremendously after 1991 and a major change during this pe-

viding everything for everyone. While its various news and magazines sections catered to the hard core journalism with unbiased and courageous reporting, its supplements and special reports were yet another area it was venturing on, thus creating a paradigm shift. At the time when there were sweeping changes in the way the supplements were pro-

duced in the international world of print media, The News supplements were a unique mix of information and commercialism. With their lively lay out, design ideas and themes to generate public debate, well-planned and informative supplements of The News were the most effective tools for reaching out to a large number of audiences. Undoubtedly, the Pakistani market has a lot of potential for absorbing new ideas. However, being competitive the newspap e r s coloured supplements market is probably the most time-critical. The organisation is fully cognisant of the fact that every day is a New Day for marketing buffs, so its multi-site operations offer flexibility in prepress, printing and finishing, enabling it to deliver high volumes on time completely catering to the clients requirements. With the change in marketing strategies, the appearance

of a newspaper has also changed. Being fully aware of the hard core news sections of the newspapers, and what effects these usually have on the readers, the marketing giants have now started coming up with new ideas of giving information to their readers in a subtle but cautious way to meet the aesthetic sense of the readers as well. Supplements like, real estate and automobiles seem to be much specialised topics but when these were published in The News, they not only aroused interest in experts but also amongst everyday readers. Similarly, lot of ads on using a credit card or drawing cash from the ATM machine could not bring a change which a supplement like One Link on these issues could bring about. It is this magical power with which the supplements reach the masses with their appealing and targeted messages. One of the main fortes in the initial years of its inception was to take out country reports, while sending special editorial teams to different countries to collect first hand information and interesting features and stories. At that time internet was not introduced in Pakistan, and a common man did not have any access to such information.

Reports, under the guidance of Shahrukh Hassan, the marketing head at that time, on Korea Today, France, Japan, Netherlands, Kenya, etc were exclusive in nature, were worth reading and were well received by readers due to their editorial content. The News supplements tried to highlight the issues, related to any field, ranging from technology, economy, business and finance, to livelier topics like beauty, health, women, media, fashion, etc, which appealed readers from every strata of the society. The main advantage of a newspaper supplement is that these give additional knowledge to the readers with no extra cost. Although, it is not as easy as it appears to be, The News supplements tried to keep a non-profit relation with its readers. Those very impor-

tant aspects which fail to get front page coverage due to No News factor get the same in the supplements thus developing a very special relation with the readers with no extra cost. Another important factor ie immediacy makes The News supplements a quick publication and distribution tool, so much so that the proposals put forward yesterday are distributed to the public the next day. As far as their coverage, The News supplements had an edge over its well established strong contemporaries when people appreciated supplements like Dining out and Recycling Industry Aviation or Musical Notes. Same was the case with special editions, printed on some particular occasions usually in the format of a tabloid or broadsheet which covered wide-ranging and less time-critical subjects. Reports like Rising Pakistan gave an account of growth in every field of life, by highlighting success stories. Such reports created a positive image of Pakistan in the world. The advertising supplement which periodically accompanies a newspaper and is meant for fulfilling the commercial purpose of the newspaper was given a special treatment in The News. 50 Years of Marketing, a 40-page supplement printed in the magazine format was probably the first of its kind in which a lot of advertising gurus running various advertising agencies talked about chronicle account of the developments in the marketing field. The News supplements have not only raised social issues, while becoming the voice of people, these have also given the other side of the picture i.e. highlighting the challenges of the industry and the problems government has been facing. In this connection a supplement on Writing Instruments was probably the first of its kind, where the challenges of this important industry were highlighted. The issue

of globalisation and how it is affecting the local industries of Pakistan was highlighted in this and other related reports. It is said that in the economic recession, the con-

str uction industry can have a trail blazing effect in generating employment, starting development, and alleviating poverty. A series of supplements on construction and allied industry was printed in The News, which had positive effect on the economy of the country. Similarly, while realising at the very onset that philanthropy is growing and charity begins at home, The News never kept itself oblivious of the natural disasters which resulted in mass destruction and supported various social causes through its supplements and reports. It not only initiated campaigns but also produced supplements on Special Citizens of Pakistan Pukar for Tsunami Relief or Pukar for Earthquake Relief and lately on catastrophic floods in Pakistan a n d printed updated information on these critical issues. By giving the produce of these supplements to these special causes, The News made its contribution to minimise the sufferings of those who needed help. These special editions can be categorised as harbouring a partnership which is aimed at serving the community for a Good Cause. As a matter of fact The News supplements have developed a working relationship among the writer/columnist/or

the analysts who initiate a debate or float new ideas or give any useful information as well as the readers and the local papers editors and journalists. In this connection standard newspaper coverage is used to publicise activities and generate debate through news stories, featured articles etc while Special supplements are used to provide in-depth coverage of very special topics like Pakistan Resolution Day or Pakistan Movement and the role of various stalwarts of the movement. These editions enjoy greater credibility due to the fact that veteran writers, columnists, feature writers, researchers and historians contribute to these reports through their well researched and thought provoking articles and features. In some reports, important historical facts were unearthed which not only generated public debate but also helped the researchers to conduct more in-depth research on that particular topic. Such reports also turn into library material due to their exquisite editorial content. A case in point was a report about the political career and death of Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah. In this report, an attempt was made to dig deep into history and meet those people who were close to Fatima Jinnah and the Quaid-i-Azam, in Karachi, Lahore, Quetta. These people who were quite old by that time, but had served the two personalities in their life time and could unveil many historical facts, gave their opinion for the first time. It was the report for which I interviewed the then Prime Minister of Pakistan Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali, who had close association with the family of the Quaid. This is the importance and the level of interest which such topics can arise. Presenting a fine blend of quality editorial content and creative presentation, when this report was printed, many libraries and educational institutes called for its extra copies. Such reports provide good reference material for the students who get to know only one aspect of history through their history books.
Continued on page 26

All about You!

By Erum Noor Muzaffar
ou! is a magazine which caters to the women of Pakistan. The magazine focuses on a wide range of women and gender issues: from health, social and political issues to personal grooming beauty, fashion and lifestyle. The News started off with several magazines apart from You!. There was Us, Them, We - however, over the years only two of these magazines survived - You! and Us. In the early 1990s You! magazine was unique because this was probably one of the first newspaper magazines solely dedicated to women. Of course, there had been pages dedicated to women in many Urdu and English newspapers, but never a weekly magazine. In this way You! magazine was a first of its kind. Interestingly, although the editor and staff have usually been females, You! has also had a male on its team. Mohsin Sayeed - a known name in the fashion world was part of the first team with the then editor of You! - Talath Naqvi. Initially You! magazine was in the form of a mag-

azine or A-4 size, comprising 24 pages, with fashion spreads carried on two and four pages. You! gave its readers insight into the fashion world as well as the changing trends in fashion and beauty. But that was not all it was about. Over the years, You! magazine carried reports on several social taboos that were not covered at the time, and revealed the other side of the society, which existed but was never talked about. One of the more popular sections and an important one of the You! magazine was SAC, Yous version of agony aunt. In this section, our readers ask our team of experts for solutions on various problems. Therefore, You! played the role of a listener and counsellor for many women out there. Over the years this section gained so much popularity that now several males also write to us for guidance. The magazine also had sections for recipes, gardening tips, make up tips, parental guidance - naming a few sections. It also served as a platform for many people in the fashion and beauty world by displaying their work on its pages. These people soon made it big in their respective areas.

Then You! was transformed into its present size or A3; our readers were quite disappointed with this especially since we had to cut down on the matter we carried. And it was a tough but exciting job to make the magazine interesting for our readers with the restricted space. I joined the magazine in 1995 as a sub-editor and worked with Talath Naqvi. There was a lot of planning in making the weekly, but we had a lot of fun doing it. Before the internet, compiling a magazine from scratch was a totally different experience. We had to get hard copies typed in, then came the editing, and page making. Sometimes our contributors dictated their material on the phone, if their pieces were delayed by snail mail (the only way to mail stuff then) or if the faxes they sent didnt come out as clear as they should have. Similarly, since our magazine required a lot of photos, we had to search for them from various sources and would get them scanned. It wasnt as easy as it is today of downloading photos from the net or getting attachments of photos from our contributors. Most of the time we were rushing from editing to events, to photo shoots to pastings (the pages were pasted by hand at that time). With power failures disrupting our work and computer glitches we often had to re-do some of the work. But the feed-

back we got from our readers was enough to make us proud of the hard work we put in the magazine. In 2003, Talath Naqvi resigned from The News and since then I have been the in-charge of You! magazine. It was a tough task as bringing out an interesting magazine every week is not a childs play, but I accepted the challenge. In 2004 we gave a new look to our magazine and incorporated new columns and sections like Rendezvous. We tried to make our pages more exciting, informative, and readable - keeping our readers interest in mind. Sac was changed into Professor Nadine. So far our advice column is the most popular section of our magazine. Over time we have also interviewed prominent women who have managed to make a mark in their respective fields like doctors, lawyers, architects, businesswomen, artists, singers, writers, actors, designers, and many more. The inside story of their struggle to make a name is motivating for the readers too. Apart from that, we also make special issues on occasions like Eid, Mothers Day, Valentines Day, New Year, International Womens Day, Aids Day etc, and have also dedicated editions to serious issues such as smoking, abortions, poverty, inflation, dowry etc. Today life is comparably easier, but the work is just as tough. We are on our toes all the time. There are times when we are short of space but the issue is an important one, which is why we have to sometimes stop the matter we have made for the issue, and replace it with the more important issue at the last minute. I have been lucky to have worked with Fatima Zehra, Luavut Zahid and Fatima Zakir - who were all very talented and dedicated to their work. At present, the You! team comprises Maria Shirazi, Fatima Niazi and myself. Our hard work and team effort is evident on our pages but it is always exciting to get fan mail from our readers. The writer is Incharge You! magazine

Together with Us
By Lubna Khalid
t was about six years ago that I had the privilege of joining Us magazine as its editor. It was a daunting task! After all, Us is the only magazine in Pakistan that caters to the 16-26 age bracket! But, I felt a great deal of excitement, too, at the prospect of having an association with the largest section of Pakistans population, i.e. the youth, and to this day this feeling hasnt let me down, as it is a challenging job. The contributors and readers of Us magazine are extremely vociferous with their opinions; good or bad, they let us know exactly what they feel and we probably get more feedback than the other sections in The News because our readers our more internet savvy than uh, well ... the readers who are more advanced in years. Time and time again there have been heated debates over articles and issues in our Letters to the Editor section and whether we, the Team Us, agree with t h e i r opinions or not, it makes us proud that our readers care enough about what is going on in the country and what is being written to actually take out the time and mail us when they feel the need. Over the years, we have constantly tried to come up with new ways to get people to exercise the creative gene in their minds, with story and poetry writing competitions, and the response that we have enjoyed has been gratifying. We are censured when the readers feel chagrined and the unadulterated praise when they are pleased.... Being the editor of Us is not just a job that you do and then forget about. Its a great deal of responsibility. Especially when its the youth - our tomorrow - that were dealing with. We have to make sure that Us is the right blend of both entertainment and information. From serious problems and issues plaguing our country and the world at large to light, funny articles,

where the only purpose is to give our readers a few moments of harmless fun, we try to make sure that we give people a little bit of everything. And trust me, doing that isnt easy. But then along with all that work, we also have these moments - moments that make us proud! Moments that make all the trials that we go through worthwhile. Like the time we got a letter from three prisoners in the Multan jail, who started taking language classes and started studying using Us as their inspiration. Or when we get to showcase our national

places (some already have!) and we wish them the best of good luck. Haider Warraich, who started his writing career writing articles for Us, is now a novelist. It seems as if so many of our contributors have grown with Us. So many of them w e r e

heroes Ali like Moeen Nawazish, Wasim Akram and Aisam-ul-Haq. And then, of course, is the no small matter of our contributors. They are, undoubtedly a wonderful lot. Bold, honest, creative, highly intelligent and above all they have the ability to follow their dreams. Writers like Saad Javed, Iqra Asad, Jasir Jawaid, Awais Aftab, Faiza Hameed, Sameen Amer, Syed Nabeel Naqvi, Waqas Hassan Sharif, Bilal Tanweer, Haseeb Ahmed, Lubna Jerar Naqvi, Luavaut Zahid alternately impress us with their sensitivity and insight and their wit and humour. We know they are going to go

y o u n g teenagers in college when they first started writing and have now become doctors, engineers, entrepreneurs... These are the people who make us proud; who give us hope in the most desperate situations; who show us that optimism, patriotism and that inherent goodness that takes nations forward is still alive. Combined with our readers, these are the people who are at the very heart and soul of Us! And finally, the Us team! In the last six years, Us desk has been extremely fortunate to have people like Rahma Muhammad, Naeema Akram, Nabeel Naqvi, Javeria Shakeel, Meena Ahmed, Saba Musheer and Fatima Zakir; no one could have asked for better team members. They have been enthusiastic and enterprising all along.... Even when Us had to be trimmed down from 24 pages to 16, Team Us still gives its readers a run for their money! The writer is Editor Us magazine

The News Special Report, February 2011

24
1996
December 15

TWENTY YEARS OF THE NEWS 2011 WITNESS TO HISTORY

1997
January 8
s Sita White files paternity suit against

1997
February 18
s Nawaz Sharif sworn in

1997
April 21
s I K Gujral takes oath

s Security Council agrees to appoint

Ghanas Kofi Annan as new UN Secretary General

Imran Khan

as Prime Minister

as 12th Indian PM

January 30
s Supreme Court upholds dissolution of the

December 24
s Prime Minister Netanyahu and Arafat

April 1
s NA unanimously adopts 13th

May 26
s Saudi Arabia recognises Taliban

National Assembly

hold talks in Erez

constitutional amendment

government

The News on Sunday

By Beena Sarwar
he News on Sunday was launched in 1994, as The News on Friday, Pakistans first weekend newspaper Friday being the weekly holiday back then. In 1997, the name change itself reflected the ideological confusions that abound in Pakistan, where religion is freely used for political purposes, and as an excuse to retain the status quo. Clearly, religion is conveniently dispensed with if it clashes with, say, financial interests, as when Nawaz Sharif, the countrys businessman-prime minister who was otherwise careful to keep the religious lobby happy, reverted to Sunday as Pakistans weekly holiday. In doing so, he overturned a move made 20 years earlier by Z A Bhutto who had sought to consolidate power by playing the religious card. Nawaz Sharifs decision was motivated by financial considerations, over-ruling the opposition of the conservatives. It indicated that anything is possible with political will, even reversing a decision taken in the name of religion. And so The News on Friday became The News on Sunday, or TNS. Over the years, TNS has documented and analysed many such issues, emerging as a platform for dissenting voices and for challenging and questioning the status quo.

- Changing the media landscape

The launch of The News some years earlier had already created enough competition for its major rivals to re-vamp their front pages the most obvious change being the move from black and white to colour (much to the disgust of conservative readers who likened the change to candy). The forthcoming launch of TNF shook up the other weekend magazines
of obtaining a separate declaration, our designer, Khalid, placed On Friday in a strip of grey just below the approved masthead logo of The News. Changes It wasnt just the front masthead the entire front page and the main newspaper body were also re-designed. The initial changes included larger photographs, bolder headlines, and complete stories that would not be continued on page 5 and a two-page Special Report in the main paper (pages 14 and 15), with a 6-column introduction on the front page. The idea of having a limited number of stories on the front page didnt work in an environment where we soon came under pressure to incorporate as many reports on the front as possible, never mind the continuations. Eventually, pressures like the newsprint shortage (which led to a reduction of the main newspaper from 16 to 12 pages, as well as page-size from eight to seven columns) combined with an increase in advertisements led to some pages being axed or moved to different weekdays or sections, like TView and the international Flashpoint pages (both now defunct). Under such pressures, the Special Report had to be moved out of the main paper into the Encore section. These pressures also led to the frontpage introduction of the Special Report being reduced to four, then two, and eventually to a single-column space on the front page, until the front-page

Beena Sarwar busy discussing TNS issues introduction was finally removed altogether. Many firsts By then, TNF had introduced many firsts to mainstream journalism in Pakistan. We did this not just by going indepth into serious political issues, but also by recognising the significance of fringe issues like art, culture and fashion as integral to the countrys socio-political realities. TNF always took these issues seriously, long before they became lucrative businesses - and therefore not to be scoffed at as frivolous pastimes - in their own right in Pakistan. The TNF contents, which were part of the intro, are now also incorporated in an advertisement. While it lasted, the weekend newspaper presented refreshingly different layouts from the

norm media, design and communication students pulling out the old issues would find the transition interesting. We put up stiff resistance from the editorial side, but in the end, although the commercial ads and hard news dominated over our original concept, it would not be an exaggeration to say that the new paper impacted Pakistans media history in a huge way- its pioneering role catalysing a change that was perhaps bound to happen eventually. The fact that TNF was conceived as an autonomous section with its own budget under its own Editor provided an exhilarating freedom and independence to a committed and enthusiastic young team. It took a lot of coordination to retain this independence, particularly after various cutbacks like the page reductions, and in times of political tension. There were many other firsts with TNS in one huge unwieldy broadsheet package, readers could pull out a travel page Footloose (where a regular writer was, and remains, Salman Rashid), or the literature page Literati. Under Shehzad Amjad, the Economy section metamorphosed into Political Economy another pioneering section which addressed a concept that few in Pakistan had until then been exposed to. There was a weekly twopage Sports special report under the legendary Gul Hameed Bhatti; special city edi-

tions in Lahore (Shehr), Karachi (Kolachi), and Islamabad-Pindi (Metro, now defunct, brought out by Karen Pasha who has since returned to the USA); and a page each of television listings and colour cartoons adding value to the package. Changing the media landscape As the dummies of Pakistans first sectioned weekend publication started rolling out, rival newspapers began to wake up. In fact, many of our initial ideas first reached the public

Instep It was in TNFs Instep section, headed by Fareshteh GatiAslam, that Pakistans broadsheet fashion pages were published the very first twopage fashion shoot by the talented duo Ather Shehzad created waves and set standards that others scrambled to follow. Glamorous and sophisticated fashion shoots, until then, had been the domain of a few monthly magazines. Our printing wasnt always great but the impact of these full-size fashion pages was not to be

through these other papers, forcing us to re-think and re-design even before launch. The launch of The News some years earlier had already created enough competition for its major rivals to re-vamp their front pages the most obvious change being the move from black and white to colour (much to the disgust of conservative readers who likened the change to candy). The forthcoming launch of TNF shook up the other weekend magazines and they began bringing out entertainment sections in an attempt to compete with Instep.

The launch When TNF was launched from Lahore, with additional pages published in Karachi and Islamabad, the idea (Imran Aslams) was to develop it into an independent weekly publication, along the lines of weekend papers like The Observer or the Independent on Sunday. Due to various reasons (eg pressures of keeping on top of weekly issues, lack of allocated resources, planning, and perhaps political will) this never happened. Besides, obtaining a separate declaration raised the issues of editorship and responsibility for a paper that was published in three cities simultaneously. Once it became clear that TNF was not going to be entirely separate, a way had to be found to integrate it into the daily paper while providing the reader with a fresh new product. The solution was ingenious and bold. In order to change the name from The News to The News on Friday, without changing the front masthead and thus avoid the requirement

scoffed at. Fashion and entertainment journalism is a whole different ball game, especially in a society like Pakistan where wildly modern ideas frequently collide with old-world conservatism and moral values. The line between these two strands must be trod so as to keep readers abreast of the former while at the same time not offending the latter. In such an environment, fashion, entertainment and culture can become hugely political. This was the first time that a mass-circulated broadsheet paper was publishing such fashion and entertainment pages in Pakistan. Being part of a newspaper, it was going into the homes of thousands of subscribers, to be pulled apart by all kinds of people and their families. Its subscriber base made it different from the monthly magazines that had until now been the only ones to print such fashion spreads catering largely to the elite. The enthusiastic young team (that included Mohsin Sayeed and Reema Abbasi) were often culturally more attuned to the aesthetics of the elite monthly magazines. These pages also went to more conservative areas and readers, not just in Karachi but say, in Peshawar or Bannu, as our senior colleague Rahimullah Yusufzai, who often bore the brunt, was sometimes forced to remind us. Special Report and more Instep wasnt the only section making waves. For the first time topical in-depth Special

Reports were presented on a weekly basis until now, such special reports had been the domain of the elite monthly magazines with their cover stories. With talented and committed reporters like Nadeem Iqbal, Khalid Hussain, Mazhar Zaidi (and also later Farjad Nabi) TNS presented such reports on a weekly basis, and has been doing so with regularity and passion ever since. Reporters went on special assignments to areas that were off the beaten track and returned with stories and photographs that Englishlanguage newspaper readers had little access to until now. Some of these investigative stories got TNS and its reporters into trouble too, but on the whole the attempt to be fair and include all points of view stood the paper in good stead. Many of the reporters and editors who gained valuable working experience and on-the job-training at TNF or TNS now hold key positions at other organisations. Tom K Maliti, a Kenyan student in Lahore (now a senior journalist back in Nairobi), was among the launch team, along with Sarwat Ali (our in-house encyclopaedia), and Alefia T Hussain. Kamila Hyat, Ashaar Rehman (now Resident Editor at Dawn, Lahore) and Arif Shamim (now with the BBC in London) joined a little later, and we pulled our journalist friend Farah Zia (the current editor) back from an NGO. The main photographer, Rahat Ali Dar, had the time of his life as we made it a point to publish large photos. Khalid Saleem (Butt Sahib) the copypaster turned out to be a talented graphic artist, and the page designer Hameed (now in Canada) had room to play. As in most newspaper offices, a key person remains the editors PA (in this case MMB, or Mohammad Mobin Bhatti). Some of these talented and committed people remain part of the TNS team, continuing to bring out a quality publication week after week no easy feat. Like anything new, the paper has had its detractors. The biggest complaint initially was the bulkiness of the product, and the variety of the sections, which never could be sorted in the right order. Eventually, however, readers got used to it. And even critics would agree that this newspaper has contributed in no small terms to raising and maintaining the standard of journalism in Pakistan, besides shaking up concepts and designs. Long may it last. Beena Sarwar was the founding editor of The News on Friday (later The News on Sunday). This article draws heavily from a piece she wrote for the tenth anniversary of TNS in 2004.

A perfect island
and those who left also feel they used to work on an island. A perfect island. It has everything a journalist could ask for the scope for an idea, editorial freedom, creativity, debate, time flexibility. Here is a place where you get to do what you love most. Work is more of a hobby and not Rahat Dar very easy to separate it from the producers. The standards of excellence that were laid by Beena were nurtured by the next editor Ashaar Rehman who especially wedded these with creativity and a sense of humour. In terms of policy, there is none clearly laid. In the first few weekly Saturday meetings after I joined, I often heard the phrase But where are the people in this Special Report? For a newcomer like me, this was the unwritten policy. Here was a publication for which people mattered. A viewer of television news channels is familiar with common peoples sound bites on every issue. In its early years, TNS too would go to the man on the street to ask for his views. This would sometimes generate hilarious responses. After the 1998 atomic explosions by

By Farah Zia
ne thing we learned at TNS was you dont talk about yourself. Here we saw old standards change before our own eyes. We saw bylines added up with writers photographs, introductions and email addresses. We were slow and choosy about what to pick and when (we still are way behind others). We did pick a few new traits to facilitate feedback but generally the preference for obscurity remained. We take strong exception to the privacy of the contributor being willfully invaded in publications that generously carry

pictures of the contributor at this place or that. To be asked to talk about ourselves and what we do just because its been 20 years this newspaper started its journey is still not easy I tell you. We have not been trained to engage in a self-glorification exercise. At TNS, we call each piece of writing a story. Story aa gayee, Are you done with your story, Im still editing the story or I wouldve filed the story but kahani hi badal gayee is the jargon we often hear and use. Whoever first thought of using the word story must have wanted to include the element of interest, suspense, art of telling, origi-

nality or perhaps simply a beginning, middle and end in these journalistic writings. So heres the story of TNS as I have seen it in the last fourteen years and more specifically in the last four years as its editor. Its a story of us as a team. When Beena Sarwar launched this weekly magazine in 1994 with her team, she laid the right foundations. It was meant to be an institution and it became one. Like a great institution, it produced fine journalists who took from it the very best and gave back to it their best and when they left this place, they took those values and traditions and spread them in the work they chose to

The current TNS team under the captainship of Farah Zia do later. Come to think of it, its interesting how someone used the word island for this magazine and then someone else did and then another one. Those who come to work here feel they have landed on one a task. The culture and ethics of the office environment and the product called TNS are apace. And every staffer, since beginning, has added in his or her bit to keep it like this. And now something about the product, though its not

India and Pakistan, our reporter asked a rickshaw wala in Lahore what he thought about the explosions. The poor man looked non-pulsed when he replied, Mujhey pata nahin. Mein to Sindh gya hua tha (How would I know sir I had gone to Sindh). The readers may recognise TNS for its liberal, progressive and secular leanings. They cant be blamed for doing so. In a bid to help build a democratic, cultured, tolerant and aware society, we have sometimes followed the norms and at other times broken the rules; we have created boundaries and pushed them too. We like to go against the tide if that makes sense to us. TNS was the last publication to call a military dictator chief executive and kept using the word general instead for as long as it could. The culture of debate, the two sides of the story as it were, that we seek to bring on our pages begins among the team members. Every Saturday, in our planning meeting for the following week, we sit together and decide the contents for the next issue. These

brainstorming sessions are crucial for the content. It is amazing how the reticent young new-comers learn and grow in and through these meetings and become vocal and opinionated within weeks and months. As for the planning part, it works roughly half the time. At other times, new and strange and sad things happen like the events of September 11 or the assassination of Benazir Bhutto or Salmaan Taseer to render even us journalists shaken and all planning irrelevant. In terms of specialisation within the magazine, be it literature, culture, travel, fashion, sports, TNS has been a trailblazer. Yet there are times we are criticised for not doing cookery or gardening or health or lifestyle. Let me state it clearly that we can only do as much. We cannot do everything; besides enough is being done on these so-called neglected beats. Our pages may not always look very young but young interns benefit a lot from the TNS experience as we benefit from their sizable presence, especially in the summers. In these interns, sometimes we have found great writers and a few good staffers. It is indeed a great feeling to work at the best place. It is a great burden too because you are constantly struggling to live up to the expectations and standards that you yourself set up. TNS is a tough assignment! The writer is the Editor of TNS.

The News Special Report, February 2011

TWENTY YEARS OF THE NEWS 2011 WITNESS TO HISTORY

1997
June 30
s Hong Kong becomes part

25

1997
December 2
s President Leghari steps down. Wasim

1998
January 1
s Justice (retired) Rafiq Tarar takes oath as

1998
February 21
s 2 Iranian engineers shot dead in

of China again

Sajjad becomes acting president

ninth President of Pakistan

Karachi

July 17
s R K Narayan elected

December 22
s Chinese Foreign Minister Qian Quichen

February 6
s Earthquake claims 4000 lives in

March 4
s 500 drowned and 3000 houses

Indian President

Northern Afghanistan

destroyed in Balochistan flood

visits Israel

A scribbler who now has a deadline to meet

By Zia Mohyeddin
have been a scribbler for as long as I can remember. I have been scribbling odd half lines of poems, passing thoughts and ludicrous observations on the back of discarded envelopes with the intention of developing these stray thoughts into a coherent essay of sorts. There were times when I was able to write a few pages but not finding my effort to be satisfactory, I left all such pieces in the drawer of my writing desk. On a few occasions when the urge to sit down and clear my desk became strong I dumped scores of discarded envelopes (with my jottings) as well as the so-called essays into the dustbin. Many, many years ago I wrote a novel in London. After going over it, a year later, I thought it was a poor piece of work. The only thing good about it was the title, Unreal City, which I had borrowed from Eliots Wasteland. I left the manuscript into a cabin trunk which also contained my cricket gear (boots, abdominal guards, pads gloves, fractured bats etc.,) old photographs and all my notices. The trunk was lost when I moved from Highgate to Acton. God knows what the Removals people did with it. The only things precious in the lost trunk were the rave reviews I had received from some of the finest critics of the time: Ken Tynan, Harold Hobson, Clive Barnes, etc. There was no way I

Writing for TNS sort of saved my life!

By Umber Khairi
began the column A letter from London on arts, literature and life in 1998 thanks to my friend (and one of the countrys finest editors) Beena Sarwar. It was a life saver because it provided a regular journalistic outlet and media presence for me during what was a very bleak period for the family: We had left Pakistan a year ago after my spouse (a sarkari afsar) had been intimidated, threatened and then finally framed in a nasty little example of state-sponsored political machination. It was a difficult time with many financial, emotional and professional constraints and much worrying over how we should rebuild our lives. We were lucky to have many supportive friends and a wonderful family. But it was very difficult losing our country and it was devastating to have my motherin-law diagnosed with brain cancer, especially after being hit by the awful reality that we could not be with her in her final days. The fortnightly columns name UK Calling hinted at my base in Britain by using my initials: UK. The best thing about it was the flexibility the paper gave me in terms of subject matter: I could write about Monica Lewinsky launching her book in London or about the absurdities of media coverage, about new books or feminist thinking or matters literary. It was a letter so it was casual and I didnt have to make myself sound like a pompous media pundit with serious

Transforming art, one critique at a time

By Quddus Mirza
y transformation from a painter to a writer (a conversion that is not yet complete) was a consequence of a chance encounter with the present editor of The News on Sunday (TNS), Farah Zia some thirteen years ago. Walking in the gallery space of Shakir Ali Museum on a summer afternoon in Lahore, I was approached by her. Zia inquired if I would like to do a review of the exhibition for her publication. I was taken aback. All the critical comments I had made on people who ever wrote on my own work echoed in my mind. I tried to evade the offer by placing a condition - I would not use my name because I did not want to hurt fellow artists. Zia, who was then the assistant editor, replied, Well the interesting thing would be that you will use your name and write whatever you want to say. The comment was a challenge. It got me started and I began writing on art. Till then, art writing was the last thing that interested me and I almost abhorred newspaper articles on my own exhibitions. Contributing on art was for me a test in many ways. I wasnt quite happy with the judgmental tone, the harsh phrases and also the flowery language which were a regular feature in art reviews. For me, writing was a means to understand art in its formal and contextual aspects. I sought to discuss a work of visual art, more with its connection with the world at large, rather than describing its appearance, because I believed that words - no matter how skill fully ar-

A speaker par excellence reminisces about his association with The News that began as a scribbler. Over the years, the scribbling dwindled and he had to be coaxed out of writers block

could retrieve them and so I stopped collecting reviews. And I didnt write for a long time afterwards, not until that erudite genius, Peter Ustinov, encouraged me - nay, coaxed me - to write. He had read a few letters I had written in the vein of a colonial Blimp describing the native rebellion of a hostile tribe in the North Western Frontier Province, and he thought that I ought to write more often. In 1994, Beena Sarwar who edited the magazine section of The News on Sunday visited me in Lahore and insisted that I write regularly for the paper. She had read - and liked - a piece I had written titled, Exile of a Non Exile - which appeared in the Third World Quarterly that used to come out of London. I was hesitant; Beena was persuasive. Thus began an association with the News which has now lasted a little over 17 years. One of my readers rang me up the other day to inform that the Zia Mohyeddin column is one of the longest-standing nonpolitical columns in the News. I am not sure if that is true. If it is, I am pleased to feel that I am capable of a long innings. My column appears every fortnight. I told Beena that because of my travel commitments I would not be able to bind myself to the rigours of a weekly column and she suggested that could I write every other week. Has my association with The News turned me into a writer? I doubt it. I am still a scribbler who now has a deadline to meet.

Forced to leave the country, a Pakistani writer went on to face the challenges of life, yet keeping her sanity by writing. UK Calling, her weekly letter from pardes, touched the hearts of many

analyses. Nevertheless, I like to think I did manage to raise and discuss some important issues in a fairly no-nonsense way, often by just thinking aloud or musing in a deceptively mundane way. And the column was portable. When I traveled to Canada in search of some sort of immigration status (we were effectively stateless), I filed it from there. And later, when our circumstances improved and we had passports and could travel, I filed from wherever in the world I was. I remember writing one column at the free internet terminals provided at Karachi airport, a short while before boarding a flight. Another column I wrote sitting in my fathers hospital room after he had gone into emergency dialysis and we thought he might not survive (he did, but I was immensely touched by a very kind note from TNS editorial desk wishing him a good recovery). Life became hectic when I went back to work full-time as a producer for the BBC World service in London, especially with two children under the age of 8 to raise. I thought I wouldnt be able to meet the deadlines so I stopped writing the column for a while. Luckily, when I wanted to resume it the editors were very encouraging. I love writing this column not only because I have such a free rein but also because the Lahore editorial team is so extremely professional. I enjoy the feedback I occasionally
Continued on page 26

Art criticism and reporting attained new heights as The News made a conscious effort to bring the finer things in life to the masses. Reports and critiques published in the paper have left their mark on the art fraternity

ranged - could not replace images. Thus for me a work of visual arts had always been a point of inspiration to elaborate on a number of aesthetic, social and other ideas. The issue of language was also an important factor for me. I had always been interested in reading, but there were two bodies of works, I never managed to decipher: The heavy tomes of French cultural theorists (Derrida and Co) and the newspaper reviews by some of our art critics. I found that labyrinthine language a barrier which served to block a reader - and artist - in his or her quest for accessing art. This phenomenon of or rather the fascination with mystifying art had been bothering me. So, in my own reviews, I was hoping to rely on simple and clear language which must contain complex concepts but would communicate effortlessly with the reader. I wanted that a layman who bought the newspaper on Sunday and read an art review must not be discouraged by obscure words, complex jargon and technical terms. Or at least this was the lesson I had learnt from authors like Umberto Eco, Octavio Paz and others. These were the reasons why I started writing on art thirteen years ago. I still write because of the freedom that I enjoy on the pages of TNS. In my association with the publication that is now reaches almost a decade and half, I have never been forced to review an exhibition that I never wanted to, nor was my proposal of an exhibition review ever declined. Where else can a man enjoy such privilege and freedom?

The News Special Report, February 2011

26
1998
March 15
prime Minister of India

TWENTY YEARS OF THE NEWS 2011 WITNESS TO HISTORY

1998
May 28
s Pakistan holds 5 nuclear tests in response

1998
August 8
s Taliban capture Mazar Sharif and

1998
August 20
s US launch cruise missile attack on

s Atal Behari Vajpayee nominated as

April 9
s Pakistan test fires, 150-km range

to Indias and becomes nuclear power. Emergency declared. Government freezes foreign currency accounts

massacre ethnic Hazaras in thousands

Afghanistan

August 11
s 2500 million ton gold and copper

September 1
s India tests Aakash missile

surface-to-surface missile

May 31
s 5000 die in Afghan earthquake

reserves found in Chaghi, Balochistan

Pilots for Air Canada go on strike for first time in 61 years

From concept to reality

By Talath F Naqvi
hat was significantly underlined when The News was launched was that the public had lost interest in reading newspapers. We had a huge population that felt that the existing newspapers were dated and that they were mouth pieces of the government, not unlike the Pakistan State owned television PTV. However, it was understood that there was a market to be touched and public that could be reached out to. The only thing was to find a strategy that would work. Additionally to be pitted against a newspaper that was established at the birth of Pakistan and had its monopoly in the market, was a daunting task, no one was fainthearted; everyone was prepared to take up the task. With all this to consider, The News initiated a new concept that would ultimately bring reading back to the masses and would position itself as a paper that had its own identity. The marketing stratagem was to appeal different segments of the society and to give them what they wanted to read. Age, interests and gender were all reviewed. The plan was to launch several magazines as a part of the daily paper. Each magazine targeted an age group keeping their specific interests in mind. Five magazines were launched Them, You, Us, Team and We. The names were certainly unique and caught at the imagination of everyone, those who loved the idea and those who doused it with cold water saying that it took away from the staidness of what a morning newspaper should be. What the latter group did not realise was that they marked the staid newspaper was merely a habit as it had lost its ability to provide news and analysis. What needed to be projected by the establishment is all that was inked. There was a need to draw the public back to picking up a morning newspaper and inculcate reading once again. Coming back to the names that marked the magazines and set them apart for the existing ones in the market: Them provided entertainment. Pakistan had lost out during the Zia years, as the world of entertainment had seen curbs and restrictions and the entire industry was a prohibited subject. No society can flourish without its artists, poets, painters and intellectuals. The restriction imposed during the 80s had far reaching consequences; we see it even today as our film industry continues to flounder. At the time it had completely been wiped out, we were importing actresses from Sri Lanka as the business had lost its charm and ability to rope in an audience. It has taken 20 years for people to begin investing in this imaginative and very lucrative industry again. Barely a dozen or so films are released each year and most offer nothing that marks them apart, but the effort to revive this creative business has been taken on by a few well wishers and we do see the Kara Film Festival as well as the odd motion picture that captures the imagination. A significant step by Them was to get the public interested in the arts. The first step was to begin a gossip column- the section that always manages to capture readership. We may not have had an industry, but true to human nature, the gossip section became exceedingly popular and was one of the best-read segments. People who were clueless about the actors began talking about them. Reema and Shan had their first hit with Bulandi and Them made sure they got a fair bit of publicity, the antics of Babra Sharif and Mishi Khan,

A labour of love
Continued from page 22

Samina and Osman Peerzada, Anjuman and Gori were as amusing as any found in any Indian film magazine, all one needed was to brief the public. Them also highlighted the gossip related to sportsmen, musicians and pop music stars like Junaid Jamshed, Salman Ahmed, Rohit Hyatt, Ali Azmat, the list was endless and no one was spared. It paid off. Our celebrities were put on the pedestal of Them- stars who shone. To be honest, however, what captured tremendous interest was the music. The youth responded boldly and the foundation of the present popular music industry was laid. Today our music is internationally recognised and our popular music with its innate Sufi quality have put Pakistan on the map despite little support from the government to develop institutions and training facilities. I remember as editor of the magazine, I would encourage young people to send in cassettes that they had made to be reviewed. Everyone was invited to send in anything they had created. There is time to sift only when one has material to play with. The sifting followed, and the few who had talent were projected. Today they are big names to be reckoned with as they are the pioneers of the movement. Classical music got a share of the pie. The contribution of the Music Society was lauded as were stage plays and writers. In fact all those who contributed to the arts were admired and their work discussed. Television too came under this flag, and Saania, Atiqa Odho, Shahnaz Sheikh, Behroz Sabzwari, Javaid Sheikh and so many more were hot topics of the day every Tuesday. It was a day I ran for cover as those who were praised rang to appreciate the words penned but those who were bitten were angry and spewed venom. What was exciting was that they were noticed and lets face it; everyone likes a fleck of bad along with the good. It makes the Stars more exciting and that makes for a good read! You the magazine for women was the other magazine that I took on as editor. It was based on social issues related to women, family and had that touch of glamour that is quintessentially feline. Topics that were not spoken about were brought out into the open, albeit carefully. Pakistani society was not open to discussing real personal problems. There is a distance between parents and their children, husbands and wives, in laws, friends family... so many issues that lead to confusion and miscommunication and hence result in adverse consequences have been left untapped. The Tte-Tte column, initiated by myself, proved one of the best ever sections. Personal problems were brought to the table, it gave an insight to our society and I hope we helped those who needed someone to talk to. Other issues that had been left undetermined were rape, aborated heated public debate encouraging public to participate in it but also provided them with a firsthand understanding of these otherwise difficult and serious topics. Amongst the endless list of supplements which The News has published in the past 20 years, a num-

tion, incest, rights of women, karo kari - and many others that have implications on ordinary people and are heinous crimes in our social fabric, found a platform for debate. Economic issues pertaining to women were also on the agenda as were health related problems. Few had ever discussed the most critical health problem faced by women globally - osteoporosis. It had never been highlighted as other diseases, this was the first magazine to provide information that attempted to do so and I am proud of the fact that we were appreciated internationally for our work. Breast cancer was another such topic that was discussed candidly. High achievers and prominent people who had contributed to developing institutions, business women, career women found themselves to be focused upon and became role models. YOU did and still does, brings to light the contribution of women in all aspects of life in the country. There were other magazines that played their role. Us- was launched as an interactive magazine for children. It encouraged writing letters, sending in stories, poems drawings and imparted necessary information. The response it received was extraordinary. Mail poured in huge numbers, in the very first month. Everyone was surprised at the response. It was the manifestation of the fact that there was a need in the market for such a magazine and Us successfully provided it. Team, the Sports magazine, proved extremely popular too. Edited by one of the most renowned names in the sports business- Gul Hamid Bhatti; even Wisden, the cricket bible, would ask him for his opinion in getting their statistics. Sports are what excite our nationcricket and Squash in particular, and why should it not? After all we had Imran Khan and Jahangir Khan to make us proud. We the week end magazine provided information on all matters that needed debating at the federal level. Edited by one of the prolific writers and the renowned journalist Najma Sadeque, the magazine provided the readers with discussion on serious issues as well as discussions and analysis on the same. That all these magazines were free along with the paper saw the circulation figures soar on the days they were printed. No doubt, the concept was a success because even today people come out and say oh! we used to read that magazine which is again a testimony to the fact that they are hooked to the newspaper, that these people even today read the same paper as do their families indicate that the marketing strategy was well thought out and well planned and that its execution was, no doubt, a success. The writer is former editor of You! magazine

Eighteen years of absolute freedom

By Salman Rashid
No other paper had ever made such an offer I jumped at it t was in early 1993 when Beena Sarwar, called me to write for her at TNS (then TNF), one day. Until then I was writing for another paper which had not paid me for several months (it still owes me Rs 40,000) and I was barely eking out a living with my work for IUCN and WWF. What TNF offered me was unbelievable: besides a reasonable honorarium for my piece and photography, my travel expenses were to be paid in full now, which was something only NGO journals did. No other paper had ever made such an offer. I jumped at it. It was a great team to work with. The first stalwarts were Alefia T. Hussain, Kamila Hayat and Tom K. Maliti, the man from Kenya. Of course Sarwat Ali was a permanent fixture on the top floor office presided over by Beena. Since I was only a contributor, I did not really know the workings of the office, but whenever I was there I saw Beena marshalling her team like a military drill instructor. One day, as I chatted with her in her office, Tom phoned in (there werent any cell phones in those prehistoric days). I assume, he must have said something about being late or not being able to make it at all that day. You shut up and get your ass here in ten minutes! was Beenas curt reply. She hung up without waiting for a response. Tom was there in nine. Having witnessed the show, I couldnt help telling her how happy and relieved I

The best part of my relationship with TNS was that it was liberating- an affair in which I knew that the doors were always open and my path free to walk and never once was I made to feel a captive

felt not to be working for her. Having said that, I didnt expect anything better either. I received a similar verbal treatment, You shut up and get your ass out of here! I complied forthwith. Then, that was the kind of outfit Beena ran. And we loved it. Now since the advent of email and not having to take my work in personally, I sometimes wonder if Farah Zia handles the squad, much bigger than it was in Beenas days the same way. If she does, I say, bully for her. My relationship with TNS is best described in a classic love song of the 50s, Gentle on my mind. (If you want to listen to it, enter Dean Martin or Glen Campbell and the title on You Tube). The best part of my relationship with TNS was that it was liberating- an affair in which I knew that the doors were always open and my path free to walk and never once was I made to feel a captive. I could write four weeks straight and then disappear for four weeks or more. And when I returned, my piece was taken without a row. Not strange then, that when Riffat Alam left TNS to join an upstart venture in mid 90s and offered me an honorarium far greater than what I received from TNS, I refused. The reason being the precondition that I would have to give up writing for TNS. In the event, that paper never even put out a dummy - not because I had declined to write for it. Eighteen years with TNS has been my longest association with any paper or journal. It has been a greatly fulfilling journey. I have enjoyed working with editors who without making me feel unwanted have never cramped my freedom. It cannot ever get any better than that.

Cultured to perfection
By Sarwat Ali
was in the loop when The News International was being launched because Imran Aslam was involved with it and so was Hussain Naqi. It seemed to be a media wonder that a newspaper would appear from three stations simultaneously with the editorial pages being made in Rawalpindi, the others distributed between the stations, while a few made locally. The newspaper business was being taken a notch higher with this qualitative leap forward in technology. The News was the second paper in English to be launched by the Jang Group which was known for its Urdu publications. There were some reservations and a dismissive attitude towards a group involved in Urdu journalism to be venturing forth into English. This reservation was based on the different worldviews that characterise the two, fuelled by the prejudice that divides this society between Urdu and English medium types. But the launch was successful when it finally happened in February 1991 after plenty of deadlines had lapsed. I contributed to it occasionally on the command of Hussain Naqi whom I had seen angry on a couple of occasions and did not want to be the target of that wrath myself. I was more active in the less formal The Frontier Post as a regular columnist till the day Beena Sarwar announced that we were to hobnob with Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman in a sneak meeting. The outcome of the rendezvous was that we were to move to a new publication called The News on Friday with

Similarly, The News also took the initiative of occasional printing of many historical documents in verbatim like the Text of Pakistan Resolution, the text of the historic presidential address of the Quaid-i-Azam delivered on March 22, 1940, or the correspondence between various Pakistan Movement leaders, and other such important facts. This gave reader insight into the precious historic documents which are otherwise inaccessible to common people. Likewise, intensive reports on Golden Jubilee of Pakistan Entering the new millennium Ek Saal Geo Kay Saath, A watershed year, D defines the decade, Special citizens of Pakistan, Revival of Pakistani cinema were other documents which were produced with extensive research. With their flexible lay-out, catchy art works and significant historical and pictorial coverage which are otherwise not printed in the regular columns of the newspaper. Such editions have a very quick publication and distribution which is enhanced on such days because readers, who may not be our subscribers, usually purchase the newspaper on such occa-

sions. Opinion polls and surveys, which are being experimented in the modern day media in the developed countries of the world, were also tried in The News supplements. Public debate about different topics was also initiated through supplements. For example, questions like What do you mean by the Two-Nation theory, How do you see the Two Nation Theory with respect to the present developments in Pakistan, or What do you mean by Pakistan Reso-

lution and how do you c o n ceive t h e concept with your own understanding of the resolution, provide food for thought to the public and retain their interest in such editions. Similarly, the supplements on topics like Power of NO; Justice for All not only gener-

ber of veterans who made a name for themselves in their respective fields have contributed or have given their views in the form of interviews. People like Z A Bukhari, A S Nagi, Anita Ghulamali and others, prime ministers, chief ministers, governors, ministers of the time, all graced our reports with their life size presence. Soon after joining the supplement desk as sub-editor after my transfer from Islamabad in 1992, and then becoming the desk editor in 1994, I realised that creating supplements which make a difference is a difficult path to tread. However, if it has not been for the

creative team members like Sehar Ali (who was too good in coming up with novel ideas), Seema, Sajid Ali (a very fine writer who was full of innovative layout ideas), Hamza Habib, Saba Shah, Shumaila Khalid, Bisma Akbar, Rabiya Sulaiman (all have left The News and are now working as professionals at various places in Pakistan and abroad) and Sana Lakhani (an energetic young lady who worked with us earlier and has recently joined again), this would not have been easy to produce good reports. Last but not the least, the credit also goes to the creative Art Department team, comprising people like A G Khalid, Arif Imam, Arshia Qadir (ex-Art Directors who have left The News

few years ago) and current Art Director Tanv e e r Shaikh, visualisers Arshad, Salman, Huzaifa and Khurram, who literally burned midnight oil to come up with creative and catchy art work and designs. For future, I can safely say that The News will continue to distribute dynamic and creative supplements and reports with its hands on the pulse of the readers and its eyes on the new developments in the world of print media. The writer is Editor Supplements

For newspapers in Pakistan art and its coverage are of no great importance. However, The News came up with a different approach. Here, the prominent art critic describes his journey at the paper

Imran Aslam as its editor. I had seen Beena Sarwar illustrating the Star in Karachi, probably as an intern, but she exploded into my world when she married a very close friend of mine and moved to Lahore. With the burst of the home stretch, she set about setting up The Frontier Post when it came out of Lahore and unleashed the same feverish sprint in planning and executing the new venture, The News on Friday. So one day in July 1993, we all moved to the top floor of the Jang building for an endless run of dummies that stretched on and on for the next nine months. For newspapers in Pakistan, art and its coverage are of no great importance. If political reporting and comment is the bride, then culture and its analyses is the poor maid. Art, music, theatre and films get a short shift. The time-tested and foolproof formula for the coverage of show business is not easy to discard; fluff takes precedence over serious analysis. Lured by the inherent capacity of glamour, column space is splashed with gorgeous photographs laced with bits of gossip and salacious information. The News on Friday was launched with a firm conviction that culture and its manifestations in the various art forms would be covered and analysed very seriously. And we have stayed the course despite Ashaar Rehmans (who succeeded Beena Sarwar as the helmsman) unconditional passion and partiality for politics.

Writing for TNS

Continued from page 25

get from readers. And the most surprising pieces seem to touch a cord with people: One of the columns that I got a lot of positive feedback on was called I Love TV and extolled the delights of being a couch potato and the education value and optimistic message of TV cookery and makeover shows! The saddest ones have been when I have had to write about deaths and loss:

The passing of journalists Saneeya Hussain, Gul Hameed Bhatti or of my Muni Khala, the youngest of twelve siblings and the first to die. It is a bit of a jolt to realise that I have been writing this column for over a decade. That is a long time. So: Dear All, thank you for your help and your readership. And thank you TNS for continuing to be an example of thoughtful, responsible and high quality journalism. And to The News, Happy Twentieth!

The News Special Report, February 2011

28
1998
October 5

TWENTY YEARS OF THE NEWS 2011 WITNESS TO HISTORY

1998
October 9
s National Assembly passes Shariat Bill

1998
November 11
s Slovenia first EU candidate country to

1998
December 12
s US House body votes to impeach

s Army Chief Jehangir Karamat proposes

the formation of a National Security Council

(15th amendment)

October 7
s PM Nawaz Sharif forces Karamat to resign.

October 23
s Netanyahu and Arafat sign the Wye River

sign Joint Assessment of Medium-Term Economic Policy of Slovenia.

President Clinton

November 24
s Israel allows the opening of Gaza

December 13
s President Clinton arrives in Israel and

Pervez Musharraf becomes COAS

Memorandum in the White House in the presence of President Clinton and King

International Airport.

holds talks with Netanyahu.

By Moayyed Jafri
orking on modest salaries, these individuals be it the coordinator, the office boys or the security guard, interact with every element of the organisation from the top brass to the lower cadres and arguably measure the environment and dynamics of the mechanism with a keener than keen observation. Upholding the vision of The News, which states Media Is the Mirror of the Society, we decided to seek our own reflection in this Third Eye and we believe our readership deserves that we share it with them. Nadeem Aslam currently serves as Incharge IT AutoCon at The News Lahore. He has been associated with the organisation from day one. Talking about the time he has spent working here, Aslam got nostalgic. Everyone wants more in life and believes that perhaps he deserves more than he is getting, but despite that instinct, I have seen many board and leave this ship, but not one of them has ever left with a

Hopes galore!
laughters all in an amusing proportion making it a place where time flies. He, however, said that with the expansion of operations at the organisation, the gulf between the employee and the captain of the ship has widened which might not seem noteworthy for now, but will slowly start proving counterproductive. Mohammad Taufeeq serves The News as a helper in the System support staff at The News Lahore frown. The prime reason being the captain of this ship Mir Shakeel-ur-Rahman who breeds the confidence in the employees to demand their right with a staunch hope that they will be entertained, he said. This organisation has always had a welcoming environment which paints in its colours anyone entering and at times acquires a slight flavor of the new individuals, Nadeem reflected. He termed the journey as a roller-coaster ride where he witnessed the city of Lahore come alive to The News, its far and wide catering English journalism and the tough times when the newspaper went through a forced reduction to four pages only. The environment at The News has always been a punch of intellectual discussions, heated arguments and warming

newsroom and has seen journalists grow in age and stature and the organisation grow with them and yet believes that he has not been less of an agent of revolution than anyone else. The identity of the organisation is the one he wears most proudly. A father of four children with an ill mother at home, Taufeeq, got emotionally charged while talking about the 20 long years he has invested in The News. Yet somehow the increasing difficulty at making both ends meet back home peruses him to want more from the organisation, an assurance of recognition through retirement plans, which would

A journey of faith
By Rabia Ali

Support staff at The News Lahore

strengthen the already strong bond even warmer and stronger. Qamaruddin Ansari although bears a moving connection with the reporting section but has served almost in all departments as a helper. I spend more time at the office than I spend back home, and I have no regret saying that its worth every second. The environment here is as warm and congenial as a true family and although my salary is too small to meet the demands back home. Though my pay-cheque does not cater to the expenses of life, my family (The News) at the Lahore Office has always risen to every financial and emotional challenge my domestic life has faced. He also believed that if the promotion process at times evades the seniority criterion which might even not be intentional yet is an agent of demoralisation and can be ratified with little effort. Never once in these 20 years has our salary been delayed for even a single day. Knowing well the state of affairs at other media organisations, this is the main reason we

No matter how small, every cog of The News not only owns the organisation but also takes pride in being part of an eventful journey of two decades. The newsroom and the reporters room are absorbed in everyday events but the noneditorial staff can rightly be termed as the Third Eye - the source of insight who possess the most comprehensive account of affairs at a media organisation

have never even considered leaving the organisation although we have been tempted by more lucrative opportunities, he said. I would prefer performing my duties here than at any bank or corporate office because I believe I am defending a cause bigger than any by defending those who stand up for truth and people, said Akram Jutt the guard who stands in harms way everyday at The News Office ever since its beginning. The world spins in the opposite direction at The News office, mostly people run away from a bomb site but the way the reporters rush to these points motivates me even more to do my job better. While almost all of these special individuals in their own right fear the power of their pride weakening in the fight against their financial constraints yet the Third-Eye finds The News a workers heaven, heading progressively into the future with a culture and tradition so rich, warm and addictive that it cannot be traded for anything no matter how tempting.

he employees who have clung to The News since the moment the newspaper hit the stands for the very first time are at peace twenty years down the lane. They have spent a good part of their lives working at The News which has an environment considered no less than a home, where there is abundant love and respect, and where the office is brimming with life and echoing with noise and laughter. An atmosphere that does not exist in any other news organisation, they claim Talking to The News on the special occasion of its 20th anniversary, these diligent employees reminisce about the time when the paper was launched, about their work in the early days and the journey they have covered so far. In the vibrant Art Room, Tanveer Shaikh, the newspapers Art Director recalls how he joined the newspaper six months before its launch as a visualiser, and designed the logos and the masthead of the classified section. The News was bringing a revolution in the industry. For the very first time, Macintosh was introduced in a newspaper organisation in the country. Everyone in the art room was working on MAC while people were not even aware of the exis-

Since The News started of as the first glazed-paper newspaper, therefore special machines were imported from Germany and the US. Six months prior to the launch, the machine men and printing men took out dummies and practised their hands using the alien machines. Haider Jafri, the production manager of the press tells The News that the special machine had a heat set (to dry the ink), and a silicon unit (to give a shiny effect to the paper). Pictures used to be scanned using drum scanners which

9th floor of The N e w s building. I remember the staff frequently visiting the library, and sitting for hours reading the local newspapers, the foreign publications, and magazines which were available. Mirza, shows the first edition of the paper, which had 24 pages and was priced Rs 4. The glossy newspaper comprised both local and foreign news, including an editorial regarding the launch and

The News photographers-- Naqeeb and Zahid Creativity in process at The News Karachi Art room and other significant incidents which gained fame and recognition. In the photographers room, white-bearded senior photographer Zahid Rehman tells about his first picture which got published. It was about a Christian locality in Essa Nagri and had my byline, he smiled. Rehman explains that in the early days, when there was no concept of digital camera, The News had its own colour lab where the pictures for the newspaper were developed. One of Rehmans most memoNaqeeb-ur-Rehman, who was quite young when he joined The News, is now a grown up man and a top photographer of the industry. Known for his courage, the undaunted photographer goes to troublesome places from where people usually turn away in order to fulfill his professional duties. Be it darkness or bouts of gunshots, Rehman keeps on clicking his camera and refuses to budge from the danger spot. I got attracted towards Photography when I was a young boy and therefore decided to become a photo-journalist. I am thankful to The News that it gave me the opportunity to accomplish my dreams. Rehman, who often risks his life by covering violence, once became a victim himself. In one such inci-

System support organisation should insure all the photographers as they risk their lives when going to such places. One of the best pictures I took was during the second tenure of Benazir Bhutto when she was distributing flour to the needy people in Bhit Shah. After the distribution, when she was going back on a boat, a jiyala who wanted to travel with her fell in the water. He was holding the partys flag, and was struggling not to drown in the water. I took a picture of that moment, and it received great fame, he reminisced. Senior group manager, Admin Ali Mujtaba says that he started of his career as an assistant at the administration department. I joined The News in September 1990 and used to come in the officer dressed up in casual jeans and shirt. I used to work at the 8th floor along with Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman and Shahrukh Hasan. I remember how before the launch Mir Shakil would ask me, Ali we need more plants in this area, and Ali we need to change the lights. We worked really hard before the launch making sure that everything was working smoothly. And the day the newspaper launched, there were celebrations at the office and a cake was cut. Showing a picture of the launch day, Mujtaba pointed out the staff standing outside a restaurant, a group of experienced journalists and fresh graduates. The News was the founding platform for many of the top journalists which the country has today. It was a collective team work of senior journalists Ghazi Salahuddin and Imran Aslam, and newbie of that time, Azhar Abbas and Kamran Khan. Mujtaba is proud to be a part of the team which started of editions simultaneously from Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi and London, being the first newspaper to do so. My journey has been beautiful. This place is like home! he beamed. At printing press in Sultanabad, where the groups publications and newspapers are printed and bind, employees are also eager to tell their stories about the launch.

(below) The lively administrative department of The News Karachi (right) The News reference section

at that time were ex- pictures of the staff. Security guard, Makhan Khan, tremely costly and each cost Rs 1 crore. who has been safeguarding the He recalls that on the premises eve of the launch, since the when the newspapers l a s t were going to be t w e n t y printed, there was y e a r s , all and pernervousness around as to whether f o r m s the people would ac- 12-hour cept such a newspa- d u t y per or not. However e v e r y after the newspaper day, says came in the market, we were thrilled he loves to get such a good response from his work the people, especially from the as people younger lot. give him a lot of reShowing the gigantic red spect. coloured-machine named Harris He recalls that durfrom where The News started print- ing the editorship of ing, Furqan Zaidi, senior printing Ghazi Salahuddin, a supervisor says that in the early days, a British national worked with them for operating the maThe difficult job of pasting chine. Despite the health hazards fice used to visit the canteen. we suffer from such as blaring When the late Prime Minister noise, the soot, we like working Benazir Bhutto visited our office, here as the environment and she was here for two hours and liked people are good. We wish The our canteens coffee so much that News the best for its future. she drank four mugs. She said that Saifuddin Shabbir, manager she had coffee of several countries, system department, who is respon- The News wheels but never found any coffee like sible for the entire computer network of the office, reminisces: man with a Kalashnikov came inside ours. The coffee today is popular as There was a day which I shall never the building with the intention of at- Benazir coffee. Meanwhile, office assistant Abid tacking Ghazi saheb. I stopped him and said that if he Ali at the news room, says that he wants to kill then he should kill me has seen everything in the last 20 instead of Salahuddin. The man took years. I have seen people falling in pity and left without hurting any- love and getting married, a few

sageway through the bank, he says. Fax operator Rashid Ahmed says that in the earlier days, news from the local agencies was transferred via agency machines which were set up in the office. Along with the fax machine, I was operating the agency machines too. Political parties such as PPP and PML used to send their press releases. Driver Muhammad Zaheer Qureshi says that most difficult time he witnessed in his line of duty was during 1993 when violence and killings were rampant. I used to pick up the employees whilst driving in places where people were firing at one another, and vehicles and tyres were burning. Once in Landhis Babar Market, I and an office employee were beaten up by goons by driving in the area, and for a month we had to stay at home due to the injuries. Muhammad Shakeel Khan from the Pasting department recalls that in the earlier days, when pasting was manual, it was quite tough cutting and merging news and pictures together. We had to make sure that the size of the pages was the same, and had to cut them and paste them carefully. Sarfaraz Khan, who established the canteen in The News building, says previously, there were a great variety of continental and Chinese dishes which were available at the canteen, and everyone from the of-

tence of computers. Shaikh is also proud of the fact that The News not only launched coloured printing, but also introduced graphics and illustrations in its stories, setting a trend which todays newspapers are following. Recalling the early days, he said that the visualisers used to go along with photographers and reporters on the incident spot to draw illustrations and graphics related to the story. I remember that when a policeman, Bahadur Ali, was gunned down in an encounter during the 90s operation, we went on the spot and observed the bullets marks on the walls and drew a graphic which was appreciated by all. Similarly, we also drew graphics on the PIDC blasts on the Americans, the Metropole Hotel

rable pictures is of a chopper carrying the dead body of Murtaza Bhutto and the beautiful view of the metropolis in the background. In 2000, he was awarded with an APNS award for a picture he had taken of a bear tightly clutching a boy, in a competition being held in the city. It is because of The News that I have achieved a lot in my life and people love me and my pictures. All these years, my bosses have encouraged me and supported me immensely. I pray to God that The News keeps on shining always. Another photojournalist,

dent, he recalls that in the early 90s, when he was taking pictures of burning vehicles, a car hit and severely injured him. Taking exclusive pictures for his newspaper always remained a high priority for Rehman, no matter what price he has to pay for it. I have been witness to a number of bomb blasts. For example, at the PACC blast, I was taking pictures at the scene when a second blast took place. I did not run away from the place as I wanted to capture a moving picture for my newspaper. Rehman urges that the

forget. In the 1990s, one day, the network broke down and there was no electricity at the office. At that time, the Jang office was not computerized, therefore, we carried machines and servers and took them to the Jang office to complete the newspaper. Around 5 am, the pages were completed, and sent for printing. He also remembers the eve of the launch when almost the entire staff spent the night at the office. One by one as the pages went down, people would cheer and applaud. We stayed here till we had the hard copy from the printing press. People were very excited and happy. In Akhbar Manzil, the library in charge Farrukh Mirza sits in a small room, missing the proper library The News once had. The library was situated at the

A group photo Layout designer one. In another incident, Khan remembers that journalist Kamran Khan was stabbed near the office, and then was rushed off to the hospital. This building was surrounded by admirers and protestors several times. When cricketer Javed Miandad visited the office, there was a huge crowd, so we had to make him enter the building through a pas-

punches and brawls, and many celebrities visiting the office. He smiles shyly and says that when film star Reema visited the premises; he was lucky to be with her in the lift. She asked me for the marketing department, and I went with her to the seventh floor, opened the door and told her the way. To Ali, The News is like family and he will only leave the place when retires.

The News Special Report, February 2011

TWENTY YEARS OF THE NEWS 2011 WITNESS TO HISTORY

1999
January 25
s Jang Group declares it will fight its battle

29

1999
February 12
s US Senate acquits President Clinton in

1999
February 29
s Indian Prime Minister Vajpayee arrives in

1999
July 4
s Prime Minister Sharif agrees to pull out

with the government in court

Monica case

Lahore by bus

from Kargil during meeting with Clinton

February 1
s Supreme Court orders release of

February 17
s Supreme Court declares military courts

May 20
s India and Pakistan exchange heavy fire in

September 27
s Hosni Mubarak elected Egyptian

newsprint to Jang group

illegal

Kargil

president for fourth time

A mighty fight for rights

By Tariq Butt
ince its launch two decades ago, The News has fought an assortment of wars and crusades, and in the process suffered a lot in financial terms. Though the sufferings continue, the newspaper is undeterred in its resolve and mission. For their good and courageous work, its journalists have been falling victim to the Machiavellian tactics of successive regimes and other intolerant clusters, promoting and thriving on different interest groups and lobbies. The battle is on and keeps raging. The governments in Pakistan, no matter which party is in the driving seat, have developed a strong habit not to bother too much about the voices of sanity and act in illegal and unconstitutional ways to positive criticism. They have become so thick skinned and imperceptive that no amount of reproach pauses their businessas-usual

approach and attitude. Throughout its life, The News has unwaveringly fought against corruption in power corridors, plunder of national resources with official connivance, unbridled and unauthorised use of authority, and intolerance. It has also been exposing incompetence and struggling for good governance and transparency. However, the most heroic fight that the newspaper launched for the establishment of an independent judiciary and its protection was unfolded on March 9, 2007 when Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry was rendered dysfunctional

by the then military ruler, Pervez Musharraf. Of course, Geo and Jang, the two other powerful organs of the group of publications, were equally aggressive participants in this fight. However, The News has the credit of coming out with umpteen stories, based on hard facts, that were not swallowed by the Musharrafs regime and at the end of the day proved out to be a major reason for the restoration of the deposed chief justice. Any political or other force that even showed some kind of relaxation in its support to the reinstatement of the independent judiciary earned our wrath only due to the fact and with the purpose that they should change their mind and think of Pakistan in the long run to build institutions instead of strengthening individuals. Those who stood against the restoration of such judiciary remained our target, not for any personal reasons, but for a cause. Never ever there was anything personal in this campaign. This newspaper worked not only as the leader in Pakistani journalism while other media houses either remained confused or simply followed us but half-heartedly. It kept setting the national agenda and is doing so till to-date.

Our fight for an independent judiciary intensified after Musharraf imposed a state of emergency and introduced the Provisional Constitutional Order (PCO) on November 3, 2007, sending nearly four dozens of superior court judges home. This was his most opportunistic step, not meant to serve any national or strategic interest, but just to save himself from being disqualified by the Supreme Court from contesting the presidential election in military uniform. For hectically campaigning for the return of the independent judiciary, the Jang group faced unprecedented repressive measures coupled with a colossal financial loss. It will take several years for the group to overcome this huge damage. After the return of the independent judiciary in March 2009 following an epic struggle, which would find an excellent place in the annals of history, The News persists with its role for annihilation of assaults and plots against it by the Zardari-Gilani government. The principal part this newspaper played for restoration and protection of the independent judiciary wrote a new history in Pakistan. These are just the few fronts on which The News has been focusing since February 11, 1991, when its first edition came out. The newspaper continues to aggressively work for the safeguard of independent judiciary and rule of law. Had it not uninterruptedly acted this way, the present government would have sharpened its attack on the judiciary in order to cripple it. For this role and its nonstop movement for exposure of matchless corruption, bad governance, misrule and incompetence, the Jang group continues to face the severe financial squeeze by the government. The latest assault that was thwarted by the Supreme Court was intended to rob the Geo Super of airing the international world cup matches through cable for which it had signed a contract with a foreign channel by paying handsome money. The group is paying a heavy price for its fierce independence, and the obvious main motive is to strangulate it to an extent where it offers submission. But the way group proceeds, there
Continued on page 37

Inching towards freedom of press

By Anil Datta

s all of us are bound to agree, freedom of thought and expression, often embodied in the freedom of the press, is a yardstick of a societys level of civility and intellectual advancement. It is this freedom that paves societys way to progress and achievement of social harmony, often through an unshackled collective self-assessment. It is the key to nurturing of a society based on the edifice of tolerance, tolerance being one of the most sublime of virtues. Among the umpteen examples, the most apt one that could be quoted would be Eighteenth Century Britain, a country smitten by laissez-faire capitalism

and its attendant evils. The Industrial Revolution had bred mass exploitation of the disempowered by the upstart capitalists but thanks to the virtue of freedom of thought and tolerance in society, there came crusaders against this exploitation like Charles Dickens and later, Karl Marx, a German, the venue of whose intellectual flowering was Britain. They along with umpteen others, through their erudite writings, brought home to both the masses and the rulers the evils of capitalism with the result that many reforms were initiated to shackle the newlyemerging socially disruptive doctrine and laws were enacted to protect the rights of the exploited. These writers were not dumped into prison dungeons

for pinpointing the flaws of governance on trumped up charges of treason or smuggling of buffaloes or horses. In Pakistan too, this freedom flowered in the first decade of the countrys existence, unfortunately, in 1958, with the beginning of the era of dictatorial regimes, Press freedom came to be a somewhat tabooed commodity. News censorship and news being tailored to fit the interests of the ruling clique came to be the norm, the National Press Trust being the chief guardian of this censorship. The masses came to be kept in the dark Perhaps this censorship was at its most pernicious in the decade of the 80s when before being printed pages of newspapers had to be taken over to the information department for scrutiny by information officers who would delete news items at whim, entailing production problems for the journalists who were not allowed to question the discretion of these officers. What the rulers of the day, on account of their myopic vision, did not realise was that this spoon-feeding of information could also backfire. In due course, there developed a yawning credibility gap between the rulers and the ruled. Even today, with official censorship and coercion now more or less a thing of the past, this gap continues. This situation continued right up until 1986, but happily enough, it was in this year that the black laws, euphemistically termed the Press and Publications Ordinance, were scrapped and the Press in Pakistan came to be absolutely free, for which the late Prime Minister, Muhammad Khan Junejo, gets most of the credit. Pleasantly, today the Pakistani Press is almost as free as the Press in the UK, the latter being the internationally accepted yardstick of Press freedom. Besides one could vouch for it that the Press in Pakistan
Continued on page 38

The News Special Report, February 2011

32
1999
October 12
government

TWENTY YEARS OF THE NEWS 2011 WITNESS TO HISTORY

1999
December 22
s Chandarika Kumaratunga becomes Prime

2000
January 1
s Y2K bug fails to bite

2000
February 7
s Pakistan test fires Hatf-I missile

s Musharraf dismisses Nawaz Sharif

Minister of Sri Lanka

October 30
s Over 1000 die as storm lashes Indias

January 19
s Nawaz Sharif and other accused indicted

April 6
s ATC awards life imprisonment to

December 31
s Boris Yeltsin resigns as President of

in plane case

Nawaz Sharif in PIA hijacking case

coastal towns

Russia, to be replaced by Vladimir Putin

A movement for the restoration of judiciary

By Ahmad Noorani
t is an irrefutable fact that on many occasions during the historic movement for the restoration of judiciary, all hopes were lost as the Asif Ali Zardari-led Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) government was hell bent on continuing with the PCO Chief Justice Abdul Hameed Dogar and his kangaroo courts. Although the lawyers community and some political forces played an exemplary role on the D-day, March 15, 2009, it is also a fact that on many times during the 17month long movement starting from November 3, 2007, a few political parties did consider changing their mind despite having a firm commitment to the reinstatement of the independent judiciary. One of the major political forces was not even ready to participate in the long march but became willing only after some leading leaders made hectic efforts to persuade them into joining the protest that proved to be last before the deposed judges returned to the bench. That happened only when its own provincial government has gone. It has been revealed in the WikiLeaks cables that the United States, which usually has a decisive role in major national decisions of Pakistan, was the extreme opponent of restoration of Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry and other independent judges. Even the establishment which had in fact sacked these judges and then imprisoned them remained opposed to their restoration till the time hundreds of thousands of people began marching towards the federal capital in a historic Long March that was to reach Islamabad after passing through the garrison town of Rawalpindi.

Dreaming of a free judiciary

By Huzaima Bukhari & Dr Ikramul Haq

It was only the Pakistani media that firmly stood behind the independent judges from the very first day but unfortunately after the installation of PPPs government, certain newspapers and TV channels withdrew their support for the deposed judges and started singing songs of democracy and sovereignty of democratic institutions on the whims of the rulers of the day. Some media outlets even began alleging that the deposed judges have become political by exaggerating Justice Chaudhrys addresses to different bars which were also attended by massive crowds of people. In a country like Pakistan, where corruption, malpractices and rule of the powerful always has remained the order of the day throughout our history, peoples great victory in form of restoration of the independent judiciary after a protracted struggle has given a message to the young generation of journalists that if the objective is supreme and genuine and sincere efforts are made with passion without

There were several moments and stages during the historic movement when everyone suffered hopelessness. The News relentlessly kept exposing the real faces of the corrupt PCO judges
considering the pressure from the establishment and political elite, anything can be achieved through fair, brave and impartial reporting and by standing with truth in any situation. And that too, in an atmosphere marred by vacillating attitude of some major players to the cause of restoration of independent judges. Geo News along with some other channels was shut down by the military regime right on November 3, 2007 along with sacking and imprisoning superior court judges. All other TV channels were restored after a few days but the shutdown of Geo News continued. Then Geo and Jang Group faced the wrath of the PPP government which started punishing the media group from the very first day simply because of its resolve to fight for the reinstatement of the independent judiciary and against corruption. There were several moments and stages during the historic movement when everyone suffered hopelessness. But The News stories relentlessly kept exposing the real faces of the corrupt PCO judges. These stories appeared in The News and daily Jang and Geo also regularly and continuously used them, creating awareness and informing the masses about the facts regarding the actual reasons behind Zardari-led Gilani governments hesitance to restore the independent judiciary. The News presented before the nation the actual situation of the cases closed under NRO and informed its readers that because of NRO corruption, Rs1000 billion has been

stolen. And to protect this corruption, NRO-tainted dispensation is determined not to reinstate Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry and his fellow judges. On daily basis The News carried stories quoting top jurists and printed articles creating enlightening readers about the advantages of an independent judiciary and the fruits that nation could get after achieving the destination of restoration of Musharrafs sacked independent judges of the high courts and Supreme Court. It was The News which told the nation that PCO Chief Justice Abdul Hameed Dogar ordered officials of an education board to increase the marks of his daughter after declaration of results so she could take admission in a medical college. This story which was termed the scandal of the decade showed the nation the real face of the PCO judges and kangaroo Courts. This newspaper informed its readers how military dictator Pervez Musharraf was misguiding the US and western world by claiming that Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry was supporting the terrorists. For this purpose the military regime gave evidence that the Supreme Court had released some high profile terrorists. The News exposed the conspiracy by telling the nation that in fact it was a well-planned strategy of the establishment and for this purpose the then attorney general had told the apex court that there was no evidence against these terrorists and that was why they had to be set free. The News quoted Malik Qayyum admitting that he was ordered to not to present any evidence against the terrorists in the court room no-1 presided by Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry. It was The News which exposed the wrongdoings

and real character of a PCO judge by showing people his activities in a Dubai night club. It exposed corruption scandals of other PCO judges as well. All this contribution of The News kept the masses alive and the demand of the nation for the restoration of judiciary kept escalating. On the D-day it was assessed that millions of people would surround the capital and presidential palace till the time the independent judiciary would be restored. As the epic Long March approached near, even those who were criticising the deposed Chief Justice in the garb of supremacy of democratic institution, also started supporting the restoration of the independent judiciary after seeing the changing direction of winds. Though now again there are no hopes for resolution of major national troubles; no hopes for eradication of corruption and corrupt practices; no hope for reining in terrorism and no hope for an end to different prejudices destroying our country, my conviction is that we will change; this county will change, we will bring an end to the corruption regime and will achieve the destination of a peaceful and sovereign Pakistan, and this conviction is entirely based on the nations success in its fight against local and international establishment to get the independent judiciary restored after such a big struggle which included lives of tens of activists of the movement especially in Karachi. If this great incident would not have happened and the team of The News would not have fought vigorously to get an independent judiciary for the future generations, I would also be among the desperate people who think that Pakistan would never change.

By Amir Riaz

uzzled by Zia-ulHaq under the mutilated 1973 Constitution, the judiciary in Pakistan not only endorsed the unlawful assumption of power by General Pervez Musharraf but also gave him the authority to amend the supreme law of the land. It was no doubt the most lamentable action on the part of judiciary. All was going well for the ruling junta and its cronies under controlled democracy till March 9, 2007a tragic day in our history when the Chief Justice of Pakistan was barred from performing his functions on the pretext of filing of reference against him under Article 209 of the Constitution of Pakistan. What happened on that sad day and thereafter is now well documented in the judgement of the apex court reported as Chief Justice of Pakistan Mr. Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry v President of Pakistan PLD 2010 SC 61. The judgement exposes how a well-planned conspiracy was hatched against the judiciarythe target was not the chief justice alone. The unanimous declaration of a full bench of 13 honourable judges of the apex court on July 20, 2007 that Musharraf acted unlawfully in making the Chief Justice of Pakistan non-functional and/or sending him on forced leave proved to be a starting point of debacle of Musharraf as actions of November 3, 2007 could not save the mighty general having full support of the United States and the establishment. The historic struggle waged by the legal fraternity, supported by political parties, media, members of civil society and above all, by masses of Pakistan, made the period from March 9, 2007 to July 20, 2007 a landmark in our legal and political history. The first restoration of Chief Justice of Pakistan was just an initial step towards the revival of democratic civilian rule and independence of judiciary in Pakistan. The effectiveness of peoples

Judiciary during the last two decades has witnessed tumultuous times. From its traditional role of approving military take-overs to judicial activism, this vital organ of the State has of late chosen a pathcombatting corruption and arbitrariness in various institutionsthat will have far reaching implications on the society and the State. For the first time it has taken the bullthe corrupt and mightyby its horns. If it succeeds in its endeavours to combat vested interests, Pakistanis will certainly benefit from the fruits of a true representative democracy

powerhistoric struggle waged by the legal fraternity supported by political parties and members of civil society won victory for all. It was all due to the Pakistani public that the periods from March 9, 2007 to July 20, 2007, from

November 3, 2007 to March 16, 2009 and from March 9, 2009 to July 31, 2009 became landmarks in our legal and political history. The second restoration of the Chief Justice of Pakistan on March 22, 2009 was not a tri-

umph for an individual but a victory for justice. It was a great step towards the revival of true democratic rule and independence of judiciary in Pakistan. The decision of July 31, 2009 proved ita categorical finding was given against unconstitutional acts of Musharraf and action was taken against all judges who took oath under the Provisional Constitutional Order (PCO). March 16, 2009 will always be remembered as the day of rejection of legacy of a military dictator, reaffirmation of peoples power and demonstration of national consensus that dispensation of justice is the main pillar of democracy. Due to prolonged military rules, the State of Pakistan faced a daunting challenge of establishing true democratic polity based on constitutional supremacy. The dictatorial rules muzzled all the State organsespecially judiciary that became an approving arm for almost every military take-over since 1958. However, the defiance on March 9, 2007 was a starting point and March 16, 2009 proved to be culmination of the journeyfrom denial to freedom, hope for an era of independent judiciary and rule of law. However, the dream of a new Pakistan that overwhelmed the nation on 16 March 2009 in the aftermath of revival of Judiciary of 2 November 2007is yet to materialise. It is viewed by many as another illusionary achievement. The ruling trioinsurmountable civil-military comgreedy plex, politicians-cum-industrialists and unscrupulous businessmenhas been resisting judiciary and so far showed its muscles by telling the masses that even the apex court cannot bend them to implement its decisions e.g. oil and sugar prices and reopening of Swiss cases etc. Many still believe that the restitution of judges, due to insurmountable pressure of masses on streets, has heralded a new dawn of democratic era through establishment of an
Continued on page 33

he legal fraternity recorded a golden chapter in the history of Pakistan by launching a successful movement for the restoration of sacked judges. The relentless struggle of the lawyers resulted in the reinstatement of deposed judges for the very first time in the nations history. In 2005, Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry became Chief Justice of Pakistan. He led the court in ways that was inconvenient for the then dicta-

The nonviolent actions of the lawyers were met with fierce repression from the government. The lawyers movement was called Save the JudiMovement. ciary Approximately 80,000 lawyers across country joined hands with the mission of reinstating Chaudhry as the chief justice and restoring judicial independence in Pakistan. Despite the violent repression, the lawyers remained nonviolent. A leading lawyer Aitzaz Ahsan challenged Justice Chaudhrys suspension in the Supreme Court (SC). The superior court ordered on July 20,

verted to repressing the judiciary only a few months later. On November 3, 2007, Musharraf declared a state of emergency and enacted a Provisional Constitutional Order (PCO) that suspended the constitution and gave Musharraf the freedom to rule without judicial oversight. Claiming that PCO was necessary to more effectively fight the war against terrorism, Musharraf instead used the order as a shield. It was just days before the Supreme Court was to decide on a petition that challenged the legality of his controversial re-election in October. Follow-

Saving the judiciary

tor Pervez Musharraf. He challenged the legality of Musharrafs dual role as president and this irked the army chief. On March 9, 2007, Musharraf asked Justice Chaudhry to resign but he refused. Resultantly, Musharraf suspended Justice Chaudhry as the chief justice, alleging that Chaudhry had misused his office. Musharrafs action sparked countrywide protest and lawyers took to the streets. They denounced Musharrafs action and termed it an attempt to curtail the Supreme Courts increasing independence under Chaudhrys leadership. Lawyers across the country organised a nonviolent movement to protest against Musharrafs action. All segments of the society including, political workers, students, traders, teachers joined the lawyers in their struggle. 2007 to restore the sacked chief justice. Musharraf caved to the pressure of the incessant nonviolent civil resistance and reinstated the Chaudhry. This was a remarkable success for the four-month-old movement but it was only temporary. When the time approached for presidential election, Musharraf announced that he will contest the election in uniform. Qazi Hussain Ahmad challenged his eligibility in SC but it was dismissed for being pre-mature. Later Justice (retd) Wajih ud Din filed nomination papers for the presidential election to become eligible to challenge Musharrafs candidature. The SC did not stay the election but stopped the election commission from announcing official results. Expecting a decision against him, Musharraf reing PCO, more than 40 judges were detained in their homes along with their families. The lawyers movement quickly mobilised to resist Musharrafs declaration of emergency. Their movement was soon snowballed into mass movement where the masses and civil society joined forces with the lawyers. In a bold and uncommon act of defiance, approximately two-thirds of Pakistans 97 senior judges refused to accept the imposition of emergency rule and a swift crackdown followed. All of the judges who resisted were immediately fired and detained, including Chief Justice Chaudhry. Police unleashed worst torture on lawyers and threw them in jails to stop them from protesting against Musharraf. Despite the

arrests, lawyers across the country defied Musharrafs suspension of the constitution in solidarity. Due to the combination of civil resistance from lawyers and increasing international pressure, Musharraf resigned his position as head of the military on November 28, 2007 and listed emergency rule on December 15, 2007. With the repeal of emergency rule, Musharraf announced general elections. Although the elections were originally scheduled for January 2008, they were postponed until mid-February after Benazir Bhutto, the chairperson Pakistan Peoples Party was assassinated in December 2007. Bhuttos assassination further complicated an already heated political climate in Pakistan. Prior to the election, there were concerns that Musharraf would meddle with the elections results. However, the outcome was strongly in favour of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) over Musharrafs Pakistan Muslim League (PMLQ) party, a strong indication that Musharraf had not rigged the results. In addition to the lawyers activism, the election results also reflected the tumultuous political environment in Pakistan triggered by Bhuttos assassination. After the 2008 election, the strength of the lawyers movement continued to grow through a series of coordinated nonviolent actions. On August 18, 2008, Musharraf resigned as president, facing potential impeachment from the newly elected parliament. However, the battle for a free judiciary did not end with Musharrafs resignation. The ensuing election of Benazir Bhuttos widower, Asif Ali Zardari on September 6 brought about little freedom for the judiciary, despite promises. Zardari signed an agreement with PML-N Nawaz Sharif to restore judges in 30 days but later PPP backed out of it. In response, the lawyers movement organised a mass march on Islamabad that was joined by many supporters from Pakistani civil society. Eventually, PM Yousaf Raza Gilani was forced to reinstate the deposed judges including CJ on March 16, 2009. In a span of approximately two years, the lawyers movement realised its goals for organising through the use of solely nonviolent tactics.

The News Special Report, February 2011

TWENTY YEARS OF THE NEWS 2011 WITNESS TO HISTORY

2000
May 17
s Nazir Sabir becomes the first Pakistani

33

2000
August 15
s Russias nuclear submarine sinks, killing

2000
September 20
s Sherpao gets 3-year imprisonment by

2000
October 13
s South Korean president Kim Dae Jung

to conquer Mount Everest

June 26
s Scientists unveil first draft of The Book

118 onboard US warplanes bombed air defense sites in northern Iraq

NAB reference

October 5
s President Slobodan leaves office after

wins Nobel Peace Prize Gus Hall (90), longtime American communist, died in New York

of Life after successfully mapping human genome system

August 25
s India test fires Trishul missile

widespread demonstrations in Serbia

December 9
s Israeli PM Ehud Barak resigns

Dips and troughs of two decades of the SC

By Amir Riaz
n August 6, 1990, President Ghulam Ishaq Khan, under Article 58(2) (b) of the constitution, had dissolved the National Assembly and the government of Benazir Bhutto. The said dissolution order was challenged. The Supreme Court, by majority, upheld the dissolution of the National Assembly. As a result of general election, Mian Nawaz Sharif came to power but President Ghulam Ishaq Khan on April 18, 1993.had dissolved his assembly and government. Sharif challenged the dissolution in the Supreme Court. On May 26, 1993, the Supreme Court of Pakistan by majority of 10 to 1 restored the National Assembly, and reinstated Sharifs government. It was the first time in Pakistans 47 years of turbulent political history that a dismissed assembly was restored by the highest court. Bhutto again became the prime minister in 1993. However, President Farooq Ahmad Leghari dissolved her government on allegations of corruption. The matter was against taken up by the superior court and it validated Legharis decision. During Nawaz Sharifs second government, the Supreme Court declared unconstitutional several anti-terrorist laws including the 1997 Anti-Terrorism Act. In November 1997, Pakistan grappled with its worstever constitutional crisis when the Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif started a tussle with

Chief Justice Sajjad Ali Shah over the issue of appointment of some judges in apex court. Meanwhile, the Quetta bench of the apex court held the appointment of Chief Justice Sajjad Ali Shah in abeyance till further orders and restrained him from performing judicial and administrative functions. The bench also held in abeyance the operation of the notification of June 5, 1994 issued by the president appointing Justice Sajjad Ali Shah . as the CJP The Chief Justice Sajjad Ali Shah, declared the order of the two-member Supreme Court bench at Quetta without lawful authority, and continued functioning. It is the second instance in the judicial history of Pakistan when two judges of the Supreme Court were asked not to perform their duties. Earlier in 1996, two ad hoc judges of the Supreme Court were asked by the same chief justice not to perform their judicial functions.

The Supreme Courts circuit bench at Peshawar endorsed the verdict of the Quetta bench on a petition challenging the appointment of Justice Sajjad Ali Shah as chief justice of Pakistan. Later Sajjad Ali Shah initiated contempt proceedings against Nawaz Sharif and he appeared before court and said he felt regret over his statement. The court did not dropped contempt proceedings and later an unruly mob stormed into the Supreme Court, forcing Chief Justice Sajjad Ali Shah to adjourn the contempt of court case. Finally, Shah stepped down and Justice Ajmal Mian became new chief justice of Pakistan. In 1996, Supreme Court also laid down guidelines for appointment of superior court judges in famous Al-Jihad Trust case. It ruled that no judge could be appointed on the recommendation of acting Chief Justice. As a result of this judgment, dozens of judges were sent packing including 16 from Lahore High Court.

The Federal Shariat Court (FSC) had set aside interestbased banking system and in 1999 the Supreme Court upheld its decision. FSC had given guidelines to the government to replace interest-based banking system with new one. After Mushrraf took over his government filed a review petition in the Supreme Court which set aside FSCs order and remanded it decide afresh. The same is still pending in FSC. On October 12, 1999, GenMusharraf eral Pervez launched a coup and toppled Nawazs government. After six months he introduced the Provisional Constitutional Order (PCO) and sent several judges home. The PCO was challenged in the SC which in July 2000 not only validated PCO but also allowed Pervez Musharraf to amend the constitution. The present Chief Justice of Pakistan, Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry was also member of the bench. On March 2007, Pervez Musharraf suspended Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry and filed a reference against him in Supreme Judicial Council. It happened for the very first time in judicial history of Pakistan that a chief justice approached highest court to seek justice. The SC in July 2007 threw out a presidential reference and ordered the restoration of the sacked chief justice. Meanwhile, time for presidential election approached and Musharraf s eligibility was challenged in SC. To avoid his disqualification, Pervez Musharraf on Novem-

ber 3 , 2007 again imposed emergency and introduced second PCO sending dozens of judges home. On the same day a seven member bench of apex court set aside imposition of emergency and restrained judges from taking oath under PCO. Despite that many judges took oath under PCO. An 8-member full court of PCO-ridden Supreme Court in November 2007 had set aside decision given seven judges against imposition of state of emergency. The bench was headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Abdul Hamid Dogar who had taken oath under PCO. The same court in 2008 had abolished graduation qualification to contest election for parliament holding it discriminatory. After the sacked judges were restored in March 2009, the SC took up the issue of PCO judges appointed during period of emergency. On July 31, 2009, the SC dismissed all judges who were appointed on the recommendation of Chief Justice Abdul Hameed Dogar while the cases of judges who took oath under PCO were sent to Supreme Judicial Council. The SC through same judgment also held imposition of emergency and PCO unconstitutional. Many permanent judges of the superior court resigned after SC issued contempt notice to them. However 11 judges including Justice Abdul Hameed Dogar decided to contest contempt proceedings and the case is still pending. On December 16, 2009 SC set aside National Reconciliation Ordinance and ordered government to write letter to the Swiss government for reopening of money laundering case against the President Asif Ali Zardari. A case for the implementation of this order is still pending in the Supreme Court.

Dreaming of a free judiciary

Continued from 32

independent judiciary, free from the shackles of governmental controls and political pressures. They say it will take some time but hope will remain alive for a better Pakistan for our future generations if judiciary remains resilient. On the other hand, the ruling elite are making every effort to block the way for an independent and impartial judiciary. It is though hearting to note that attempts to destroy the concept of separation of the judiciary from the executive through 18th Amendment was foiled and now 19th Amendment has corrected the position as desired by the apex court. The challenges are still there. The NRO decision has not been implemented by the vested interest till today. The Apex Court wants accountability of all, but the mighty sections are not obliging. On the contrary more and more scandals are surfacingSteel Mills, Insurance Corporation, NLC, NATO container case, Haj scam and many others are posing tough challenges for the apex court. Citizens desire rule of law, but the rich and mightyhaving control over state apparatusare resisting it forcefully. They thrive on corruption and protect each other. In the wake of March 16, 2009, the nation was very enthusiastic that from now on administration and dispensation of justice would be the top most priority. They were expecting es-

tablishment of representative democracy, but instead they witnessed more cases of corruption and loot, lawlessness, target killings and extreme economic hardships. Administration and dispensation of justice in Pakistan still appears a distant dream. But many believe that in the wake of decisions, Chief Justice of Pakistan Mr. Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry v President of Pakistan PLD 2010 SC 61 and Dr. Mobashir Hassan & Others v Federation of Pakistan & Others PLD 2010 SC 1, there lies a hope for rule of law, social justice and economic equality provided the ruling classes are defeated by masses and apex court, in addition to protecting fundamental rights enshrined in Article8 to 28 gives attention to promises contained in Articles 29 to 38. In any society, administration and dispensation of justice should be the top most priority as without it representative democracy cannot be established. A society without a trustworthy and speedy judicial system, which does not ensure effective dispensation of justice, cannot survive for long. Administration and dispensation of justice in Pakistan need serious attention. It is high time that all sections of society realise and work collectively towards this cherished goal. It alone can ensure our survival and progress. The writers, legal historians, are Adjunct Professors at Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS).

The News Special Report, February 2011

34
2000
December 13

TWENTY YEARS OF THE NEWS 2011 WITNESS TO HISTORY

2000
December 20
s Pakistan announces pullout of a part of

2001
January 17
s Srinagar airport attack and assassination

2001
January 20
s George W Bush sworn in as 43rd US

s Nawaz Sharif and family exiled

to Saudi Arabia

troops from line of control

attempt in India

President

December 14
s Gore concedes defeat; Bush promises

December 22
s Material girl Madonna marries British film

January 18
s UN sanctions on Taliban ruled

January 21
s Pakistan and India decide to extend bi-

to unite Americans

director Guy Ritchie

Afghanistan begin

weekly Samjhota Express service for 3 years

A vacuum hard to fill

By Faizan Bangash
riends and foes agree that the tragic assassination of Benazir Bhutto not only deprived the country of a mainstream leader but also proved a loss of hope for the entire federation which is still facing the aftermaths of the gory incident of Liaqut Bagh. Most of the political leaders of Pakistan who either remained close associates of slain PPP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto through thick and thin or acted as her vociferous critics during her life seem to be agreeing at one point that the vacuum of leadership in Pakistan created as a result of December 27, 2007 incident is hard to fill. A number of BBs critics in past acknowledge the political sagacity, acumen and global stature of Benazir Bhutto, whose absence from the political scene has cost the country a lost and the situation of Pakistan could have been much better than it is under the incumbent leadership. On the other hand, a large number of PPP loyalists including those who are the witness of the Liaquat Bagh incident hold the view that party was facing the worst period since its formation and they are yet to see any light at the end of the tunnel so far. Some members even hold the view that PPP had turned into an orphan after the killing of one of the most charismatic leaders of history but what adds to their woes is the delay in the solution of BBs murder case at a time, when her own party is in power. Gen (Retd) Hameed Gul, former Chief of Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) and founder of controversial Islami Jamhuri Ittehad (IJI), an alliance of nine parties formed to counter PPP in political arena in 1988 while talking to The News said there was no denying the fact that Benazir of 2007 was a changed leader who had de-

cided not to follow the US dictates any more. Hameed Gul went on to say that Benazir Bhutto was removed from the political scene by imperialistic forces for which she had turned into a rebel and didnt match up with the interests of these powers. Towards the end of her life, she was a figure who had broken the shackles, said Hameed Gul. She refused to meet Negroponte, declared Iftikhar Chaudhry as her Chief Justice, she was a changed leader indeed in her last days, Gul.Hameed Gul further stated that Benazir Bhutto was a popular leader of the largest political party and there was no comparison between the stature of BB and an unpopular Musharraf who didnt even tolerate a Prime Minister like Jamali. The former ISI Chief, who had been representing the anti PPP campaign throughout, stated that after the death of Benazir, the present rulers were doing all what US had designed and only BB was the true obstacle in the implementation of that plan. The situation

is worsening day by day, drone attacks are being carried on, governance almost doesnt exist, the PPP government seems to be lacking any vision whether it is related to Kashmir issue or Islamic clauses. said Gul while hinting towards the loss country was facing after Benazir. To a question what would have been the condition of country had BB been alive, Hameed Gul replied, Our present policies of surrender and appeasement towards America would have either shifted over to respectful defiance or even to brinkmanship, a lot would have changed if she was alive. Chairman Awami Muslim League, former Federal Minister and a vociferous critic of Benazir Bhutto in the past Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed while talking to The News said that despite differences, she was a leader of matchless abilities and talent, Her death brought a message of destabilization for the country. Sheikh Rasheed, who remained as a Member of National Assembly with Benazir Bhutto in four terms including 1988, 90, 93 and 97 said that there isnt any comparison between BB and the present leadership of PPP as Ms Bhutto was trained by her father Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto as the future leader of Pakistan. He said that the her loss was a huge blow for the country as well as for her own party which seem to be under severe crisis and now comprises mostly of leaders whose commitment towards party was questionable. Country was deprived of a mature leader in the form of BBs assassination. said Sheikh Rasheed. Central leader of PML-N Senator Raja Zafar ul Haq, a close associate of Gen Zia ul Haq in past while talk-

ing to The News also admitted the fact that the talent, vision and respect owned by Benazir Bhutto is yet to be achieved by any other leader of her party. He said that the gap created by BBs assassination isnt easy to fill. He went on to say that she had bitter experience with PML-N Quaid, Mian Nawaz Sharif but both the leaders didnt carry their differences too far in the later days and came to terms with each for the better interest of federation. He said that the Charter of Democracy (CoD) was a reflection of the fact that both the leaders wanted to steer the country out of crisis and it was envisaged that future of Pakistan lies in shared governance. Unfortunately, after the tragic assassination of Benazir Bhutto, the new leadership of PPP didnt work as per her vision and had to be reminded of its promises. He said despite differences, PML-N leadership had its meetings with PPP but the state of affairs which was much more conducive in Ms Bhuttos life doesnt exist now. Governor Punjab Sardar Latif Khan Khosa while talking to The News said the loss of Benazir

Bhutto from the political scene created a massive vacuum in Pakistan. He also said that he felt lucky to host Benazir Bhutto Shaheed during her last visit to Lahore at the time when Musharraf had declared emergency and added that BB had reached a high level of maturity in her last days. He also said she was a leader who not only enjoyed popularity in Pakistan but also in the foreign community who held her in great esteem. It was a severe blow for us and for our political journey when we lost her, said Sardar Latif Khosa, who was also an elected Senator in 2003 after he was awarded the party ticket by BB. However, Khosa was of the opinion that President Zardari quite intelligently saved the federation at the time when BB was assassinated and voices of protests were getting stronger, particularly in Sind. He said the present government was committed to implementing the vision of Shaheed Benazir. Naheed Khan, central leader of PPP and one of the closest aides of Benazir Bhutto while talking to The News said there wasnt any leader in Pakistan now who possessed the vision Shaheed Benazir had. She said it was the farsightedness of BB when she in her last speech, hinting towards extremists stated, they dont want to see the flag of my country in Swat which was proved in the days to come. Naheed further mentioned that BB had also predicted the possibility of chaos in

Balochistan and that was why she raised the slogan for the empowerment of provinces. She also said that it was Benazir Bhutto Shaheed who remained a vocal advocate for the right of women and minorities throughout and practically showed her commitment by appointing women as judges, ambassadors etc. Naheed went on to say that due the tragic killing of Benazir Bhutto, a ray of hope seems to have diminished. The country still faces massive challenges on security and economic fronts for which BB had the wisdom and discreet planning. She added that after BB, our country didnt witness any political or economic stability and is still facing the after effects of that tragic incident that occurred on December 27, 2007. Dr Israr Shah, one of the loyalists of PPP who was deprived of both of legs as a result of the suicide blasts in lawyers camp in Islamabad in 2007, while talking to The News said that it was sad but true that none of the leaders in PPP or in Pakistan possessed the charisma which Shaheed BB had. The PPP has practically become an orphan after the Shahadat of Bibi said Dr Israr Shah, who was also awarded a Senate ticket in 2004 by his leader. He lamented that as long as BB was alive, the vision of PPP was preserved but after her death, there is no one to carry on with her mission.

The News Special Report, February 2011

TWENTY YEARS OF THE NEWS 2011 WITNESS TO HISTORY

2001
September 11
s World Trade Centre (WTC), New York

35

2002
January 9
s United States Department of Justice

2002
May 8
s Car bomb exploded near Pakistani navy

2002
July 1
s The International Criminal Court is

destruction.

ome boast sleepy leafy tree lined boulevards. Others, snarling wide roads slithering all over the place but never finding their way home. Then, there are those with grand historical structures and even bigger ageless egos. And while no two capital cities of the world are ever likely to be identical in their physical appearance, when it comes to their soul, they have one common thread weaving them together: they are all power corrupt. Islamabad is no different. Capitals tend to be pretty places with petty masters. Seats of unimaginable power, suffering the stewardship of those who do not suffer gladly any criticism of their acts of omission or commission (pun intended). Is there any difference whether they are dressed in natty suits or have little brass trinkets peeping over their shoulders? None The stakes, in terms of power and money, are so great that any individual or organisation perceived as threatening the cosy corrupt status quo are immediately viewed as the numero uno enemy of the state. Status quo is sacred, challenging it heresy. And this is precisely why editing a newspaper in the capital is both a nightmare and a dream come true. A nightmare because sitting in the heart of all policy making, including ones with international consequences, there are often times when national interests may have to be weighed against those of an individual citizen while deciding the fate of a story. A nightmare, because like any typical capital city, Islamabad too is crawling with wheeler dealers representing one vested interest or another, pandering lies as truths. Everybody wants to be friends with somebody while being the enemy of all, so who do you trust? Every single piece of information pertaining to some dirty deal or scandal is shared out of strategic planning and never the goodness of

Are we biased? Yes, and mighty proud of it too S

September 11 January 23
s Queen Margrethe II of Denmark and her

announces it will pursue a criminal investigation of Enron

shuttle bus in Karachi, killing 12, wounding 19 French nationals. Al-Qaeda suspected

June 14
s Car bomb exploded near U.S. Consulate

spouse arrive on 3-day visit to Slovenia

s Armed militants kidnapped Wall Street

Journal reporter Daniel Pearl in Karachi

and the Marriott Hotel in Karachi

established to prosecute individuals for genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression. Crimes committed on or after this date may be prosecuted by the court

By Mohammad Malick

heart or for the sake of the country. It is a city of half truths and whole lies. It is a place where journalists must carefully prod their way through a minefield of life changing enticements and life threatening consequences. But all said and done, being here at The News is more a dream come true. Holding the fort for the countrys most influential English newspaper in the epicentre of unbridled official power and unofficial avarice, is not a job but a privilege indeed. I call it a privilege because I have no qualms in saying that we are playing a part in bringing about a change in attitudes and power practices at the highest levels of (mis) governance. Where else would one get the opportunity to get under the thick skins of our privileged lot, right in their own backyard, and that too almost on a daily basis? What could be sweeter than revealing the bitter truths about our power lords? Oh, one thing more. Working at The News, running one hard-hitting story at the heels of another and offering one unsolicited editorial advice and admonishment after another, has also taught us all something that surely they would never teach you at Harvard: how to lose friends and gain enemies! But

on a second thought, who needs friends like these anyway. It isnt as if we werent already viewed as sort of the party poopers of the capital but of late life has become even more interesting. I am not sure whether it is because we have proven unrelenting in our pursuit of exposing the wrongs of those who consider it their right to do everything under the sun, or because the patience of the Shakespearian heroes of our tragic exposes has finally worn thin. Whatever the underlying cause may be, it has become simply impossible not to run into quite a few worked up individuals during any of the myriad power lunches and dinners which I am obliged to attend and being accused of being biased against the government. You have nothing better to do then to constantly point out flaws in what the prime minister does or the president decides, says the critic. You should be projecting the good instead of just shouting about all that is going wrong, I have often been chided. I have even been sarcastically told to ask my bosses to decide the names of the cabinet members and the next prime minister (a tempting thought I must concede).

There could not be a better moment than the 20th anniversary of The News to correct certain deliberately created misconceptions about us. We are not anti-government but simply pro-people. We are not for any power equation, but for the country. And if this objectivity pits us against any ruling body pursuing an objective of personal enrichment and empowerment rather than that of the people, then I guess we have no option but to remain sinfully biased. Have any of our major investigative stories proven wrong? I ask. I have yet to succeed in getting a coherent answer to this one. Do our op-ed pages not reflect viewpoints of all hues and leanings? I enquire. Admittedly, this time the responses witness a sharp increase but still stop short of calling us regressive or conducting an ideological monologue. Yes, people want greater variety and we do constantly strive for that. We have only tried presenting the best of analysis and advice over the years, if it may be branded so. Owing to the paucity of space, I shall only reproduce a few old editorials which are my favourite because of their timeless wisdom and prudence. If only rulers would remember the lessons of the past to write a better future. Enjoy the read: Babri Madsjid demoltion Dec 8, 1992 The temple of doom Ayodhya will provide the religious ingredient to the intifada in Kashmir. Nationalism mixed with religious zeal is a heady cocktail. It can intoxicate the entire valley and provide the leadership in Kashmir with just what is needed for the final push to freedom. Pakistan Goes Nuclear May 30,1988 The Only Choice ....Pakistani leaders could draw only one conclusion: Pakistans security cannot be assured by anyone else, but itself. That is the lesson also of our history as well as the lesson of the post-Cold War era. Musharraf Takes power Oct 14, 1999 A new beginning? An extraordinary response has taken place to an extraordinary set of circumstances. The army has had to step in to dislodge the increasingly authoritarian, wayward and personalized government
Continued on page 37

Welcome to Islamabad - the crime capital

By Shakeel Anjum

he infectiousness of crime is like that of the plague Napoleon Bonaparte

Islamabad and The News have come a long way since the latters birth in 1991. From the new baby on the block, the last two decades witnessed The News maturing and blossoming into a fully grown tree. On the contrary, unfortunately, Islamabad has steadily become a sorry shadow of its promising genesis. We call it Islamabad- the Beautiful but thanks to the curse of a crime reporters job, I am but compelled to constantly expose its darker side. I have no option but to gently talk of the harsh and ugly side of our society. I am least affected by the consequences which led to a brazen allegation in a murder case, while fulfilling my duty. Thanks to an unscrupulous and vengeful police official (will share the story at the end of the column). The long Afghan Jehad of the 90s had a lasting and transforming impact on Pakistans social and crime scene. Islamabad may be sarcastically referred

to as being ten minutes away from real Pakistan, but it too did not escape the Afghan effect. Millions of Afghan refugees poured into Pakistan never to return. Once the formal conflict with the then Soviet Union ended, whole little armies of war hardened heavily armed mujahideen, suddenly found themselves out of job. The situation spawned a massive trade in drugs and illicit arms which has found its way into the crime alleys of the capital. Initially, it was the menace of drugs, heroin and hashish, which took us by surprise. The addicts, particularly those who have fallen prey to heroin, seemed to have popped all round us like mushrooms in the desert after a rainfall. And at the heels of this menace of narcotics we encountered the Kalashnikov culture and the use of fire arms in crimes became so rampant that it completely baffled both the society and even the law enforcing agencies who are less than adequately trained and equipped to confront these criminals despite being well equipped and trained in the use of sophisticated weapons. The city of Islamabad first witnessed an unprecedented

upsurge in petty crimes, thefts, small robberies, and burglaries. And while the police force was still contemplating ways and means to deal with this social menace that the crime situation took a serious turn. Crime against people with rampant use of sophisticated fire arms, frequently leading to murders, was on the rise. This was the time when the Islamabad Police for the first time realised that there was an urgent need for a major revamping of the force, right from building its capacity to changing erstwhile attitudes. And it did throw up some good honourable officers over the period of time who contributed towards this end. Some of these include men like Parvez Rathore, Nasir Khan Durrani, Syed Kaleem Imam, Sikandar Hayat, Ehsan Sadiq, Ashfaq Ahmed Khan etc. On the rather peaceful side, Sultan Azam Taimuri completely changed the face of the Islamabad Traffic Police, practically turning it into a Model Force, which was internationally recognised and the same model was implemented in other parts of the country too.
Continued on page 36

The News Special Report, February 2011

36
2003
January 8

TWENTY YEARS OF THE NEWS 2011 WITNESS TO HISTORY

2003
January 21
s Gas pipeline near Sui

2003
March 1
s Khalid Sheikh, suspected mastermind

2003
March 8
s Vajpayee rejected Pakistans nuclear

s Ghauri missile handed over

to Pakistan Army

was blown up

January 10
s North Korea withdrew

February 25
s North Korea fired missile into Sea of

behind the 9/11 attack in the USA, was arrested in Rawalpindi

disarmament call

March 6
s Shaheen-I missile was handed over to

March 16
s Bush set 17th March deadline for

from NPT

Japan

diplomacy over Iraq

Pak Army

Reporting blues
By M Waqar Bhatti
t the start of the year 2011, the forces of evil and deception struck a severe blow to the believers of the freedom of expression when they silenced another vocal and courageous journalist. Wali Khan Babar was on his way to home when he was gunned down by disgruntled forces who objected to his honest reporting. But what many people do not realise is that during the last 20 years at least six journalists, including reporters and photographers, have so far been killed for their role in bringing truth before masses through their print and electronic media reports. Syed Salahuddin, editor of the weekly Takbeer Magazine, was a high-profile journalist who was riddled with bullets outside his Karachi office on

December 4, 1994 by unidentified gunmen for criticising a particular group of politicians for their wrongdoings. Mr Salahuddin believed in accurate reporting his entire life and was martyred brutally to send a message that writing the truth was unacceptable in the port city.

In 2002, Asad, a crime reporter associated with Kashmir Press International (KPI), a relatively lesser known news agency, was gunned down in Karachi on Shahra-i-Faisal. According to his colleagues, he too was critical of the corrupt activities of criminals as well as officials and that his report-

ing of certain events annoyed some groups who silenced him with bullets. Another young and dynamic reporter associated with a Lahore-based newspaper The Post, Azar Abbas, was assassinated on Eid-ulFitr 2007 when unidentified gunmen pumped several bullets in his body. The killers fled easily despite the presence of police and Rangers deployed in the bustling Lyari area. Arif Khan, the enthusiastic News cameraman of a private TV channel, was one of the causalities of the October 2007 bomb blasts at Shahra-iFaisal while covering the welcome caravan for the arrival of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto in the country. In 1986, another reporter was killed while covering notorious riots at Aligarh Society where he had gone to cover the events related to ethnic tensions and violence in the mega city. The arrival of deposed Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry on May 12, 2007, was the turning point for journalism in Karachi. Reporters and photojournalists were not only prevented from reaching the Karachi International Airport but were also threatened, harassed and even fired at to stop them from covering the killings of innocent people by workers of various political parties. The offices of a well known TV channel were attacked by armed party workers on the same day for its live coverage of the ongoing carnage. At least four journalists were harassed so severely that their organisations pulled them out of Karachi, fearing for their lives if they remained in the city. They included Zarar Khan, Asif Hussain, Mazhar Abbass and Faizullah Khan, who were forced to leave the city due to their honesty, courageous reporting

and critical views. Journalists in this city also saw a siege of their club, the Karachi Press Club (KPC) in 2008 when hundreds of armed men sealed all roads leading to it to prevent them from covering certain events. The offices of Jang, The News and Geo Television were also besieged by mobs to harass the journalists for their role in highlighting the anti-social activities of certain political groups. Compared to journalists working in other major cities of Pakistan, reporters and professional journalists in Karachi need to exercise more care, as a single sentence written or uttered by them can annoy political, ethnic or criminals groups that believe more in the power of guns than logic and argument. Journalists associated with mainstream print and electronic media outlets are forced to work with their hands tied and lips sealed as, despite possessing the courage to write and speak the truth, they are at times advised by even their superiors and bosses not to report many things that could ultimately result in serious consequences for them and the media outlets they work for. However, despite these atrocities, killings, threats and intimidations, journalists in Karachi, especially those associated with The News, are fulfilling their responsibility to present the truth to the people who are dying at the hands of different Mafias and terrorist groups. Many working journalists in Karachi feel that they are becoming more independent with each passing day due to the sacrifices of their slain colleagues that have resulted in a more free press and media that is gained the moral conviction and strength to confront all the enemies of truth in countrys largest city.

the crime capital

Continued from page 35

The decade of 1990s saw Islamabad Police undergoing many transformations for the good and certainly many positive changes were made including the introduction of facilities like Rescue 15, the establishment of Reconciliation Committees, increasing the strength of the force, provision of improved communication gadgets, better weapons and even better serving/working conditions for the members of the force. However, the first decade of the new century completely changed the whole crime scene in the country in the backdrop of the fateful incident of 9/11. Unfortunately, once again the situation in Afghanistan became the basis of this change which was so fierce and destructive that the entire society practically felt as if it was taken hostage by these relentless criminals who seemed unparalleled in their violence and brutality. The wave of unprecedented violent crimes, which started from Wana in South Waziristan eventually culminated in the Lal Masjid in the heart of the federal capital when the government of the time was put under such immense pressure by the media and the public at large that it was compelled to launch an operation against the custodians of Jamia Hafsa and Lal Masjid. These criminals, penetrated the core of the society when they made in-roads in the urban areas. They were camouflaged in the mosques and seminaries, located in every nook and corner of the country and very soon started threatening the people around them without any fear of law. In the federal capital, considered to be the most protected part of the whole country, these terrorists made their presence felt through suicide attacks like

Marriot truck bombing, the suicide attack on the Pakistan Peoples Partys camp on a rally arranged for the then deposed Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry, in F-8 Markaz, the suicide attack on the police party returning after providing security to a rally arranged by the religious parties outside the Lal Masjid, the suicide attacks on the buses carrying officials of the intelligence agencies on the Murree Road and in the Rawalpindi Cantonment, the suicide attack to kill the Surgeon General of Pakistan Army, the brazen attack on the General headquarters (GHQ) of the Pakistan Army, where they killed the Pakistan Army officials and also took some as hostage, the suicide attack inside a mosque where innocent people were about to offer the Friday prayer, the bombing inside the Islamabad Police Lines and to top of all that the gun shot-suicide bombing attack to kill the former Prime Minister, Benazir Bhutto, just at the end of an election public rally outside Liaquat Bagh in Rawalpindi. The list otherwise is endless. While the terrorists were busy with their own agenda to spread fear and panic in the society, all other sorts of criminals were busy achieving their own objectives. The qabza mafia had sprung up all over the country, especially in Islamabad, the petty crime saw such an upsurge that people stopped complaining about their losses like phone and purse snatching or looting at gun-point, loss of properties in day-light or nocturnal thefts, and many more. And with all this going on in the society, we- the Crime Reporters, were supposed to cover these events and present as true a picture of the incidents as possible based on the facts collected through every possible source.

The task certainly was not easy. There was a price to be paid for going against these forces of evil and many of us found it better to abandon the quest for fact finding in many cases for the fear or their own lives. There were always so many facts and facets of crimes which were over looked or neglected, deliberately or inadvertently, in many cases. But I felt this most during the course of investigations in the assassination of the former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. Such were my frustrations in the case that I finally decided to write a book about the whole thing, penning down my thoughts and findings and pointing out faults and flaws in the investigations in the case. I, as a Crime Reporter, also had my own share of these threats and during the quest for finding the facts I developed bad blood with the officials of the Islamabad Police itself! I was implicated in a baseless triple murder case. I had to take every possible precaution for my own safety as well as that of my family in a perplexing situation where I was not able to approach the police for providing protection to me and my family. It was because of the timely suo moto notice taken by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry, that I waseventually exonerated of charges in this triple-murder case! So, over the last couple of decades not only the whole crime scene has become gruesome and worrisome, but it has also put the lives of Crime Reporters at a far greater risks. Would I change my job and priorities in the next 20 years? Well, you will have to find out by reading the 40th anniversary issue of The News. Wish you a life where you never have to come across a crime or a criminal. Amen!

The News Special Report, February 2011

TWENTY YEARS OF THE NEWS 2011 WITNESS TO HISTORY

2003
March 19
s Air Marshal Kaleem Saadat was

37

2003
March 26
s Pakistan and India test-fired Abdali and

2003
May 20
s Commonwealth kept Pakistans

2003
May 29
s India test-fired multi-target Aakash

appointed the new Chief of Air Staff.

Prithvi missiles respectively.

membership suspended

missile

March 20
s US-led forces entered Iraq, cruise

April 9
s US troops conquered Baghdad

May 22
s 1,092 people killed

May 30
s India moved 10,000 more

missile attack on Iraq

in Algerian quake

troops to LoC

In the quagmire of corruption

By Muttahir Ahmed Khan

he crises-ridden people of Pakistan have been longing for peace and prosperity since the creation of their motherland. Being grinded between the jaws of insecurity, terrorism, price-hike, sordid poverty, unemployment, injustice, poor health and education and frustration, the common man has started complaining against the unprecedented corruption, cruelty and insensitivity of the rulers Corruption has become the leading demon that has been plaguing the very soul of our nation and state for six decades along with other evils that are the offspring or byproducts of this cancer. This malignancy is hard to remove because on the one hand the legislation possesses ambiguous interpretations that support the corrupt and on the other, there is no respect for law even if clearly available. The growing culture of brazenness in the country, and especially amongst the corrupt elites, is threatening the very survival of our society where top leaders proudly claim they are exempted from trials, however long the list of their crimes may be. Let us have a glance at our prevalent culture; you will find that the incumbent government, since its take over, has been busy in defending giant criminal cases against itself and its individual members: The National Insurance Corporation Scandal, Haj Scandal, Rental Power Project Scandal, Reko Diq Case and the Steel Mills Scam are a few examples. Prime Minister Gilani is the most corrupt man in Pakistans 63 year old history,

are the words uttered by a former Federal Minister, Azam Khan Swati who was in Gillanis cabinet, The existence and justification of the National Reconciliation Order (NRO), a mind-boggling example of legalising corruption and plundering, is an unparalleled distinction of our country. Our Law Ministers ruthless spending of funds to divide lawyers is another matter of sheer indignity. Higher officials aside, even the non-gazetted government employees have been provided full liberty to rob the nation. The State Bank of Pakistan and other commercial banks have written-

Things were not as bad until 1970, but the succeeding decades went on injecting new and novel viruses of sociomoral bankruptcy into our society. Today, we are in a position where law-violation, evil practices for money making and playing with judiciary have become symbols of pride instead of being a cause of guilt or remorse. In 1970s, the policy of nationalisation made officials relish their inordinate power over profitable commercial and corporate institutions by interfering into their matters and abusing State-given authority and

off loans worth hundreds of billions of Rupees and the beneficiaries are politicians and civil military and judicial bureaucrats. Transparency Internationals Pakistan Chapter, declaring Pakistan as the 34th most corrupt nation in the world, has laid bare the corruption reports of Rs 300 billion, committed during last year alone by the government officials and departments. And this after the fact, one must keep in mind, that our state officials seldom leave any clue behind due to their mastery over white collar crimes.

control. Things derailed after this phase and the child of corruption went on growing to the present stage of being a monster. A research-based report of the International Crisis Group reports: Decades of mismanagement, political manipulation and corruption have rendered Pakistans civil services incapable of providing effective governance and basic public services Presently, the public has become extremely indifferent and has lost its faith and confidence in the political leadership, judiciary and bureau-

cracy due to the prolonged culture of corruption and hypocrisy that takes its succor from pathetic system of accountability, cunning state officials and insufficient salaries. It is a common saying in our bureaucracy that one must keep aside 20 per cent of his illegitimate money that will be used to spend on anti-corruption officials and other provincial and federal investigation agencies, in case of getting caught once during 30-40 years of superior service. When a nation is deprived of its direction and vision, it gets caught in a quagmire of miseries and curses, and when things are not at their right place, all the optimistic steps and sincere policies are futile. I must say that the major culprit in this regard is society, the mother of all political entities, legislature, judiciary and executives. Our society and nation did not endeavour whole heartedly to effect justice, equilibrium or educational development, the basic aspects of civilized societies, in the country right from the beginning. As a result we are struggling to get things right in a social set-up that has become a jungle, long ago. Unfortunately, we could not get rid of slavish mentality even after the lapse of 63 years of independent and sovereign living. The people who sacrificed their lives, properties as well as everything else for liberty were proved foolish by the succeeding phases of the history: the masses were handed over like slaves and animals by the British rulers to the indigenous lords and feudalists who have been keener to practice their omnipotence. It is heart-rending to witness a country, pregnant with natural resources, agricultural

treasures, warm waters, sparkling rivers and, above all, hard working individuals, wandering in the world with a begging bowl to run its State offices; not to speak of the public sector development. Law and order is nearly absent from our state where a serving governor is murdered in broad daylight. A metropolitan citys big airport witnesses teenagers entering the international flight, deceiving all securities, and falling down from the flying plane. Such incidents cry, Its too much now. A handful of people, directly or indirectly associated with the State chambers, have made the whole nation hostage to their wicked practices and vested interests. They deliberately keep the masses from getting educated and aware in order to exploit them like pets. Now, the emergence of a rash, intolerant, frustrated and insane society is nothing but an ultimate nemesis. I would like to quote an Urdu couplet: Tum ne har khet main insanon ke ser boyey hain Ab zameen khoon ugalti hey to shikwa kasisa (You have sown decapitated humans in every field. Why complain if the earth oozes blood now?) It is not justifiable to blame the privileged ones and lords only. Time and again our masses paved the way for middle class representatives to the assemblies and corridors of power but unfortunately, they, too, proved to be like the characters of the George Orwells Animal Farm. It is an irony of fate that a common man speaks for his rights and socioeconomic equilibrium, but when gets into power, he becomes a different creature that has nothing to do with commoners and their issues. The author is a freelance journalist and teacher of English language and literature at a federal government institute

A mighty fight for rights

Continued from page 29

Are we biased?

is no denying that it will remain an unrealised dream and wishful thinking. The matchless rage that President Asif Ali Zardari has nursed against the group is amply evident from the fact that the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has boycotted the group. But this has not whittled down the levelheaded approach of the media house. It continues to give unbiased coverage to the activities of the government and PPP stalwarts. It has not boycotted them. One thing that the PPP doesnt realise is that it is losing and earning a bad name through its boycott. However, its boycott has not affected the standing and popularity of the group among the people at large. Before the devastating assault of the Musharraf regime, the Nawaz Sharif government too once created unparalleled hardships for the group. At the time, Ehtesab Bureau Chairman Saifur Rehman was the main point man of the regime. Its strong arm methods were so vicious, nasty and sadistic that the

daily publications were reduced into a couple of pages as even the newsprint trucks were impounded. The state agencies also kept hounding its journalists. Time-tested but failed methods of sending tax notices to the group just to intimidate it were employed. The Benazir Bhutto government too was hardly ever satisfied with The News. Since its launch, no government has been happy with The News because everyone wants corruption to be kept under wraps. If we acquiesce to these immoral acts, we will be in good books of every government. But there is no need to be in such a state if independence and freedom is to flourish and be protected. The new trends that The News has introduced in journalism especially bold investigative and interpretative stories require to be kept intact. Freedom is what we, journalists, get and exercise. It is not what any ruler prescribes. And it is not something given to us by any government on a silver platter. No ruler regardless of his political affiliation wants to see a free press.

Everyone dreams to have trumpeters and clappers club to applaud him all the time. The wars and crusades that The News has fought over the past twenty years are not yet over. The moment it will relent, the Zardari-Gilani government would feel encouraged to unleash its machinations to rein in the judiciary; commit more corruption; start using methods to muzzle voices of dissent. Now the question arises what have people got out of the campaigns that this newspaper has been vociferously engaged in over the years at all costs? The answer is simple: People now have an independent judiciary, which is not less than a blessing and which doesnt look towards the power corridors while deciding cases; they now are more enlightened about poor governance and misrule; there is a hope for more transparency because of constant exposure by an alert group etc. Governments will come and go and will remain jittery and uneasy about what The News will do. But on our part, we must uphold our principles for which we have paid a heavy price. For we have entered a new world!

Continued from page 35

of PM Nawaz Sharif. Military intervention is of course hardly new to Pakistan. But its occurrence remains more a statement on the failure of politicians to work democracy and themselves adhere to the constitution than the ambitions of generals. 9/11 Sept 12, 2001 Doomsday for US For the rest of the world it is time that a policy review is undertaken on all major world flash points, Middle East being at the top of that list, followed by South Asia where Kashmir and Afghanistan provide the justification to hundreds of thousands of militants to adopt violent ways to seek justice, after having lost all hope that they would ever get their rights

through peaceful negotiated means. Apart from the many reasons for the culture of violence, it also has its roots in frustration born of injustice. Unless the world leaders put their heads together and seriously try to find a way to end this bloodletting, repeats of the Black Tuesday may continue, making lives of people round the world insecure. If ever there was wake up call for the world to resolve simmering issues, this one has been the loudest and the costliest. Over the years we have tried to be honest with our readers, our people, and our country. If we have been biased for the last 20 years, then it has only been in favour of the nation. And I hate to disappoint all my friends of the capital with their cosy little status quos and veiled vested interests, but we will remain biased for the next twenty as well. And I must confess, I am mighty proud of this tilt of ours. The writer is Resident Editor The News (Islamabad-Rawalpindi)

The News Special Report, February 2011

38
2003
May 31

TWENTY YEARS OF THE NEWS 2011 WITNESS TO HISTORY

2003
June 24
s US President announced a 3-billion dollar

2003
June 27
s Shahbaz Sharifs family was put under

2003
July 21
s Syed Sharifuddin Pirzada disclosed that

s MMA rejected compromise on LFO

June 4
s Abbas and Sharon pledged to work for

aid package for Pakistan

house arrest.

Fatima Jinnah was assassinated

June 25
s India test-fired Trishul missile

July 8
s Iranian twin sisters died as surgery

July 22
s Saddams sons Uday, Qusay were

peace

ended in tragedy and 116 perished in Sudanese plane crash

The terror lineage

By Salman Aslam
he enduring wave of terror reign can trace its beginnings in the decades-long assertions of a particular group who purveyed a message of religious fanaticism. With their ideology of our way or the highway, they integrated their own account of injunctions of Islam - sometime entirely vague - which coalesce with the tribal life style. This second cohort of comrades then desired to overpower the world which to them was an

in the outcome of Irans obvious interest in the Shiite community of Pakistan. This task needed volunteers and there was a steady supply available. The Taliban were already coming out of madressahs located on both sides of the Durand Line right from the north down to northern Balochistan. As the movement gathered momentum, southern Punjab also appeared on the same map. The stage was set for on-the-job-training of fresh recruits, belonging to this particular sect. With the arrival of Soviets, this

Taliban unleash a monster called AlQaeda, As all outfits shared the same school of thought, the tag never mattered. The agenda did. Once the US attacked Afghanistan, and commenced Unmanned Aerial Combat Vehicle (UACV) raids over the Pakistani territory, these fundamentalists felt caged. The previous and present governments collaboration with the West also added to these forces annoyance. From a high moral ground of soldiers of Islam, they were reduced to terrorists, fascists and extremists. The Lal Masjid Operation and the succeeding army actions in Swat and Fata warned these fundamentalists that the establishment was no longer a friend. The members of this school of thought started reviewing their aims under a new plan amidst a much aggressive environment. As the war reached their doorstep for the first time these

oddity. The Soviet incursion gave them a great start. It gave them a valid ground for taking up arms, a favourite conventional activity, against infidels. What else could have they asked for? These people had the desired knowledge, religious updates through orations from clergy, and warfare skills were running in their blood. And the super power was there to provide arms and funds apart from managing mercenaries and volunteers from across the Islamic world for sanctimonious crusade against the former USSR. With the beginning of war in Afghanistan in the vanishing years of the 70s, Pakistan offered its land, manpower and skills to train, arm and engage Pushtuns from the NWFP (now Khyber Pakhtoonkhawa) and Balochistan, and of course, volunteers from Afghanistan for fighting the US war. As the war lingered on, these holy warriors found new companions from across the Muslim world. Since these warriors had the achievements in sight in the late 80s, their radars started scanning other battlefields in the world, which warranted their immediate response. So, there was no dearth - Kashmir, Bosnia, Chechnya and Palestine - they had a very busy future agenda. But what they didnt have was a single chain of command and neither did the local managers of the Afghan jihad. However, the war had to go on! In the first line of production of this particular school of thought, which officially came to fore in the early 80s with the due blessing of General Zia-ulHaq, was a gang of minor extremists whose main goal was sectarian purification. This mission had been necessitated

brainwashed, well-trained militia got engaged on another front. The phenomenon started to strengthen with national interest adding up to the already long list of reasons for the purpose. After the fall of the Soviet Union, these jihadis focused on India. By this time, they had become the states assets. General Pervez Musharraf also patronised these forces under his wings till the fateful 9/11. It became hard for the official patrons of these forces to leave them after a change of heart from the US. Some efforts were made but it was impossible to disconnect the circuit completely. Those contacts helped the

scattered yet committed forces started operating under different shades of Taliban. A major group of people, having their own description of Islam blended with the tribals. Decades of isolation and complete government disregard had slowly pushed these people to this point. In the changed state of affairs, various groups of Taliban further gathered support from the locals, who had remained unresponsive to the cause earlier because of indiscriminate killing of people in PATA and FATA. This suggests that hundreds of groups are now engaged in fighting either independently or in close cooperation or even in complete isolation in entire Pakistan. However, they all have the same agenda. That is, wipe out the enemy of their version of Islam. The enemy includes the Pakistan Army, Frontier Constabulary (FC), Rangers, police and other government arms, common people (in desperate times) and, of course, the West, especially the

US. These people have never been relaxed with the modern Pakistan for there is no room for such norms in their school of thought. However, they had more important tasks earlier, like sectarian cleansing and later fighting the Soviets and now the West. There is no point in finding faults in the countrys sensitive agencies, civil or military, for failing to ameliorate the situation. Unfortunately, the people within these known outfits no longer come near these agencies for trust deficit. Add to this the mushroom growth of hundreds of similar gangs which have no record with any agency. This number is going upwards with each passing day. Since these people are spread all across Pakistan (Pakistani and Afghan Pushtuns), running small to large businesses all over, it is very hard to find any leads. The presence of thousands of Pushtuns in all major cities of Pakistan is an open secret. After the recent adventures in the FATA, anyone can be a suspect. It obviously seems complicated to grip this threat now. However, some strategy will have to be chalked out to counter the situation at hand. The government, at all levels, will have to take complete control of madressahs run by religio-political parties for ending dissemination of hatred. A meager change or regulation of curriculum has not worked because this alone could not stop the teachers from delivering provocative speeches promoting hatred. Secondly, the government will also have to refine the identification mechanism. A fresh survey is immediately needed wherein the officials should also keep record of each persons DNA. The US can offer assistance in this regard. One wonders what has stopped the Government of Pakistan from erecting a permanent fence along the countrys western borders. The West can again be of great help. In addition to this, an institution on the pattern of US Homeland Security could also assist to curb this kind of terrorism. This institution should be established on modern lines with the help of the West. Apart from this, the governments at the provincial levels and at the centre should focus on Pushtun localities in major cities. There is no place for doubt these localities are devoid of basic amenities and their dwellers live in abject misery. The provincial governments can facilitate the Pushtun population, living away from their primitive hubs like FATA and other backward areas in the NWFP and Balochistan, offering them better education. The Federal Government needs to make inroads into the problematic areas through a concrete plan of development and enforce the writ of the government. The author is a cooperative lecturer at the Department of International Relations, University of Karachi

Growing militancy in Pakistan

killed in Mosul raid

Dr Naeem Ahmed
he Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in December 1979 compelled Pakistan to play a frontline role against the Soviet Union. The Afghan Jihad strengthened religious forces in Pakistan when the madressahs associated with sectarian outfits played a major role in recruiting and sending the Jihadis to fight against the Soviet forces. Pakistan, under General Zia-ulHaq, established strong bilateral relations with Arab countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, which provided financial assistance not only for the Afghan war but also encouraged the establishing of mosques and seminaries in Pakistan in order to promote Wahabi-Deobandi faith. In this process, close links also developed between the government of Saudi Arabia and religious-political parties, as the former provided direct funds to the latter for their madressahs. As a result, a triangle was established among the military regime of Zia, Saudi government and the religious-political parties of Pakistan. The battleground for their activities was set in Afghanistan and Pakistan. In Afghanistan, the aim was to defeat the Soviet forces with the help of the Mujahideens, provided by Pakistani madaressahs; while in Pakistan, the purpose was to promote the process of Islamisation inspired by the Wahabi-Deobandi faith and an anti-Shiite stance. The common factor in both the above-mentioned developments was the military regime of Zia-ul-Haq and its policies of Islamisation in Pakistan. Unlike his predecessors Ayub Khan and Z A Bhutto, Zia was a religiously motivated person and wanted to Islamise the State and society of Pakistan under his strict rule. The Pakistani nation has been witnessing the consequences of Zias policies in the form of growing religious militancy. After the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan, the militant Jihadi outfits diverted their attention inside Pakistan and unleashed terrorist activities against Shiites, local Christians, foreigners and military officers. It can be said that with the closure of terrorist theater in Afghanistan, the militant Jihadis opened up new avenues inside Pakistan in order to pro-

mote their version of Islam, according to their sectarian belief, thus, divided the nation on sectarian lines. Moreover, believing that their version of Islam is right, they started calling the followers of other sect as infidels. The frequency of religious militancy has continued to increase in Pakistan. The September 11, 2001, incident

view that the on-going military operations in the FATA region have compelled the militants to reciprocate by carrying out suicide attacks in the settled areas of Pakistan. Countering the growing religious militancy is a major challenge to the government for three reasons: First, it has become a global phenomenon now and it is very difficult for

Cautionary tale of a strategic ally

By Dr Noman Sattar
he blasts of January 25, 2011 in Lahore and Karachi are a jarring reminder that all is not well in Pakistan as it struggles to find peace. The death and mayhem reminded us once again that the war on terror is still on. Far from being won, the war is a reminder that the extremists can choose the timing and target at will. As religion continues to shape the world view of almost a majority, a part of these religious zealots opt to chose violent means to set their agenda, and the moderate forces are at their mercy. Terrorism, by any other name, is manifested today in deep set intolerance and hatred of the other-no longer weapon of the weak. Such is Pakistans predicament for almost the last ten years, since the fateful day of September 11, 2001. The 9/11 attacks left an indelible mark on the American psyche and foreign policy. However, Pakistan has endured much more in terms of death, destruction, and loss of effective governance. Overnight, Pakistan became a partner in the war on terrorism, and continues to reap the bitter harvest in the form of rising extremism and militancy. Many attribute this to Pakistans strategic alliance with Washington. Interestingly, this poses a dilemma for both Islamabad and Washington: the US is helping Pakistan fight extremism by pushing development in FATA and improving gover-

Inching towards freedom of press

Continued from page 29

and as a result, Pakistans UTurn vis--vis Taliban regime in Afghanistan and crackdown against the religious militants could not curb the power of the sectarian groups and their patrons - the religious-political parties, which use religion for their vested interests. The coalition of radical forces has become so strong that both the military regimes and civilian governments have failed to control the growing religious militancy in Pakistan. Although Pervez Musharraf tried to tackle the issue of religious militancy in Pakistan after the 9/11 incident, he could not do so, except put a ban on the activities of the sectarian outfits, which resurfaced after some time with new names. Similarly, the present government of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has also remained unsuccessful in controlling the menace of religious militancy. Presently, the Pakistani society is more prone to radicalism and extremism. As a result of the growing religious militancy, the very roots of the Pakistani society, which happened to be very tolerant, are weakening. The society is divided between us versus them, and the elimination of the latter is considered a divine mission by the former. Suicide terrorism is one of them. In terms of the occurrence of terrorist incidents, statistics show that Pakistan has surpassed both Iraq and Afghanistan. Security experts

Pakistan to counter this menace all alone amid scarce resources. Second, being a Muslim country, created in the name of religion, Pakistani society has not been united on the basis of religion. Rather, religion, which is interpreted on various sectarian beliefs, has become a divisive force. Third, the failure of the state to provide basic necessities of life to the common people has provided an opportunity to these Islamists to present themselves as an able alternative. Pakistans current strategy of countering religious militancy is counter-productive. It is emphasising on the use of force only, and ignores the socio-economic and political aspects. An effective countermilitancy strategy requires both short-term and longterm policies. The short-term policies include effective intelligence gathering and targeted military strikes to eradicate the terrorist infrastructure. The long-term policies must include building of trust among the affected population that the government is sincere to resolve their problems and provide them all kinds of security, introduction of political and socio-economic programs so that the people should not look towards the religious militants as an alternative. The author teaches International Relations at the University of Karachi

nance, as it doles out millions of dollars. At the same time, it sees drone attacks as an effective instrument of eliminating the Al Qaeda leadership in the FATA region. This has become a major sore point, not as much between the two governments, as between the Pakistan government and people of these areas. The civilian deaths are the price that the coalition partner is forced to bear. For the US administration, this puts the Al Qaeda elements in Pakistan under great pressure. According to a tally, the last year saw more than 90 attacks, taking a toll of about 600 lives. While Washington reiterates its security commitment to Pakistan day in and day out, and praises Pakistans role in its war, it keeps nudging Islamabad for a military operation in North Waziristan. Of course, the choice lies with the military leadership, which would like to consolidate its gains in Swat, and be prepared to tackle insurgency remnants in areas like Orakzai and Bajaur. No one can deny that Pak-

istans current security predicament is directly linked to the situation in Afghanistan, a euphemism for US/NATO presence and role since 2001. While the US troop surge seems to have stabilised Afghanistan apparently but

ger issue is the prickly relationship between Islamabad and Kabul, one that has endured over time. Despite many bilateral meetings and prodding from Washington, the two neighbors have not been able to develop a trust that characterises good neighborly relations. The Indian role in Kabul and in Pakistans troubled border regions remains a headache for Islamabad for which there are no anodyne solutions. India and Pakistan have yet to resume the composite dialogue interrupted after the Mumbai attacks. In 2011, long after the Afghan war began, Pakistan sees its plate full, not knowing where to start, tackle governance issues within the coun-

this does not mean that the Taliban threat has been eliminated. The Taliban resurgence is not the only threat ISAF faces in Afghanistan. Poor governance and corruption in the Karzai government is another problem the US would like to address. Perhaps a big-

try, or fight religious extremism taking the form of deadly attacks in urban areas, mend fences with India, reach a modus operandi with Afghanistan, and continue a rather tenuous relationship with Washington that caters to its security interests, yet does

not compromise national interest. Pakistan finds itself today in the most unenviable position in the community of nations, and trudges through a time as desperate as any in its chequered history. Probably the military leadership in 2001 did not realise that accepting the role of coalition partner in the war alongside the US is going to perch it on a tightrope. While the US was there to cheer and reward it for its performance, it cannot get off the rope of its own will; it must go on walking! Pakistans role in the war on terror remains inextricably linked to US presence in Afghanistan, and its hunt for Al Qaeda. President Obamas Af-Pak strategy and the troop surge did not bring about much of a change in the ground reality. In the recent review, the US administration reiterates its commitment to the core goal of disrupting, dismantling and defeating Al Qaeda. The July 2014 deadline to start withdrawal is closer, but by now it is clear that 2014 is the more probable-ultimate deadline to look forward to, when UStrained Afghan forces will take full lead. Till then? ...More drone attacks...push for N Waziristan operation...terrorist attacks in the country, and a poor hapless country caught between ideological, political and security imperatives. One hopes, not just for Pakistan, that 2014 comes sooner, and at a smaller price. The author is a professor of Contemporary Studies at the National Defence University

is far freer than it is in the US where journalists just pander to the whims of the rulers and in the process very often misreport or mislead (read tell lies) just to uphold the global interests of the US. Many reasons could be advanced for this positive development trends in the post 1986 Pakistani journalism, not the least being the mindboggling advances in technology. When I started my career as a journalist, it would take at least twenty-four hours for a photograph to be flown in from the US for publication. Today, thanks to the internet revolution, that very picture can be beamed across the globe in a mere three minutes. With the dish antenna revolution and television going global, rulers cannot conceal their whims from the masses. People have been provided with umpteen impeccable sources of information beyond their territorial confines. This is a major factor that has rendered Press censorship redundant. However, the post1986 regimes have to be given due credit for their magnanimity. There could be no two opinions about the manner in which the Pakistani Press, especially the English language press, and Pakistani journalists, have done society yeomans service in highlighting the fault lines in governance and unveiling the heinous activities of vicious interest groups and mafias, often at peril of life and limb. The dangers journalists found themselves surrounded by came not from the rulers and the government but from corporate interests and crime syndicates whenever their interests were jeopardised. Journalists began to report matters in-

volving the rulers anti-people activities unhindered. In this contest, without least intention of blowing ones own trumpet, one has to acknowledge the reportage of reporters of The News, who have fully utilised the newly attained Press freedom and reported on matters of public welfare without fear or favour, often jeopardizing their own safety. The papers Islamabad setup has done readers tremendous service by breaking news which have gone totally counter to the interests of the rulers and had massive ramification for the national interests, especially the activities of the US nationals in Islamabad and the massive fire in the Marriott in Islamabad on the floors occupied by the minions of a foreign government. Sadly enough, however, the rosy picture ends here for while the official censorship may have become part of history, bullying by commercial interest groups and syndicates continues unabated and not just unabated but seems to be escalating with the passage of each day. Add to this list the extremist and militant groups who have seen a multiple increase in their ranks with the occurrence of 9/11, the resultant war on terror, the US occupation of Afghanistan, and the vigilantes of political parties and fringe groups. The tally assumes frightening proportions when viewed against the backdrop of the fact that 65 journalists have lost their lives in Pakistan in the line of duty since 2000. The advent of 2011 again had frightening news for us. This was the murder of Geo reporter Wali Khan Babar was felled by an assassins bullet while reporting on the bloody squabbling be-

tween political parties in a derelict area of Karachi. There have been a whole lot of journalists who have been dispatched into eternity in suicide bombings. Such bombings seem to be fast becoming the norm rather than the exception. So the sum total after this analysis is that we are faced with a totally mixed picture of press freedom in Pakistan today. While Governmental coercion is virtually non-existent today, it has been replaced by something that in due course could prove even more lethal, namely browbeating by mafias, corporate interests groups, and political dissidents. This trend could be nipped in the bud by an honest and earnest legislation incorporating iron-jacketed guarantees and assuring prompt implementation, to ensure safety of journalists whose views may not be palatable to this or that group. However, a little selfreflection by the media would not be out of place, in particular the electronic ones. Careful analysis would reveal that often hosts and anchorpersons of TV talk shows do not carefully scrutinise the content of their shows, and do not pay due attention to the sensitivities of various groups especially in an era when extremism is the order of the day. Often their unbridled views pique various segments of society who have no scruples in taking up the cudgels in a lethal manner. A cardinal rule of journalism is minimal use of adjectives as these are indicative of personal views and biases but our TV talk show hosts, barring a few, are most generous with their use of adjectives. Electronic media journalism requires much more than just pretty faces and captivating smiles.

The News Special Report, February 2011

TWENTY YEARS OF THE NEWS 2011 WITNESS TO HISTORY

2003
July 26
s ARD boycotted talks on LFO

41

2003
Nov 18
s A major operation was initiated against

2004
January 1
s PIA operates first flight to Delhi

2004
January 6
s Australia captain Steve Waugh retires

August 21
s Heavy spillage from Tasman Spirit s US officials detained Chemical Ali,

tribes in South Waziristan, dozens including 3 chiefs were arrested

January 4
s SAARC summit starts in Islamabad s Mikhail Saakashvili won the Presidential

from International cricket

December 25
s 2 suicide bombers killed 14 persons

January 8
s Army launches operation against

A journey of trial and errors

By Anil Datta
he Indo-Pak subcontinent inherited a healthy, robust tradition of journalism from our otherwise much-hated erstwhile rulers, the British. Newspapers and journals founded in this region in due course came to be sources to be reckoned with and joined the ranks of internationally acclaimed papers and periodicals, be it The Statesman of Calcutta or the Civil and Military Gazzette of Lahore, the latter having the distinction of having been founded by a luminary in the field of English literature and Nobel laureate Rudyard Kipling. After partition of the subcontinent, we had papers like The Pakistan Times at Lahore which was internationally acclaimed as the best edited English language newspaper outside the English-speaking world. It boasted internationally acclaimed editors like the late Faiz Ahmed Faiz and the late Mazhar Ali Khan. However, by some quirk of circumstance, journalism and teaching came to be given a step-motherly treatment and became big financial disincentives. These came to be professions which just did not promise the financial security, especially in one's later years, and as such did not carry any nuisance value despite their pivotal role in nation-building.

Ali Hassan al-Majid who ordered a poison-gas attack on Kurds in 1988

elections in Georgia

Al-Qaeda in Wana

during attack on Musharrafs motorcade

From print to electronic

This was despite the fact that the Press was always referred to (even though just ceremonially) as the fourth pillar of state. This was despite the fact that the academia are most pivotal to a nation's progress for they are the ones that groom bureaucrats, corporate sector bosses, and national leaders. As such, without least intention of berating anyone, we have to acknowledge that those of the student community, who could not make it to

these lucrative careers promising power and pelf, opted for these two careers in a spirit of resignation. Consequently, the two fields just did not figure when young

people were about to embark on their careers. They would rather choose careers like the bureaucracy with all the unlimited power, nuisance value, and perks synonymous with it (mindless of the fact that it was intellectually a non-productive pursuit), or they would aim at getting into multinationals with their gargantuan pay packages. However, the decade of the '90s saw a qualitative change in the situation. Major credit for this goes to the late Minhaj Barna whose untiring struggle for restoring the profession its due status resulted in journalists being given better emoluments and a respectable place

in society. Poor Barna so often had to bear the rigours of incarceration and externment from provinces which were part of his country by dictatorial rulers to whom the very words equality and egalitarianism were anathema and who wanted to retain the feudal status quo. With Barna embarking on his journey through eternity recently, an epoch in the history of journalism in the country has come to a close. He'll be forever missed for his sacrifices for the journalist community and he has left a void that will never be filled, given the corporate outlook that has gripped society with the global ideological changes which emerged in the 90s whereby it is everybody for himself and the kind of altruism displayed by Mr Barna is now a thing of the past. However, it was mostly on account of Barna's sacrifices that the profession came to don an aura of respectability that young people began to opt for this profession. Since these boys and girls, by virtue of belonging to affluent families, had highly commendable academic antecedents, they brought with them highly imaginative features to the publications. Then there followed the advent of the electronic media with the dawn of the millennium. Hitherto, the only electronic media known were Radio Pakistan and Pakistan television (PTV), later to be joined by another officially owned TV channel, NTM. These media being the official mouth pieces did not enjoy the required amount of credibility among the masses. Whatever people's differences with Pervez Musharraf, we have to give him credit for having allowed private TV
Continued on page 45

When media and State collide

By Shafqat Mahmood
n the West, where there is a long history of press freedom, State institutions have learnt to manage the media through what has come to be called spin. In other words, giving a positive slant, from the perspective of the government, to any news that emerges. On issues of national security, the appeal is to patriotism and it is amazing how much the western media parrots the official line. Only when the public mood turns against a war or intervention does the media risk taking on the State. The important point though is that medias vital role in Western democracies has been acknowledged and accepted by all elements of the State. In this way media has emerged as a robust and necessary pillar of the democratic process. In Pakistan though, media is often seen is an intruder. In the colonial state structure, which Pakistan inherited virtually intact, there was no role for the media. Whatever information had to be given to the people went through a vetting process and only the safe bits were allowed in the open. No wonder then that not only the military regimes but even the democratically elected governments were not too tolerant of the media. Every attempt was made to muzzle the press. The worst form of it was seen in the military regimes of Ayub and Zia but even during the democratically legitimate Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, media had a rough time. Things began to change in the late eighties because of a sustained struggle by the journalistic community. The real whiff of media freedom began its long journey in Pakistan in

1985 but it was during the first Benazir government that it reached true fruition. The print media, because the electronic was still under state control, started to aggressively pursue the antics of those in power. The rulers ability to put a lid on the press was circumscribed by their avowed commitment to democratic principles. Also, the infringements to press freedom were not taken too kindly by the courts. But the State continued to exercise monopoly over the electronic media and occasionally made serious efforts to muzzle the press. A particular example of this emerged during the second Nawaz Sharif regime when the Jang Group was viciously targeted.During the same period, journalists like Najam Sethi were picked up from their homes and charged with sedition. Another challenge to the press was coercion. Political

satellite dishes and global broadcasts, it became difficult, if not impossible, for dictatorial regimes to stop the flow of information. The coming into being of

parties were apt to physically stop the distribution of papers, particularly in Karachi; goon squads threatened and beat-up journalists. The so-called religious parties were also not above tactics of intimidation. The real game changer in the battle of media freedom in Pakistan was the international explosion of electronic media. With

private channels is often credited to the Musharraf government. The proliferation of satellite dishes also made it impossible for the regime to control foreign based Pakistani channels from reaching the public. The result is a virtual explosion of privately owned TV channels and freedom of expression that is unprecedented

in Pakistans history. In fact, it appears some time that the media goes overboard because there is no real code of conduct governing its functioning. But, despite an occasional blemish, the media has played an amazing role in protecting democratic freedoms and holding the state office holders to account. This stellar role of the media has not been without more challenges. In 2007, when the Musharraf regime was tottering, the TV channels, particularly Geo, again came under severe pressure. Geo Sports for example lost a huge amount of money when its Cricket World Cup transmission was taken off air. In the current PPP regime too, the electronic media has been facing difficulties. A new tactic has been adopted by PEMRA to force cable operators to drop certain channels from their bouquets. The PPP government has also stopped its party people from appearing on Geo in an attempt to affect its viewership. But the public pressure in favour of free media too huge for any government to resist. The courts also take a dim view of attempts to curtail the freedom of the media. Thus, the media with all its hard won freedoms is here to stay. This is not to say that everything is perfect with the media. Occasional coverage of terror incidents goes beyond the pale. Also, disruptive/terrorist elements get much greater space than they should. But, these are temporary hiccups. Over time, a code of conduct is likely to emerge which will create a balance between information and sensationalism. The writer is political anlytst and a columnist for The News

The News Special Report, February 2011

42
2003
January 13
confirmed in Vietnam

TWENTY YEARS OF THE NEWS 2011 WITNESS TO HISTORY

2003
February 2
s Dr Qadeer admits to N-proliferation

2004
February 23
s Rocket fired at Sui gas field

2004
March 10
s India begins historic cricket tour to

s Asia confronts bird flu crisis, three dead

February 1
s 244 pilgrims die in Mina Stampede

February 11
s Scientist clones 30 human embryos

March 9
s Pakistan tests Shaheen-II successfully. s Geo TV website launched

Pakistan

March 13
s Iran freezes inspections of its N-facilities

February 21
s Hatf-III missile handed over to Army

Need for revisiting foreign policy

By Dr Mutahir Ahmed

he foreign policy of a country is the refection of its domestic policy. If state has a sound domestic structure and viable strong institutions with a capability to deliver sound political and economic systems, then it is ultimately reflected in its foreign policy formulation. However, post-colonial states have been facing multiple dilemmas. First, they could not transform from State-Nation to Nation-State. The challenge for post-colonial states is the inheritance of a centralised administration from their colonial masters and changing its nomenclature was a huge task. Second, they could not define their national identity because of weak democratic institutions, and the state has been controlled by over-centralised military bureaucratic establishment. Finally, the security dilemma, which has been defined in a very strict manner. For them, the definition of security from state's perspective is to secure the borders and frontiers by developing strong military establishment; whereas, society defines security of people, which is more important than pouring resources into defense sector

only. Pakistan makes for a classic study of a post-colonial state as it is facing all of the above mentioned dilemmas. Inherited from the British colonial masters, Pakistan has now become a national security state and its foreign policy is not independent. The State is serving the interests of regional and extra- regional powers rather than its own interests. This shows the weakness of the State. At the height of the Cold War, Pakistan developed its relations with the United States. Pakistan's Military establishment became very powerful with the help and assistance of the US. Moreover, during this period, Pakistani state whole-heartedly depended on the US. In the eighties when the Soviet troops were deployed in Afghanistan,

Pakistan became a frontline state against the former Soviet Union. The US, Arab conservative regimes and domestic religious forces supported Pakistan and started Jihad against the Soviet forces and the Kabul regime. After the breakdown of the Soviet Union, the entire dynamics of international politics changed. In the post-Cold War era, the important actors of international politics as well as in the regional politics re-adjusted themselves according to the changing geo- political realties. Unfortunately, Pakistan failed to do so. The element of continuity in its foreign policy vis-vis Afghanistan, India and the US remained unchanged which had posed a grave challenge to its foreign policy. During the nineties, Pakistan supported Kashmiri insurgency movement by supporting the Jihadi forces. In Afghanistan, Pakistan was involved indirectly and created the Taliban and later on recognised the Taliban regime along

with UAE and Saudi Arabia. The rest of the world and the UN recognised and supported the Northern Alliance. This act of Pakistan was not only criticised by the international community, which had isolated Pakistan, but also damaged the very fabric of the Pakistani society, because the Taliban with the help of local allies have hijacked the state and society. Pakistan's foreign policy had been criticised by the international c o m m u n i t y. The UN passed several resolutions against the Taliban regime, alleging that the regime gave shelter to the Al-Qaida leadership, which was responsible for carrying out terrorist activities. On the contrary, Pakistan pursued same foreign policy vis--vis India and Afghanistan. In 1998 India tested its nuclear

weapons and changed the entire security dynamics of South Asia. The balance of power shifted in favor of India. In this changing scenario, Pakistan, which has inherited security dilemma since its independence, decided to test its nuclear device and thus created a balance of power in this region. After the nuclear explosion, sanctions were imposed on Pakistan which led to economic turmoil and Pakistan was further isolated in the international community. The incident of 9/11 had a direct impact on Pakistan due to several reasons. First, Pakistan had taken a Uturn in its foreign policy because of international pressure. Second, the UN banned all Jihadi forces and terrorist organisations to which Pakistan not only supported them in the past, but called

them "Strategic Assets" of Pakistani state. Third, under international pressure, Pakistan became a front line state against war of terrorism .The war against terrorism was a blessing for Musharraf's regime that ousted civil democratic regime. It got legitimacy from international community in general and the US in particular. After 9/11, Pakistan confronted challenges at domestic, regional and international levels. At the domestic level, a segment of Jihadi/sectarian forces that got support from the State have now been posing threat to State legitimacy and its security. These religious forces attacked on security institutions and created sectarian turmoil in society. During Zia's era, the State was overstretched and over ambitious. The theory of 'Strategic Depth' was introduced during this era and continued till nineties. After the 9/11 incident, this theory was converted into 'religio-sectarian depth' and now hijacked society and thus created serious problems for both state and society. At the regional level, traditionally Pakistan's foreign policy is Indo-centric in nature. The issue of security is a natural phenomenon in the minds of policy makers. Under international pressure, Pakistan initiated the process of Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) in the shape of composite dialogue in 2004. The Dialogue process revolved around the four issues of

'Peace', 'Development', 'Dialogue' and 'Kashmir'. Several rounds of talks at secretary level took place since then, but result has not yet come. Though Pakistan made some out of the box proposals, India is reluctant in giving any concrete and positive answer. Under the grab of terrorism India's position is to resolve the issue of terrorism first and then CBMs process will go ahead. India alleged that Pakistan used terrorist tactics as a policy tool which is unfortunate for peace in the region. In order to counter India, Pakistan developed cordial relations with China, though the relations between the two countries had a history. After the 9/11 incident, Pakistan is very keen to develop and strengthen cordial relations with China. Although China is not physically located in the South Asian region, its political role cannot be minimised in the region. In South Asia, a triangle has developed among India, China and Pakistan. China out rightly supports Pakistan and helps it out to overcome its economic crisis. At the international level, Pakistan developed strategic relations with the US after 1954. After 9/11, the US is depending on Pakistan regarding

the war against terrorism. Pakistan is a non- NATO ally against terrorism, but the element of mistrust and lack of confidence between the two states can be seen on many fronts. Thus, in conclusion, Pakistan's foreign policy in last twenty years can be analysed in continuity since it independence. On the domestic front, political anarchy, economic turmoil and social unrest have encircled Pakistan and its refection can easily be seen its foreign policy objectives. Regionally, except China, Pakistan's relations with its neighbors are in fragile. Internationally, the world actors see Pakistan with suspicion. Secondly, policies should be based in such a manner that its neighbors trust Pakistan. The need of hour is to take a rational look on its domestic front and take some rational

decisions which first put house in order. Finally, it will improve Pakistan's image on international front. And all these steps must be reflected in its foreign policy. The writer is Professor at the department of International Relations, University of Karachi

Kashmir issue Where Pakistan and India stand now

By Munawar Hasan

he people of Kashmir have braved a lot of miseries during the last couple of decades. Be it the armed struggle or the recent popular uprising, they have faced the worst atrocities but continue to voice their concerns. The peaceful mass protests have entirely changed the dynamics of Kashmir issue and on the back of protests there is now some recognition of their concerns. The latest turn of events started when the Muslim-majority in the Himalayan territory was rocked by demonstrations against the

Indian rule. The act left 114 people dead most shot by police and paramilitary forces. Popular uprising is a new phenomenon in the struggle of Kashmiris that has been seen for three consecutive summers. This indigenous activism sent India into a flurry of concern. On the other hand, Pakistan seems to be on a safer ground as it is not being blamed for being the 'external hand' in Kashmir. Various Indian human rights group along with the UN and other international bodies have voiced their concerns against civilian deaths in Kashmir. Following growing internal and external pressures, India has now taken steps in a bid to pacify the angry international community. India claimed in recent years that normalcy returned to valley following a dent to militant cadres. However, angry people of Kashmir belie this notion. Their bitterness against India is obvious than ever as they say that India has lost ground against the masses and not the militants. This is what Arunadhi Roy, noted Indian author, also believed. She made two

speeches in New Delhi and Srinagar in October 2010 in which she sought independence for Kashmir from India. At a function in New Delhi on "Azadi--The Only Way'', Roy had shared the stage with Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Gillani. While speaking at a seminar on the theme 'Wither Kashmir: Freedom or enslavement' organised by the Coalition of Civil Societies (CCS) in Srinagar, Roy said that India became a "colonising power" soon after its independence from the British rule. "I believe Kashmir is not an integral part of India. It is a historical fact. By describing the pro-freedom leaders in the Valley as separatists, India in a sense has already acknowledged that secession has taken place." She maintained that the ongoing movement had highlighted the aspirations of the Kashmiris. Later in an interview, Ms Roy, the Booker Prize winner said, "There have been increasing voices against the Indian government's policy towards Kashmir. Now more and more people have started realising that Kashmiris should not be forcibly governed." The reflections are very much clear and suggest the writing on the wall. United Nations also expressed rare serious concern over prevalent situation in Kashmir valley recently. In January 2011, UN envoy on human-rights mission to India called for reforms including the repeal of laws giving security forces sweeping powers in Indian-Occupied Kashmir. Margaret Sekaggya, the UN special rapporteur on human rights defenders, told a news conference in New Delhi that during her tour to Indian-administered Kashmir she had been told of many abuses. "I heard numerous testimonies about male and female rights defenders, and their families,

who have been killed, tortured, ill-treated, disappeared, threatened, arbitrarily arrested and detained," she said. In particular, Sekaggya called for an end to laws applied in troubled Kashmir region that have proved to be a sticking point in New Delhi's attempts to negotiate with Kashmiri separatists. "The Armed Forces Special Powers Act and the Public Safety Act should be repealed, and application of other security laws which adversely affect the work of human rights defenders should be reviewed," she said. Sekaggya urged India to extend a "healing touch" to residents of the strife-torn region, "to end the suffering". A bird's eye view on brief chronology of events happened in Kashmir during last about two decades reveals that Kashmir issue is now reverted back to a flashpoint. The uprising of the people of Kashmir started out as a protest against inefficiency, corruption, religious discrimination and communalism. In response to the struggle of people, Kashmir brought to under direct Indian rule in early 1990. During Kashmir insurgency, parleys did continue intermittently on this burning issue though at times with prolonged intervals. In 1994, Pakistan and India's foreign secretaries failed to narrow differences on Kashmir. Pakistan ruled out more talks with India unless it ended the alleged human rights violations in Kashmir. Again in March 1997, India and Pakistan began negotiations. After the end of four-day talks, they agreed to reduce tension and meet again. In May 1997, Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Indian Prime Minister Inder Kumar Gujral agreed to establish joint working groups to resolve all outstanding issues between the two countries since 1947. After the Kargil war, there were tense relations between Pakistan and India. After a gap of few years, in July 2001, Agra Summit provided an opportunity to Indian Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, and Pakistani President, Gen Pervez Musharraf, to discuss relations between the two nations, though with no tangible success. \There has been several confidence building measures between two countries including Intra-Kashmir trade, bus and truck service between two Kashmirs. Such measures help in easing border restrictions to some extent but cannot restore confidence between the two arch rivals. The bomb attack in 2007 on Pakistan-bound Samjhota Express, which resulted in burning to death of many Pakistanis and later deadly attack on Mumbai remind us of hostile nature of relations between neighbours. Especially, after Mumbai attacks, India is not willing to discuss Kashmir at length. Though stalled negotiation process started again, progress on key issues is yet to be made. Three wars including Kashmir centric Kargil conflict are testimony to the fact that resolution of Kashmir dispute is a must to make relations between two nuclear armed neighbors cordial. In an effort to reduce tension, Jang Group of Companies and Times of India initiated a fresh campaign under the banner of Aman Ki Asha. The aim of the
Continued on page 58

By Mayed Ali
he existing political situation in the country has hardly left space for a positive change in the near future. The change for the better largely depends on how quickly and to what extent the prevailing system is overhauled. Pakistan needs revolutionary measures to remain in the modern-day race or else 'towed-to-pit' seems like an imminent fate. If at all the nation decides to put its foot down and stand up to this exploitative system, it will have to focus on a major political change - one that has the strength to revamp the system, especially focusing on improving the administration and judicial system. At this point in time, the contours of all political parties are so well-defined and limited that it would take a couple of more elections before new popularity trends would emerge in a way they could get translated into a real numerical change in different houses of representatives. Unless there is a clear swing at the ballot in favour or against the major political players, a visible change in the country's political horizon is a remote possibility. If democracy has to stay, in the majority's opinion, the minimum requirement to take all the prevalent issues by the horn is to breakaway from petty self-imposed compulsions relating to regional, ethnic, sectarian and even cast based political priorities. The major political stakeholders have a peculiar support-base, which registers a negligible sway in each elections since the reincarnation of democracy in 1988. Keeping all other factors constant, the establishment has succeeded in weaving an electorate which gives it ample space for political manipulation. Apart from evolving an immaculate mechanism for directly influencing the ballot, it has made inroads in different political forces for pre-poll planning. The establishment remains busy throughout the term of any government for safeguarding its multiple interests at any given point. Realising the impediments of direct intervention in the affairs of the government or taking control of the situation in the 21st century, the power-that-be has been constantly sifting through options for relatively safer modes of intervention to avoid exposure in the age of information. If the voting pattern doesn't change much, and the voters' compulsions and priorities remain the same, then the country is set to have more of the same as far as the representation of existing political parties is concerned. The number-game, though, will be slightly different with one party losing seats to another in the provincial and the national assemblies. For instance, if the nation goes to interim, or, for that matter, scheduled polls, a swap of 30-40 seats can best be expected between the two leading parties the PPP and PML-N - at the national level. Similarly, give or take some 20 plus seats to the PML-N in Punjab. This implies that PML-N stands a chance of ruling Punjab for another term. The seat-ratio in Sindh would not be much different from the present as the urban-base of the MQM and the ruralbase of the PPP remains the same. Here, the Sindhi nationalists might manage a couple of more seats with the help of the PML-

The kind of mess Pakistan is in warrants major changes at the macro and micro levels. This country needs a stable and powerful government that can take bold decisions for making the house in order

It's not over till it's over

N, which is working day in and day out for a recovery in the province. Of course, the political situation in Balochistan can change if the nationalists' faith in the election process gets restored in the aftermath of the Balochistan Package. The future Balochistan Assembly may have the real Baloch representation, cutting PPP and PMLs to size in the real sense of the word. The Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa is expected to have as varied political representation as its name suggests. There will be extreme left and right, sharing power with the PML-N and PPP Looking at multi. ple combinations in the August houses and juxtaposing it with the existing political trends on the ground, it seems, the nation is in for a political status quo with the mere change of faces if Imran Khan's Tehreek-eInsaf fails to spring a major surprise. The rest of the pack has already been tested time and again though the PML-N could be-

come an exception with its more progressive politicking style. The kind of mess Pakistan is in warrants major changes at the micro and macro levels. The country needs a stable and powerful government, which could take bold decisions for keeping the house in order. All the existing challenges require a strong government resolve for managing the crippled economy in a manner all citizens get equal opportunities. For this, the government will have to come up with revolutionary economic policies with special emphasis on generating financial resources through effective taxation, setting aside political repercussions. Good economic agenda supplemented with effective administration and aided by proactive and independent judicial system hold the key to the salvation of Pakistan at this crucial juncture. Add to this the importance of tackling the growing extremism. This menace doesn't have any quick solution. A sincere government will have to take some short-term measures as part of the first-aid. The government will have to revisit Pakistan's role in the ongoing war on terror. Some restrictions are imperative for controlling the epidemic at home. At present, Pakistan is not just a frontline state fighting against terrorism. Wishing for a real change in the country in the existing circumstances is a farfetched notion. A government, which hitch hiked a ride to Islamabad, courtesy the USestablishment duo just doesn't have the freedom to take bold decisions. That is, if, at all, the PPPled coalition decides to defy its DNA. Neither does the ruling coalition have the numerical advantage for rolling any agenda to effect in a politically polarised environment within and without the parliament if the PPP is really sincere to the cause. No political party in the opposition can afford the PPP government's success at this point in time though all of them 'wish' the coalition to complete the tenure and deliver to the people. More ironic is the fact that none of the political parties wish to replace the government at a time when the country is facing stupendous challenges, some even fringing threats. There is hardly any doubt a political fiasco at this juncture could prove counterproductive, yet the restraint on part of key political leaderships has more to do with their respective political priorities rather than an act of statesmanship. Interestingly, irrespective of the possible, and in some cases, eminent, loss to the country because of the status quo, the major political stakeholders are shying away from taking strong positions not for the love of democracy, rather for the fear of failure in a complete overall mayhem. Some are even buying time to organise their parties, besides reaping political benefits from the successive blunders of the ruling coalition. Apart from having ample time for preparation, this wait-and-see approach can fetch them additional political dividends if ills like the economic crunch and war on terror lose steam some two years down the line. The writer is Chief Reporter, The News Lahore

The News Special Report, February 2011

TWENTY YEARS OF THE NEWS 2011 WITNESS TO HISTORY

2003
March 15
s Astronomers discover new (10th) planet

44

2003
March 29
s SAF games get off to a colourful start

2004
April 7
s Lara breaks world record and becomes

2004
May 22
s Manmohan Singh sworn in as PM of India s Spain's Crown Prince Felipe marries Letizia

in the solar system

March 27
s UN Inspectors arrive in Iran to inspect

India test-fires two anti-aircraft Akash missiles

the first batsman to make 400 test runs

April 1
s German state outlaws headscarves for

May 13
s Vajpayee quits as Congress routs BJP

Ortiz in Madrid

May 24
s Over 500 dead in Haiti floods

N-Sites

in Indian elections

Muslim teachers

After Pakistan goes nuclear....

By Prof Dr Shaista Tabassum

he 1998 nuclear retesting by India was unexpected. The international community along with the United States condemn India at the same time pressured Pakistan to refrain from replying to the nuclear test. Strong international sanctions against India could have contributed to dissuading Pakistan from going nuclear. Despite of all international efforts Pakistan tested the device on May 28, 1998. The Chaghi tests in Pakistan annoyed the world community. All the major countries including Russia, China, Australia, Japan, Britain and France condemned the nuclear show of power in South Asia. These nuclear tests were followed by sanctions by the USA, while Japan, Australia, Britain and France reacted individually and EU reacted collectively to cut down aid to India and Pakistan. The US policy of rolling back Pakistans nuclear capability had become an unrealistic objective by the end of the 20th century. The US, therefore, sought to restrict Pakistans capability to a minimum de-

terrence position while dampening its security competition with India. The geo-political scenario in the South Asian region changed after the terrorist attack on the World Trade Centre in New York on September 11, 2001. The US retaliation led to the outbreak of an unending war against terrorism, notwithstanding to the gorilla warfare by the Taliban. The alarming issue for the US was the alleged rise of Al-

Qaeda with the support of Talibans and also anti-American sentiments in Pakistan which could not be ignored in the nuclear capable Pakistan. Despite the anti-American sentiments among masses in Pakistan, former President General Pervez Musharraf assured full cooperation and assistance to the US in its war against the terrorist in Afghanistan. In a meeting with senior military officials in Rawalpindi, Musharraf said: I wish to assure President Bush and the US government of our unstinted cooperation in the fight against terrorism. The political development in Pakistan especially the victory of MMA in National assembly and formation of the provincial government in the NWFP back in 2002 was very sensitive in nature due to border sharing of the province with Afghanistan and anxiously watched by the American. The MMA government in NWFP as expected appeared sympathetic and supportive to the cause of the Taliban which was an alarming factor for the West. The World Trade Center attack gives the impression that terrorists are willing to cause maximum civilian casualty at a very large level and such terrorist objectives could be easily achieved by the use of weapons of mass destruction. Much before the WTC attack, nuclear terrorism was a well-recognised and expected threat to US security. The West is most seriously threatened by nuclear terrorism. News in the media appeared of Al-Qaeda attempting to acquire nuclear material or complete weapons. The most disturbing news which spread was about a meeting in the summer of 2001 of two Pakistani nuclear scientists with Osama bin Laden. The news badly effected the US-Pakistan nuclear trust relations which had been slowly developing ever since 1998. Although Pakistan was very careful in seeking assistance on nuclear technology from the US, especially if the assistance was perceived to be an intrusive nature. Like other nuclear capable states, Pakistan well guarded its locations and

Towards a nonviolent road to peace

By Ammar Kazmi
he only solution to all social ills is the evolution of thought. However, this thought process often gets exhausted by the relatively easier option of triggering violent movements in the garb of revolutions for reaping political dividends at the expense of common people. If the premise is narrowed down to Pakistan, the Aman Ki Asha Project, a joint collaboration between the Jang Group and Times of India, seems to be the only movement aimed at evolving the thought process towards progressive and uncontroversial peace. The road to individual evolution adopted by the Aman Ki Asha has achieved the unthinkable by taking away the factor of leadership. The ideology of this initiative, at one end has reformed the India versus Pakistan thought and on the other, it has set a precedent for the solution of similar geopolitical settings all across the world, where the establishment has been spurring the masses on to take the aggressive route. The lack of education and awareness results in a fanatic following hatred-filled parties. The glorification of violent precedents in the past, more frequently in the name of a vulnerable sentiment such as religion, has been the weapon of choice of these pro-violence proponents. Mass movements, conveniently tailed behind certain individuals, have succeeded in advancing the elite while the people who actually fuel such movements with their blood are forgotten. Learning from the human debacles of the last century, the debate of regional, religious or racist supremacy should end and every human should fight for another humans freedom. The change brought about by the expansion of evolution of thought and mind from the individual to the mass level is by far more sustainable and potent than something won in the battlefield. Nationalism, perhaps, is one of the terms misinterpreted and misused over the past many decades. It has been used to promote war hysteria to keep the masses in a state of insecurity from a bigger force so that they would not question the misdoings of the ones leading them. This distortedconcept of nationalism is being sold to the masses in three different ways. Religion has been the stimulus used most frequently with the tag of nationalism for violence for expansionist motives.

These so-called nationalist movements are, in fact, successive bids by competing influential in the society for grabbing power by manipulating the anger of the downtrodden masses. More ironic is the fact that the state, at many occasions, can hardly be blamed for the apathy of the people. It is the same elite, which, itself oppresses the masses, and then comes to their `rescue through nationalist movements. The slogan of nationalism, instead of bringing a change at the grassroot level, has, in fact, turned Pakistan into a `security state instead of a welfare state. The idea that being anti-American and anti-Indian is a prerequisite for being proPakistan, and the religious insecurity sold by the religious parties has been seeded so deep into the hearts and minds of the people that they rate their hatred higher than morality and humanity. Ideological revolutionaries like Jalaluddin Roomi, Alberuni, Jabir bin Hayyan and our own Sufi saints are very conveniently discarded by most of these self-styled revolutionaries. The first step towards striving for the rights is recognition of personal rights and the fight for it from the most basic level. Equipping the pursuance of basic rights with the right weaponry of social education and awareness will lead to individual freedom. The inability of the government to provide this weaponry has left the havenots at the mercy of exploiters in the society. The recent surge in religious extremism, being nurtured by the clergy, is the outcome of the constant exploitation of the common people at the hands of influentials. The clergy has slipped in quietly with the prescription of an `eternal salvation in hand, with the vow of relieving people from the clutches of feudals and capitalists. Another issue pertains to the misdi-

rected anger of the people. Instead of rejecting nonsense outright at the onset, the less privileged keep digesting gross social injustices till they become unbearable. They need to take the first injustice head-on so as to discourage others from taking the people for a ride. First such hands could be laid on the nextdoor neighbour if any social or legal violation is perpetrated. The sense of accountability at the most personal and basic level is the right point to start when it comes to the motherland. Rather than reaching for the collar of the president or the prime minister, blaming them for something, issues can be addressed at an individual level. The pursuance of individual freedom can go a long way in eradicating all kinds of autocracy. For example, this freedom can help liberate a woman in a restricted household, a tribe enchained by a chief and a political worker enslaved by his leadership. A Baloch shepherd should be aware of the fact that food and shelter come second to his right of education and individual freedom even if it amounts to infuriating his tribal chief. A political worker can criticise his top leadership only if he is educated and aware of his rights as an individual. His leadership will then only be answerable to the people. Religious leaders can be criticised by their followers, if they strive to evolve themselves with the knowledge which the religious leader claims his authority over. All this can happen only if the billions spent in defense budgets in the name of nationalism, are spent on the evolution of an educated society rather than a reactionary revolting mob. The crude face of extremism practiced under the umbrella of freedom of expression was exposed by the spiritual personalitys caricatures that angered billions and invited chaos. Individual freedom and the freedom of speech are two totally different concepts. The latter is universally misused by the media and people to hurt each others feelings. Regulation of freedom of expression is by no means the solution. At the same time education can trigger a better use of this powerful tool for national integration instead of playing a blame-game. The irony, however, is that the godfathers of the freedom of expression have business interests alongside welfare and are at times motivated by profits than greater good. Fight for individual rights through sustainable results not essentially through violent means is the best way forward. We need to start our journey by eliminating all types `isms may it be extremism, fundamentalism or liberalism without touching the sensitive modes of believes, race and ethnicity. Yes, the destination of this journey is reachable. Through enlightenment, education and awareness.

The water bomb

By Muttahir Ahmed Khan

nuclear best practices from any outsider influence or knowledge. Meanwhile, another equally threatening news about nuclear non-proliferation appeared. It was the shocking news of head of the Pakistan nuclear programme Dr A Q Khans alleged involvement in nuclear smuggling. European and American intelligence agencies had alertly monitored the nuclear exercise in South Asia. When Khan confessed on national television he was pardoned but was confined to his house. The A.Q Khan network issue was a very serious matter for Pakistans nuclear programme. President Bush said, Khan and his top associates are out of business...other members of the network (who) remains at large...will be found and their careers as proliferators will be ended. Across Pakistans eastern borders, close nuclear collaboration were further strengthened between the US and India with the conclusion of an agreement signed by US President Bush and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in July 2005 at the time of President Bushs visit to India. The US-India nuclear deal had created suspicions about American intentions on Pakistans nuclear programme. The agreement benefits India much more than it was portrayed. The agreement will help create a civil nuclear enrichment facility in India with the US made reactors and expertise. Despite of its peaceful uses of nuclear technology posture, the deal gave de-facto recog-

nition to the Indian nuclear capability. The US with the approval of the nuclear club had agreed on Indian terms to use of nuclear technology. Pakistan also showed its interest to enter in a similar deal with the United States. However, the earliest US response was very discouraging. Pakistan served the American interest in the region. The Government of Pakistan and the public demanded that they should also be treated like India by the US. Unfortunately these hopes

and expectations were not fulfilled by the US and ultimately resulted in a form of resentment and mistrust among the masses for the US. The only country having closer nuclear relations with Pakistan is China. The Pak-China nuclear collaboration dates back to the 1970s. The cooperation increased in the 1990s, when according to US intelligence agency Beijing assisted Pakistan in building its nuclear capability. The western press published a large number of reports on the Pak-China nuclear cooperation. Pakistan has also imported missile technology from China after the Chaghi tests. The A.Q Khan issue had created serious problems for Pakistan. The nu-

clear programme became controversial. The founders activities had been identified as illegal and suspicious. Although, it was very much known to the West that Pakistan had not entered in any covert nuclear agreement with any country after 1976, even then the network had never been identified. The effects of the Dr A Q Khan episode on the Pakistani nuclear programme were long lasting. It created the impression that (i) People who are at the forefront of the programme are trustless, corrupt and are in contact with illegal networks and (ii) the Pakistani nuclear capability is extremely dangerous for world peace. Pakistan is not a nuclear responsible country. It can transfer the technology for any petty reasons (iii) The Command and Control system in Pakistan is also weak (iv) Even the military government of Pervez Musharraf could not control or monitor the illegal movement. During 1980s and 1990s while Pakistan was building its nuclear programme, issue of nuclear security and command and control were not the prime concern. But with the increase in terrorist activities in the northern areas of Pakistan the Western and specially US concern on the security of Pakistani nuclear installation multiplied. Pakistan gradually built up its command and control system. The National Command Authority was created in 2000. In December 2007, the former president Musharraf formalised the authorities and structure in the National Command Authority 2007. The NCA is playing a vital role in managing Pakistans nuclear assets. At present Pakistan command and control system is extremely organised. The A Q Khan form of nuclear smuggling and the possibility of any insurgent from within the army to take control of the nuclear assets seem to be non-applicable with the introduction of a highly-guarded and planned command and control system. In order to meet the issue of physical security of Pakistans nuclear weapons, the government had geographically distributed its nuclear establishments. Several layered security is posted on the locations, supervised by highly trained special force. Selection to the security guard position is an extremely confidential matter.
Continued on page 58

n 1990, when I was a college student, I read an interesting article titled Water Bomb, published in a leading Urdu newspaper. The writer quoted in that article a senior Indian army officer who had nudged his colleagues and leadership towards a natural advantage that India had over Pakistan - the advantage of manoeuvring the river-heads and channels in order to wipe out Pakistan without using

The Indus Water Treaty signed in 1960 does not take into consideration the climatic change or environmental issues as these were not critical ones back then. With environmental variations and the growing needs of the rising populations of both the countries, water has become a matter of survival for them. It is why the Head of Pakistans Indus River Commission had stated in an interview that India and Pakistan should look beyond the treaty to discuss such issues like the impact of climate

a single bullet. The officer elaborated his point by convincing his statesmen and high command that India could either inundate Pakistan by unleashing its waters during heavy monsoon season or ruin it with a severe drought by blocking the course of water that arises in the Indian territory. Present day India has developed nearly 15 large and small dams including some disputed ones, violating the Indus Water Treaty. It is why many international and national political leaders and analysts consider this up-and-coming conflict between the two archrivals more perilous than the Kashmir Issue. A Pakistani parliamentarian expressed his concern on the issue in these words, Experts foresee war over the water issue in the future and any war in this region would be no less than a nuclear war. Here, I would like to refer to a Mumbaibased publishing houses book titled, The Final Settlement, with the subtitles fire, water and earth, that offers a sentence repeatedly: A war for capturing water resources is unavoidable among India, Pakistan and Kashmir. Kashmir has always been an inseparable part or a vital organ for both the nations due to its rivers and water channels.

changes on the health of glaciers and rivers in South Asia is of the pivotal value. The conflict emerged when India laid foundations of the Wular Barrage but the Kashmiri freedom fighters launched operations that forced India to call off work. It was resumed at a later stage and it seems that the construction work pertaining to the Wular Barrage has entered a decisive phase. Later on, the Indian government, ignoring the objections raised by Pakistan, commenced construction work on Baglihar Dam. The ever-widening gulf between the positions of India and Pakistan compelled Pakistan to seek mediation from the World Bank. The matter was already under the careful consideration of when India commenced the construction of the Kishanganga dam, despite Pakistans declaring this act a perpendicular violation of the Indus Waters Treaty Agreement. Efforts to solve this burning issue were in vain because Indian quarters were not sincere in leading the matter to a compromising way out. On the contrary, India is

playing a dual game of keeping Pakistan busy in talks while, at the same time, carrying on with the building of these dams. If India succeeds in maintaining the status quo, it will have an immense advantage, and Pakistan, that has already been experiencing internal inter-provincial conflicts and discord, due to water issues, will be at a greater loss. It is a irony that a nation, which was complaining about years-long shortage of water, till the recent June, fell prey to unprecedented floods that damaged whole towns, villages and vast agricultural lands. This vicious circle of two negative extremes has plagued the nation with heavy economic losses and human sufferings in past too. Even in the twilight of the recent deluge, caused by a short spell of heavy rains and rapid melting of the glaciers in the North, the statesmen and the masses, especially in Punjab, were sleepless due to the fear of another flood in Satluj, Chanab and Ravi rivers expected from the Eastern borders. However, it did not happen and India, that received comparatively less rains, managed much of the water with the help of its newly constructed dams and reservoirs and caused minor flood in Satluj River, along the borders of Kasur district of Pakistan. This globally declared the most disastrous natural calamity could have been further destructive, if India had given a free rein to its surplus water in case of heavy rains there. Did these disputed projects of Wular, Baglihar and Kishanganga reservoirs, that can annihilate Pakistan with a fatal drought, prove to be a blessing in disguise for Pakistan? But, what will happen if our hostile neighbour receives heavy rains next year? As the experts have already warned the global community as well as monsoon regions, increasing global warming and the consequential glacier melting and heavy floods will make Pakistan one of the most vulnerable nations in the near-term future. Unfortunately, during the last many decades, we did not chalk out any plans to exploit this blessing of rains due to successive incompetent governments, dictatorships and deep-rooted official corruption. Why should India take care of your problems when your own leaders are not sincere? Despite the issues, one thing remains very clear and that is the need for a peaceful solution of the water problem or else a future war between India and Pakistan is imminent. The writer is an Educationist and a freelance journalist

The News Special Report, February 2011

TWENTY YEARS OF THE NEWS 2011 WITNESS TO HISTORY

2004
June 16
s Bob Woolmer replaces Miandad as Pak

45

2004
June 22
s Imran, Jemima end nine-year marriage

2004
July 6
s Gas pipeline explodes at Ouch Sharif

2004
July 7
s Rameez Raja quits Chief Executives

Team coach

June 19
s Pak India kick off nuclear talks, sign

June 30
s Shujaat sworn in as Prime Minister s The US Federal Reserve raises federal

July 30
s Shaukat survives assassinating bid

post at PCB

August 29
s India tests nuclear capable Agni-II

agreement to improve border situation

funds interest rate for the first time in four years, by a quarter point

August 5
s Pak, India discuss Siachen demilitarisation

A quest for restorative justice

By Muhammad Salman
still remember the images of Iraqi people chanting slogans and toppling Saddams statue in central Baghdad. I had mix feelings about those images. Since childhood, I had had an impression of Saddam as a man who stood against American aggression in Iraq during the first Gulf War (August 2, 1990 - February 28, 1991). I had no idea about the history of Saddams regime or his invasion of Kuwait and how the UN reacted to it. I got that impression after listening to the discussions of people who were deprived of any heroic figure in modern times. Saddam referred to that war as the Mother of all battles to make it analogous of battle of AlQ?dissiyah where Arab forces defeated the Persians. I read statements like Jiyo Saddam! (Long live Saddam) on the backside of public busses. Some religious leaders titled him Saladin II - the man who was standing firm against the crusaders and fighting for his personal integrity and national prestige. I did not have even the slightest idea of the atrocities committed by Saddam before the US and its allies attacked Iraq as part of their War on Terror. The images of Central Baghdad after the US-led coalition attacked Iraq forced me to realise the reality Saddams regime. The details of the situation were horrifying and I finally understood the dictum that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely clearly. During the Dujail incident of 1982, as a reprisal of an attack on his motorcade, Saddam destroyed the entire town and 140 men were killed, while 1400, including children, were sent to prison and tortured. During the Anfal campaign, chemical weapons were used against the Kurdish population of Northern

voting that left no alliance with a decisive majority. The security situation of Iraq is not promising either as there was massive collateral damage as a result of both coalition attacks and militant resistance. According to one study, almost 655,000 Iraqis died up to 2006 of which 601,000 deaths were the result of violence. Another study conducted by a British polling agency estimated the Iraqi death toll up to 1.2 million till 2007 higher than the total population of many countries. The security condition is further impaired by the deep-rooted esIraq. The most horrifying episode was in Halabja, a Kurdish town. 5000, people died and 10000 survived with permanent sickness caused by chemical weapons. The invasion of Kuwait, brutal suppression of Kurdish and Shiite uprising and systematic diversion of water from land of Marsh Arabs are just some glimpses of Saddams tyrannical rule of 24 years. But did the USA and its allies attack Iraq to really solve the problem of Iraqis or it has exacerbated their plight? Iraq was attacked under the pretext of the alleged presence of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs). It was the result of US post 1990s ambitions of regimechange in Iraq and for spreading the ideals of freedom, equality and democracy. The post-Saddam period in Iraq is marked with militant uprising, constant suicide attacks, political crisis, sectarian conflicts and bur-

dened economy which is largely dependent on its oil exports. It took almost one year for coalition forces to handover power to the interim government and the nominee of the Iraqi Governing Council, Iyad Allawi. In 2005 millions of Iraqis voted for a new constitution in the hope for stability and prosperity. Two general elections were held under the new constitution in December, 2005 and March, 2010. The Noori Al-Maliki-led coalition was able to form a government in first election, but the second elections, in which the Sunni population participated as well, were followed by accusations of fraud and political deadlock. Crisis was overcome by forming a power sharing agreement that allowed Maliki to remain Prime Minister and Iyad Allawi, who secured the majority of seats, was head of new Security Council. Both elections resulted into highly polarised

trangement of different factions of Iraqi society. The US continues to blame Iran and Hezbollah for sponsoring and supporting militants in Iraq. Al-Qaeda is another actor allegedly responsible for violence in Iraq. This whole blame game can not hide the failure of the USA and its coalition partners in bringing peace and stability to Iraq. The role of the coalition forces was as criminal and oppressive as that of Saddams regime. One cannot forget the scandal of the Abu Ghraib prison where prisoners were treated inhumanely as a clear violation of International Humanitarian Law.

Another challenge, that coalition forces and the new Iraqi leadership was facing was the rehabilitation of Iraqs economy. Iraqs economy was badly affected during 13 years of sanctions imposed by UN as a gesture of condemning Saddams regime and his oppressive rule. These sanctions raised lot of question of humanitarian concerns as they affected the livelihood of common Iraqis rather than shaking Saddams government. After toppling of Saddam government, the UN lifted those sanctions which resulted into improvement in Iraqs economy but recent global economic recession has pushed it in new crises. The IMF is demanding promotion of the private sector and reducing employment in the public sector, which will create another wave of social unrest due to increasing unemployment. Globally declining oil prices have also affected Iraqs reviving economy very badly. It is a transitional period for Iraq, which got rid of tyranny and is in search of political and economic stability. A lot has been said and written about the reconstruction of Iraq, but reconstruction does not deal with only infrastructure but also with social dynamics. There was a huge uproar about justice in Iraq and how retributive justice has been done by hanging Saddam, but what Iraq needs at this time is restorative justice. This will help Iraqis redefining their relationships and go for reconciliation. We have the example of South Africa where this policy of reconciliation met with success. This is only possible when the Iraqi leadership has given complete responsibility to regulate their affairs with an objective assessment of the situation. The writer is a Cooperative Lecturer at the Department of International Relations, University of Karachi.

A journey of trial and errors

Continued from page 41

missile

channels with the result that we have 86 of them today. The advent of the mass electronic media, however, brought in its wake many challenges that posed certain dilemmas for conventional journalism. Radio and TV reported the news as it happened. No doubt newspapers still suited the needs of those who wanted a more in-depth and intellectual analyses of events. The print media not only give the news but also the overtones and ramifications of the news in minutest detail in the form of editorials and news analyses. Then they also can be preserved as record for decades and even centuries and can serve as reference even after a passage of hundreds of years. As for the print media, the press which was absolutely free till 1958 came to be gagged with the onset dictatorial governance in that year. The papers came to be governed by the pernicious Press & Publications Ordinance whereby readers were condemned to read news which had been tailored to fit the whims of the rulers. In the decade of the '80s, censorship was so severe that newspaper pages had to be taken to the information department for a final check before going to the press. However, in 1986, the government of the day, with a stroke of the pen repealed the Press & Publications Ordinance and since then the print media have been absolutely free. Major credit for this goes to former Prime Minister the late Muhammad Khan Junejo. Today, happily enough, press censorship is a thing of the past and the press in Pakistan, it could be claimed, is as free as it is in the UK, the UK Press being the yardstick of freedom. The vicious instrument of press advice and officious-sounding telephone calls from the information department to black out such-and-such news are now relics of the past. Thanks to the mind-boggling advances in technology culminating in the internet revolution, cen-

sorship is now futile, given the multiple sources of information outside the territorial confines of countries. In 1980, it would take at least thirty-six hours for a photograph to be flown from the US to Pakistan, and that too on preference as press material. Today, the same picture can be beamed to the furthest ends of the globe in three minutes. If the authorities that be were to black out a news from the masses, networks beyond our territorial confines would be too happy to step in and provide us the desired information. However, even before the lifting of censorship, there were journalists who were really committed to the yearning for the truth and passing the truth on to people undiluted. They braved the lashes and the squirts of imprisonment that were the way prior to 1986. In this context, one has to acknowledge the services rendered by the journalists of the English language Press who despite the pernicious censorship produced thoroughly investigated news and passed them on to the reader without fear or favour. They did society a yeoman's service. However, happily enough, official and governmental censorship and coercion---mark you, just official and governmental---is a thing of the distant past now. Much water has flowed down the river and today both the electronic and print media are free of official interference and coercion. Besides, whereas once the profession was the biggest disincentive among professions, today many of the papers, and almost all the electronic media are paying their journalists in six figures. This has certainly improved the fortunes of many journalists but a lot many are still writhing in poverty. To sum it up, journalism in Pakistan has come a long way and has assumed a totally new face over the last three decades, with both its strong points and weaknesses. The writer is Sub-Editor, The News Karachi

The News Special Report, February 2011

46
2004
September 3
Storms school

TWENTY YEARS OF THE NEWS 2011 WITNESS TO HISTORY

2004
September 19
s 650,000 homeless as floods spread

2004
September 26
s India celebrates 350th anniversary of

2004
October 12
s Pakistan tests N-capable missile

s Over 200 dead as Russian Commander

through West Bengal

the Taj Mahal

September 16
s Karzai escapes assassination attempt s Prince Joachim of Denmark and

October 18
s US offers sale of Patriot missile system

September 25
s Hurricane Jeanne forced more than

October 4
s Sohail equals world record for

to India
s Venkaiah Naidu resigns from his post

800,000 in Florida to evacuate

international goals in hockey

Alexandra Manley announce their separation

as president of BJP

East. In many ways the experience of the Palestinian struggle is a testimony to the resilience of national liberation movements, and the courage and creativity of ordinary Palestinian people. Moreover, Hamas that grew in the space of less than a decade into an opposition to the PLO, had launched successful military attacks against Israeli forces. The more successful Hamas was in its military operations, the more severe was the Israeli response. It was during Intifada II that the quartet of United Nations, United States of America, European Unions (EU) and Russia sped up efforts towards diffusion of tension in the Middle East. A comparatively comprehensive Roadmap for Peace was pro-

By Nabeeha Gul

he multifaceted Palestinian-Israeli conflict, over a piece of land claimed by both Palestinian Arabs and Israeli Jews, has defined the politics of the region. For decades now, clashes between Palestinians and Israeli forces have been a regular feature in which thousands of innocent people have lost their lives. Moreover, the attempts to resolve the conflict and aim towards reconciliation brokered by the Western and European powers failed to culminate into the resolution of disputes. An important dimension of the long-standing conflicts in the Middle East is the virtual dominance of the two major extra-regional players: Britain and the US and their existing nexus with Israel. Above all, the roots of the conflict lie in the issues of representation of identities, nationalism, security and economy. A careful analysis of the conflict scenario in the Middle East, during the past two decades, establishes the fact that some remarkable efforts were made towards peace in

the region. Paradoxically, these efforts not only were marred by the renewed waves of violence but they also substantially lacked amicable and timely measures to address the conflict. The peace building phases including the Oslo Peace Accords (1993), Intifada II (2000), the Roadmap for Peace (2002) and the Geneva Accords (2003), the IsraelLebanon War (2006) and Gaza siege (2007-2010), were important and can help understand the dynamics of the conflict during past two decades. It all began with the change in the global political structure following the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the US emerging as the sole super power. The structural changes coupled with Intifada I and the Gulf War had a trickle-down effect on the ongoing Palestinian-Israeli conflict. The international diplomatic pressure, mainly by the US, led to the first-ever one-on-one meeting between Israel and the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO-the leading group in the Intifada I) that culminated into the Oslo Accords. The accords signed in September 1993 in Washington D C were a framework for the fu-

ture course of relations between Israel and PLO. They called for the establishment of the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) and withdrawal of Israeli forces from parts of Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Ironically, the accords failed to yield the anticipated results. The Oslo Accords phase from 1993 to 2000 virtually changed the landscape of the battle. The division of Palestinian territories, as set out in the negotiations, enabled Israel to exercise control over the West Bank and the Gaza Strip more than ever before. The fragmentation of Palestinian areas into separate enclaves made the occupation more, not less effective. An acute sense of national liberation was growing among the Palestinians. Following the virtual collapse of the Oslo Accords, a trilateral meeting between the US, Israel and the PLO was held at Camp David in 2000 which also proved to be a failed attempt. A few months later, the second Intifada began which marked yet another phase of violence, killings, bloodshed and atrocities committed by Israeli forces. The struggle by the

matic efforts to defuse the intensifying conflict were made by the regional players as well. In an unprecedented move, Saudi Prince Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz floated a peace plan in 2002. The plan essentially advocated the guidelines of UN Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338, which also formed the basis of the Oslo Accords. The proposal called for Israels withdrawal from lands occupied in 1967 and the establishment of a Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Some Arab analysts identified two major motives of proposing this plan: Firstly, the proposal attempted to vitiate the longstanding claim that Arab states have neither worked for peace initiatives nor desired peace with Israel. Secondly, the plan renewed international scrutiny of Israels motives. The plan meant to essentially question Israel that if it truly wanted peace, then why not to resort to the Oslo principles. Another important development in connection to the efforts towards peace was the Geneva Accords (2003). Israeli opposition political leaders and Palestinian leaders announced an

in it, and tried to block advertisements for the agreement in public media. Likewise, Palestinian extremists and their allies also denounced the agreement. The death of Yasser Arafat, the leader of Fatah and the Chairman of the PNA, on 11 November 2004 was considered as the end of a lingering excuse that the US and Israel had for refusing to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

most. Israel, at first, apparently relied on the air and artillery campaign to inflict most of the damage. Hezbullah responded with equally heavy attacks. Some of the larger Hezbullah rockets were able to strike the Israeli port city of Haifa, inflicting damage and causing civilian casualties. The Israeli strategy seemed two-fold: cut off Hezbollah from its suppliers and allies in the region, while also striking

As for developments in the PNA, Mahmoud Abbas was elected as the first-ever Prime Minister of the PNA in 2005 and Israeli forces withdrew from Gaza. The ramifications of Israels atrocities during Intifada II were wide spread and increasingly ago-

Lebanese infrastructure targets with no apparent connection to Hezbullah. Israel hoped to show the Lebanese government and people that Hezbullah brought death and destruction to their county, hoping that this lesson would turn popular

Palestinians? Intifada II? had the same goal and similar strategy that they pursued in Intifada I. However, different political currents used not only the symbol of the intifada, but the actual techniques of popular uprising, in an attempt to generalise the struggle in Palestine across the Middle

posed by the quartet which called for a two state solution, with Palestine and Israel living side by side, and democratic reforms in the PNA. The plan was largely rejected by Israel, however, the quartet continued their overtures under the proposed Roadmap. Meanwhile, some diplo-

Are we heading towards Talibanisation?

By Dr Farhan Siddiqi
n the last twenty years, the growing influence of religious groups in the social fabric of our society has led to fears of the Talibanisation of Pakistan. What is Talibanisation? And how real is the threat to our state and society? Talibanisation implies two things: At its core, it refers to the implementation of a puritanical Islamic system as prevailed in the days of the Caliphate. Although, puritanical Islam is what is often cited as the panacea to ills of the modern society, the Talibanised politico-economic and social system remained in place for only five years (19962001) in neighbouring Afghanistan. In this time, the example of a thriving Islamic society offering concrete solutions to societal issues and problems was never intellectually or ideologically disseminated in the Islamic world or in Pakistan. In other words, besides the rhetoric of the imple-

sential realities of life in Pakistan and its social dynamics. It goes without saying that many in Pakistan do hold skeptical views about the phenomenon of Talibanisation: For one, the term Talibanisation does not refer to a concrete set of intellectual, academic or ideological notions designed to drive peoples imaginations towards a better and a more stable life, as did Zulfikar Ali Bhuttos slogan of Islamic Socialism. Talibanisation and its attendant mean-

mentation of puritanical Islam, there was nothing which Taliban or Talibanisation had to offer. Second, Talibanisation also refers to a mindset which is based on militancy and jihad in order to achieve narrow political objectives, most importantly, power. Although many in Pakistan are wont to exaggerate the fear of Talibanisation but a sober analysis has to contend with es-

ings lack a popular appeal which does not offer much other than sacrificing oneself in the path of Allah and implementing a socio-political system based on the true tenets of Islam. The lack of a popular appeal for Talibanisation explains Pakistani peoples reluctance and their lack of support for such parties in elections, except perhaps in the 2002 elections, a decision that was

radically overturned in the next elections in 2008. A second related phenomenon has to do with the level of authenticity of Talibanisation as a force to reckon with in the War on Terror. Most people in Pakistan blatantly accuse the United States of engineering such forces to provide them a relevant pretext to intervene in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan. In this explanation, Osama Bin Laden and Mullah Omar are paid American agents who still continue to remain at large despite American forces in Afghanistan and Pakistan. An essential concern, especially on the part of our baffled liberal intelligentsia and elite, has to do with Pakistan being set on the path of Talibanisation and becoming increasingly Talibanised in the future. They point to the growing Talibanisation in the rural areas of the country and how the illiterate masses are being recruited onto the bandwagon of jihadist activism. This is undoubtedly a major threat to our social fabric but, in the longer run, may actually be the undoing of Talibanisation. At its very core Talibanism is not political, it is a military force efficient at destroying but not as astute in offering salvation, progress and socio-economic stability to the common man of this country. There are many who fear growing Talibanisation as evidenced in the assassination of

Punjab Governor Salman Taseer and the support which was expressed for the assassin, Mumtaz Qadri, in sections of our society. The growing trend of such attacks and assassinations is a clear sign to many in Pakistan of an emerging society divided between liberals and extremists/terrorists. However, this view is too simplistic. See, for example, the brutal killing of two brothers in Sialkot by members of an opposing family. Was this action a consequence of a growing Talibanisation in our society? Or does this fact portray militancy as emerging in a cultural environment where such acts may be assumed as conventional or orthodox? This certainly was not part of the supposed drive towards Talibanisation and the same could be said about honour killings. The liberal intelligentsia also, in my opinion, tends to misinterpret the reality of Pakistani society today. On a visit to the University of Karachi, a guest asked me why most girls in the university wore hijabs and black robes. He quipped, This is a sign of growing Talibanisation/Islamisation. I told him in response that this is not so. The reasons for the growing hijabs and black robes , I retorted, had to do not with Talibanisation/ Islamisation but with a moral decadence in Pakistani society. Many girls find it convenient to wear hijabs and robes rather than going out in public in their plain shalwar kameez. To conclude then, Talibanisation is for real but its prevalence in our society has yet to reach the point where it overtakes society completely. It has reached the critical mark to engage in militant activities but its politics is still highly doubtful. Whether or not Talibanisation will be the defining creed of the Pakistani society depends ultimately on the state and our ruling elites. Governmental inefficiency breeds discontent amongst the masses. This question has to be resolved first for Talibanisation not to take roots in the country in the future. The writer is Assistant Professor, Department of International Relations, University of Karachi

The romanticism of revolution

By Haris Tohid

agreement in principle on conditions for a final settlement. The Geneva Accords proposed historic concessions by both sides. Israel would give up sovereignty in Arab portions of Jerusalem, while the Palestinians would explicitly renounce the right of Palestinian refugees to return to Israel. The agreement got widespread publicity, including support from the then US Secretary of State Colin Powell, and a note of appreciation from the then PNA Chairman Yasser Arafat. The Israeli government, however, denounced the agreement and the people involved

nised nationalist groups in the region due to which Intifada II was followed by one of the horrendous conflicts of the decade that broke out in 2006. The 32-day war began with a cross-border fire exchange between Hezbollah (a Shiite Islamist military organisation) of Lebanon and Israeli Defence Force. Three military corps were killed and two were taken hostage by Hezbollah members. An armed attack was launched by Israel in Hezbollah-dominated areas in Lebanon which Hezbollah was determined to counter. For a trans-border Arab-Israeli war, this conflict was different than

opinion against the Shiite militia. However, the results were opposite as Hezbollahs popularity grew not only in the region but across the globe, especially among Shiite groups. The war ended with both warring parties agreeing to the UN-brokered cease-fire. The same year, Hamas had formed the government in the PNA which was not recognised by the UN as Hamas has been listed as a terrorist group by the UN Security Council. Resultantly, economic sanctions were slapped by the Quartet and Israel against the PNA. The recent episode of Palestinian-Israeli conflict
Continued on page 58

he more I make love, the more I want to make revolution. The more I make revolution, the more I want to make love, said a posting on a wall in Paris in 1968. The year when there was a tremendous sense of lib-

less the government brings its house in order. But is this revolution inevitable in Pakistan or some societies more prone to such public outbursts? A few days ago, I was watching the movie 127 hours where an adventurist finds himself trapped in an abyss with his hand crushed under a boulder. Short on food supplies and

peasants are still a subjugated lot. It is not only the peasants who represent the underprivileged class in Pakistan. The urban areas are a sanctuary to slum dwellers, street beggars and social have-nots. The lower-middle class, the proletariat - misused and abused by business tycoons, try in vain to

eration, of freedom, of people talking, talking on the streets, in the universities, in theaters, pens Mark Kurlansky in his book - 1968, The Year That Rocked The World. It was indeed a year of revolution. The year had started on a quiet note - as did the year 2011. The word Revolution has a high degree of romanticism and idealism, intertwined with scenes of carnage and blood shed attached to it. Images of Che Guevara, Malcolm X and headless corpses being carried by the disenfranchised during the French revolution pop up in ones head with talks about revolution. Recent discourse on the topic revolves around the protest demonstrations on the once placid streets of Tunisia and Cairo. Politicians and intellectuals back home in Pakistan are alluding to such a revolution un-

caught in a hopeless situation, the central character chops off his arm and saves himself from a certain, miserable death. I couldnt help but notice the similarity with the situation of the people of Pakistan. Bludgeoned by rising inflation and burdened by high unemployment, they find themselves in a deep hole. The only option left to them is to either end their lives or destroy the cause of their wretchedness. In his illuminating book, The Wretched of the Earth, Fanon proclaims the peasant to be the harbinger of revolution which has nothing to lose and everything to gain. The word of Fanons words seems to hold veracity for Pakistan where

make ends meet. Hordes of revolutionaries are in the offing, if we accent to what Fanon has to offer. Disenfranchisement of masses has reached to an alarming proportion. Reflecting on the French revolution, one is mortified by the many bloody incidents where angry mobs lynched their once-rulers with ruthlessness and contempt. Similar horrific scenes are being witnessed in the streets of urban cities in Pakistan where thieves and robbers are set on fire and police officials thrashed by bereaved family members of a deceased in-custody prisoner. But all these acts fail to morph into an uprising. Why? Fanon attributes this failure to political leaders who are

more concerned with a show of strength rather than using it. He adds that the educated and well-to-do class also comes to the aid of these political forces and helps assuage the brewing angst and rage amongst the masses before all gets out of hand. Technological advancement in communication has helped overcome distance barriers. People are calling the uprising in Tunisia a Facebook revolution which inspired the masses to hit the streets. The US and EU countries are demanding political reforms in Egypt but they jumped on the bandwagon only when the level of protests became pervasive and unrepressed. The closest Pakistan ever got to a mass mobilisation in recent times is the Lawyers Movement which led to the departure of an autocrat and subsequently the beginning of a democratic process in the country. Interestingly, it was the civil society, in collaboration with political parties, who played an instrumental role in setting up the stage for democratisation. But it has proved to be a mere artificial makeover. Issues and dangers (economic, social and political) faced both internally and externally remain the same and in some cases exacerbated as compared to the previous dictatorial regime. People are already on streets everyday demanding the fulfilment of their rights, stories of mob justice and public vendetta now frequently make headlines, men slaughter their families to rid them of their despondent lives and controlled anarchy(for now) prevails in the society. Clash of Classes is in the making. Franz notes that for 95 percent of the population in developing countries, independence [read revolution] has not brought any immediate changes. For all those who await the D-day when all hell will break loose, this is what American novelist Sinclair Lewis had to say. Men die, but the plutocracy is immortal; and it is necessary that fresh generations should be trained to its service. The writer is a correspondent for GEO

The News Special Report, February 2011

48
2004
October 20

TWENTY YEARS OF THE NEWS 2011 WITNESS TO HISTORY

2004
October 31
s 100 Somalis killed in factional fighting

2004
November 16
s Rice assigned new US Secretary of

2004
November 30
s Tasman oil spill affected 300,00

s Adviser to Iraqi interim PM Iyad Allawis

party is killed a drive-by shooting s Iran conducts Shahab-3 missile test

November 3
s Bush wins second term s Karzai proclaimed Afghanistans first

State as Powell quits

Karachiites
s Philippines storm leaves 306 dead,

November 29
s Nuclear capable Ghaznavi missile is

October 26
s NA approves death for Karo-Kari

elected President

test-fired

The economic nosedive

By Mansoor Ahmad
f we look at the current economic scenario, the year 199192 seems like a dream year. Wheat was available at Rs 124 per 40 kg as compared to the over Rs 1000 per 40 kg now. Mutton rate was Rs 55 per kg against current rate of Rs 470 per kg. Gram Pulse was retailed at Rs 11 per kg while the rate two decades latter is Rs 80 per kg. Sugar was below Rs 8 per kg compared with Rs 80 per kg now. Edible oil or vegetable ghee in 1991-92 was priced Rs 19.75 per kg (loose) and the minimum price of the same commodity in 2011 is Rs 135 per kg. The budget deficit in 1991-92 was only Rs 59.13 billion that has soured to over a trillion rupees in 20011-12. The dollar was valued at Rs 24.75 two decades back and its current rate is Rs 86. Pakistans external debt was $16.481 in 1991-92 that has increased to over $58 billion. Internal debt amounted to Rs500 billion while the internal borrowing by the government is now double this amount every year. In 1991-92 a little over 20 per cent of the population was living below the poverty line. The government has not released poverty figures this year but experts believe it is above 35 per cent at least. In 2011-12 the electricity tariff was Rs 0.54 per unit for lifeline consumers that has exceeded to Rs 3 per unit. The consumers in the bracket of 251-600 units paid Rs0.77 per unit against average tariff of Rs10 per unit. On a positive note, the per capita income was $414 in 1991-92 that has increased to $991. The per capita income in India was around $300 that has increased to $1017. The literacy rate in 1991-

By Jawwad Rizvi

92 was 34 per cent that in touched 60 per cent but Pakistan is still the country with lowest literacy rate in South Asia. Eminent economist and Chairman Planning Commission of Pakistan, Dr Nadeem ul Haq said that sustained growth remained elusive in Pakistan due to poor quality of investments. There is continuous reliance on foreign resources due to poor resource mobilisation. The growth model did not incorporate endogenous growth elements of innovation, entrepreneurship and learning. The lopsided economic growth can be judged from the fact that in 1991-92 the exports totaled $6.9 billion against imports of $9.252 billion. The CPI inflation was 10.54 per cent. The GDP growth was 7.6 per cent, development expenditure was 7.6 per cent of GDP and tax revenue was 13.7 per cent of GDP Dollar was , . valued at Rs 27. The tax to GDP ratio improved by one per cent compared with previous year. The economy was buoyant. It was during this period that the economy was liberalised, foreign exchange restrictions were eased and privatisation process accelerated. The GDP growth dipped the next year to only 2.1 per cent while the fiscal deficit further increased to 8.1 per cent of GDP was tax to GDP ration declined to 13.4 per cent. The CPI inflation eased to single digit being 9.83 per cent. The exports also declined slightly to 6.813 billion while the imports increased to $9.941 billion. The development expenditure was drastically cut by 1.9 per cent of the GDP to 5.7 per cent. The total expenditure that year was 26.2 per cent of the GDP that was 0.4 per cent lower than previous year but the current expenditure was increased 20.5 per cent from 19.1 per cent of the GDP in 1991-92. The GDP growth improved in subsequent two years to 4.4 per cent and 5.1 per cent and the fiscal deficit also declined to 5.6 per cent of the GDP but the development expenditure further dipped to 4.4 per cent of the GDP However the inflation averaged . to 13.02 per cent of the GDP in 1994-95. Exports remained stagnant at 6.8 billion dollar in 1993-94 increased by $1.3 billion to 8.13 billion in 1994-95. The imports crossed $10 billion level in 1994-95 to $10.39 billion. Tax to GDP ratio also remained stag. nant at 13.8 per cent of GDP In the year 1995-96, the GDP growth jumped to 6.6 per cent of

. the GDP It was accompanies by fiscal deficit of 6.5 per cent of GDP while the development expenditure remained stagnant at 4.4 . per cent of the GDP The current expenditure was 20.1 per cent of GDP while the inflation eased a little to 10.79 per cent. Exports increased to $8.70 billion while the imports surged to $11.80 billion. The tax to GDP ratio reached a peak of 14.4 per cent a level that has never been achieved in the subsequent 15 years. The high growth was followed by another disappointed year as the GDP growth dipped to 1.7 per cent of GDP in 1996-97 and the fiscal deficit remained high at 6.4 per cent of GDP This was . the first year when gradual declined in Tax to GDP ratio started which declined by one per cent to 13.4 per cent of the GDP The . development expenditure declined to 3.5 per cent of the GDP The . exports declined by $400 million to $8.3 billion while the imports inched nominally to $11.89 billion. Inflation again increased to 11.8 per cent. For growth, we have to move beyond sector polices, PSDPs, ADPs, acronyms and metaphors. We need to think beyond brick and mortar. As far as infrastructure is concerned, Pakistan, China and India are at almost same level according to global competitiveness report. However it is far behind India, China, Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia in the global innovation index, quality of education and spending on R&D, Haq said. The growth rate of even 5 percent remained elusive during the next six years as the economy remained in turmoil. The IPP debacle and the atomic detonation by Pakistan kept the economy under pressure and the foreign exchange reserves of the country remained dangerously low. The GDP growth was 3.5 per cent in 1997-98, 4.2 per cent in 1998-99, 3.5 per cent in 1999-00, 1.8 per cent in 2000-01, 3.1 per cent in 2001-02, and 4.7 per cent in 2002-03. The tax to GDP ratio also started declining during this period reaching 11.5 per cent in 2002-03. The development expenditure also declined appreciably during this period and it was only 1.7 per cent of GDP 2000-01 and increased to 2.3 per cent in 2002-03. One positive sign during these years was that inflation remained below double digit and was only 3.7 per cent in 2002-03. The government in the 1990s was shared alternately by PPP and PML-N until General Musharraf took over by removing Nawaz Sharif. The event of 9/11 created panic among the Pakistanis living abroad and they started transferring their resources to Pakistan. The workers remittances increased from $1 billion through out the 1990 decade to around $9.5 billion by 2010. The exports reached $11.13 billion in 2002-03 while the imports amounted 12.22 billion. The trade deficit was in manageable range as foreign inflows and remit-

he capital market of Pakistani matured during past two decades due to financial sector liberalisation. Here is a brief overview of the last twenty years of the stock market and the highs and lows faced by it The Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE) started its operations on September 18, 1947, but remained plagued with nontransparent operations as trading was restricted between few players. Large number of investors started visiting the capital market after initiation of stock market reforms. The market gained momentum in the early 1990s when it was opened to international investors. This put a new life in the market giving rise to an unprecedented bullish trend. The size and depth of the market also improved. In terms of its performance the market has been ranked third among emerging markets. Unfortunately the market could not maintain its performance in later years because of political and economic instability. The shock waves emitted by that market badly affected our stock market as well. The selling pressure by foreign fund managers resulted in the fall of KSE-100 index which came

The highs and lows of capital market

December 26
s Asian tsunami

150 missing

ber, the KSE-100 Index did drop to 1,189 points but then the manipulation set in that took the market to over 2,000 points by March 2000. During a period, the market was overwhelmed by manipulation and characterised by high volumes and a high degree of vulnerability. The market did manage to hold on to its own during Au-

The economy performed erratically during the last two decades with many hiccups. The macro economic indicators rarely remained in the comfort zone while the development expenditure remained a major causality of the uncertain economy as the deterioration accelerated in the past three years
tances enabled the country to post current account surplus. The economy grew at a very rapid pace during the next four years. The GDP growth was 7.5 per cent in 2003-04, 8.6 per cent in 2004-05, 6.6 per cent in 2005-06 and 7 per cent in 2006-07. Inflation during this period remained very low varying from 2.4 per cent in 2003-04 to 4.3 per cent in 2006-07. The tax to GDP ratio however remained very low reaching 10.1 per cent of the GDP in 2004-05. The expenditure even during this period of very high growth varied from 3.2 per cent of the GDP in 2003-04 to 4.4 per cent of the GDP in 2006-07. The former Industries Minister said that it is a pity that the legislatures that impose taxes on the people do not pay their due taxes. The current expenditures always over shot the available resources all the tax revenue in terms of amount tripled to one trillion rupees. The growth was exclusive benefitting the rich only. The trickle down effect of growth was minimal. Exports nearly touch $17 billion but the exports exceeded $30 billion creating balance of payment crisis in the country. The increase in imports was partly due to import of machinery and equipment but the import of finished goods also accelerated imports. The menace of under-invoicing and smuggling also accelerated during this period. The year 2007-08 was a devastating year for the economy.
Continued on page 49

By Mansoor Ahmad
rade and commerce has remained the hub of the non-documented economy in Pakistan during the past two decades. It has marginalised the documented manufacturing sector of the country because of a major shift to the trading sector. Pakistans share in total world exports was 0.18 per cent in 1990 that reduced to 0.15 per cent in 2000 and by the end of 2010 its shares in global trade have declined to 0.13 per cent. In comparison the share of Indian exports in global trade increased from 0.57 per cent in 1990 to more than 1.4 per cent in 2010. The shares of Malaysia and Thailand increased during the same period from 0.94 per cent and 0.74 per cent to 145 per cent and 1.30 per cent respectively Unfortunately, Pakistan has not been able to upgrade its export structure and the reason for its declining share in global markets is that its exports are dominated by low technology products. The global appetite for low technology products is waning and with it Pakistans share in global exports is also declining. High tech exports for Pakistan account for only 0.6 per cent of its total exports. In the last two decades the share of low technology products manufactured in Pakistan increased from 54 per cent to 76 per cent while the share of medium technology products inched up from 7.8 per cent to 8.4 per cent. According to World Bank, the growth of capital in Pakistan during

Two decades of trade and industry

Pakistan averaged $0.5 billion during 1990-2000 while it averaged $30.1 billion in China and $1.7 billion in India. In the next ten years the FDI in Pakistan averaged $2.5 billion while it averaged over $70 billion in China and over $13 billion in India. In 2009, Pakistan received FDI worth $2.54 billion, China $95 billion and India $34.6 billion. Most of the foreign investment in Pakistan came in services sector like telecom, oil and gas and financial services while in India and China the FDI was primarily gained through the manufacturing sector. It was in the 90s that the WTO regime came into being. Pakistan joined WTO at its inception but its economic planners lacked the expertise to apply the WTO rules for maximum benefit to its domestic enterprises. The government, during the past two decades, supported trade liberalisation but in their endeavour neglected to protect the domestic industries. For instance the bound tariffs agreed with WTO on commodities are normally higher than applied tariffs. This allows space to the economic planners to increase the tariff when lower tariff hurts domestic industry. Pakistan on directive or guidance from the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) imposed a lower tariff of around 15 per cent on most of the imports when the bound tariff agreed with WTO was 100 per cent. India pursued a selective policy and China joined WTO late continuing to protect their domestic manufacturing and services sectors while we exposed both the sector to global competition when they were not ready to absorb the shock of cheap imports. The local e n trepreneurs also failed to rise to the occasion and improve their efficiencies by obtaining quality assurance certifications. The certifications ensure that the enterprises use the most efficient administrative and procedures to improve quality and reduce cost. By the end of 2009, the number of ISO certified companies in Pakistan were only 10 per cent while 25 per cent companies in India, 38 per cent in Vietnam and 41 per cent in Thailand are ISO certified. Smuggling and under invoicing flourished during past two decades. Now all types of electronics, fabrics, tyres, edibles, shoes are

down to 1746.31 points on January 1, 1998, and due to unremitting selling pressure further declined to 1609.16 points on January 28, 1998. The stock market came under severe stress following the Indian nuclear tests on May 11, and 13, 1998, when KSE100 index dropped to 1514.11 points on May 11 from 1551.91 points on May 8, 1998 and 1412.36 points on May 14, 1998. The downgrading of Pakistans credit by Moodys South Asian Crisis, freezing of foreign currency accounts and panic selling by foreign fund managers further accentuated the situation and the market continued sliding and touched the lowest level of 765.74 points on July 14, 1998. The market started showing improvement as reflected in KSE-100 index which was 1416.62 on May 24, 1999 due to stabilisation measures initiated by that government. However, the Kargil conflict adversely affected the market and looming dangers of war depressed it. Thus the gain made during several months was eroded and the index came down to 1052.19 points on June 18, 1999. The KSE-100 Index, just prior to the Iftikhar Shafi-Nisar Danka duos manipulation, stood at 1,252 points. In Octo-

gust 1999 but then from there on it was all downhill. Finally, the KSE-100 ended the fiscal year at 1,555 points. It gave the group the potential to rake in 3.5 trillion rupees off the 100-companies index of the KSE, which started going up from the first day of the 2005. With no perceptible reason, the market moved from 6,218 points to touch a high of 10,300 points by March 15. The Blue Chip Oil Gas Development Corporation (OGDC) was the star draw in
1990 487 Total Listed Cos 28,056 Total Listed Capital (Rs mn) 1,267 Total Listed Capital (US$ mn) Total Market Capitalisation (Rs mn) 61,750 Total Market Capitalisations (US$ mn) 2,788 Average Daily Ready Volume shares (mn) 1.12 Average Daily Ready Value (Rs mn) NA NA Average Daily Ready Value (US$ mn)

the market, contributing 60 per cent of that phenomenal increase. According to market experts, the real index figure for KSE should have been about 5,500 points. The market was so heated that trading volumes hit a new record of 6.8 billion shares, generating millions of rupees for the brokers daily. The brokers fee to sell one share was 0.50 rupees, and to buy, 0.15 rupees. The brokers thus earned 4.42 billion rupees in just one day, on March 14. This practice was going on for months without any intervention by any government body, including the Security Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). According to information on the KSE web site at that time - which, incidentally, was last updated on January 31, 2005the average daily turnover of shares stood at 640.47 million before frenzy set in and volumes began to be quoted in the billions. After the bubble burst, the trading volume dropped to 108.520 million shares. The SECP was established in line with global best practices in 1999 as regulator of capital market. It took various measures to protect the interests of the small investors. Central Depository Company was instituted to protect the investors from fake shares. KSE is the main bourse that started operation in 1947 with five companies with paid up capital of only Rs 37 million and which has now reached
1995 764 134,427 3,925 327,782 9,570 13.93 NA NA 2000 762 236,459 4,080 382,730 6,604 186.9 7,114 131 2005 661 470,427 7,867 2,746,559 45,929 364.0 33,582 563 2010* 644 919616 1,066 3,268,948 36,27 132 NA NA

KARACHI STOCK EXCHANGE (KSE) OVER THE YEARS

645 listed companies. The bourse is run by 200 members out of whom 157 are currently active. Out of 200, 113 are corporate and rest work as sole proprietor. Only 9 are listed. The total market capitalisation is around $36.72 billion while listed capital is $10.66 billion while KSE 100 index showed a return of 21.5 per cent. The Financial institutions (Mutual Funds, Commercial Banks, DFIs, etc) and high networth individuals are main players in the stock markets of Pakistan. Retail investor base is increasing as record 1.4mn people applied for KAPCO (Kot Addu Power Company) IPO which is one of the success stories of growing Pakistani equity market. Trading at KSE is screen based through a number of terminals. Each and every trade is recorded to avoid scams as it occurred in the past. There is one depository company in Pakistan known as the Central Depositary Company (CDC). An average of 97 per cent of KSE volume is settled through CDC and rest in physical shares. Pakistans has 0.22 per cent weight in the MSCI EMF while derivatives trading (single stock futures) re-started in 2001. During the last two decades the performance of the equity market was superbly excellent which depicted from figures in this table. (see table) The return on stock markets of Pakistan was highest than any another investment which is over 20 per cent as compared to gold around 10 per cent, defense saving certificates around 14 per cent, 10 years government bonds around 12 per cent. That government led by Shaukat Aziz introduced code of corporate governance and adopted number of risk management measures which helped the stock market to touch its glory. Political stability over a long period of time also helped to enhance the investors confidence. Strong corporate profitability is identified as one major factor behind the last 2001 to 2005. During 2002-2005, the average annual profitability growth was 25 per cent. Major factors that have contributed to this growth were companies rising top line in the wake of booming economy that led to increase in industrial output. Higher international oil prices were also responsible for this profitability growth. However, the first major collapse in the stock market was witnessed in March 2005 and the index went down to 8700 points from 10510 till June 2006. Somehow, the SECP and government managed the equity market and it recovered back to historic high of 15740 till April 2008. However, the Pakistani stock market failed to absorb the global economic crisis as the foreign investors started withdrawing their investments
Continued on page 49

1990-2000 decade was only 1.45 per cent only compared with 1.90 per cent in the previous decade. The growth of labour during 1990 decade was 1.70 per cent while the total factor productivity increased by 0.71 per cent. In the next decade the capital growth was 1.50 per cent, labour growth 1.8 per cent and total factor productivity increased by 1.01 per cent. Dismally, private sector investment in Pakistan remained weak during the 90s when it remained . below 10 per cent of the GDP For Bangladesh and India, it remained above 10 per cent of GDP with a sustained increase every year. Trade liberalisation pursued with vigour in 1990s exposed the inefficient manufacturing sector to global quality products. Trade and commerce was also impacted by the resource gap be-

tween the national savings and investment. According to the World Economic Outlook 2010, in the 1990s Pakistans savings averaged 15 per cent of the GDP while the investments were 19 per cent of GDP that created a resource gap of about four per cent. During the same period the savings in developing Asia averaged 32.7 per cent of the GDP and investments accounted for 32.4 per cent of the GDP creating surplus resource of 0.3 per cent of GDP The resource gap . increased to an average seven per cent in the first decade of this century. The foreign direct investment in

openly available in all parts of the country at much cheaper rates than the locally produced products. As a result of major structural change since the start of 1990s the share of service sector in the economy has gradually increased to around 53 per cent of the GDP followed by manufacturing with 24 per cent share and agriculture 22 . per cent share in GDP The service sector is now the main driver of economy but its potential contribution to employment is limited when compared with the manufacturing sector. Agriculture despite its low share in GDP is the l a r g e s t provider of employment in the country, followed by service sector that provides 30 per cent of total employment and manufacturing sector absorbing 20 per cent of labour. The manufacturing sector with highest value addition has the lowest share in employment. This transformation happened in last 20 years. Government policies played major role in growth of specific industries. Television smuggling got a boost due to the lowering of duties of TV parts and components.

Today a local brand is a market leader instead of an international brand. The production capacity of the cement industry doubled in 1990 from 10 million to 20 million tonnes and in the next 10 years to 44 million tonnes. Car production increased from 31,000 units in 1991-92 to 39,000 units in 2000. In the next decade, car production reached a peak of 190,000 units in 2006-07 but subsequently declined to 80,000 units in 2008-09 due to economic recession before reaching 115,000 units in 2009-10. Production remained stagnant due to inconsistent government policies in 1990s including the infamous taxi scheme. The industry experienced a rapid growth from 2002-03 until 2006-07 due to the stable government, high economic growth, low mark-up auto financing and higher workers remittances. The auto industry is again in trouble due to frequent changes in the auto policy made by the present regime. The textile sector has managed to service even during acute recession because of the $5-6 billion investments made by textile entrepreneurs during the mid of this century. This sector operates without government support after it was opened up in the 90s by the PPP government. Carpet, surgical instruments, cutlery and sports good industries are on decline since the last two decades. The engineering industry has failed to achieve its due potential as the only steel mills of the country protected by duties on import while its own production hardly fulfills 30 per cent of the local demand.

The News Special Report, February 2011

TWENTY YEARS OF THE NEWS 2011 WITNESS TO HISTORY

2005
January 5
s Karo-Kari law signed by President

49

2005
January 9
s PLO Chairman Mahmoud Abbas wins the

2005
January 16
s Muttahida to quit government if

2005
January 28
s Underworld don Shoaib dies of heart

January 6
s Makgatho Mandela, the only surviving

Palestinian presidential election

operation launched in Sui, says Altaf

attack in jail

January 12
s FC takes over Sui gas plant- supply

January 26
s Nawaz, Qazi agree to launch joint

February 4
s KSE crosses 7000 mark s Uganda govt announces 18 day ceasefire

son of former South African president Nelson Mandela, dies of Aids in Johannesburg

across country partially shut: four killed in gun battles- Karachi to remain unaffected

anti-government drive

with the Lord's Resistance Army

Rise and fall of consumer banking in Pakistan

By Khushnood Ali Shaikh
n the last ten years, consumer banking has taken Pakistan by storm. In July 2002, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) authorised the banks to finance consumer durables. This permission was reportedly issued on the suggestion and persuasion of the then Commerce Minister Abdul Razzak Dawood and was well received by bankers as well as consumers. Prior to the SBP circular, local banks in Pakistan were reluctant to lend money to individual clients and catered only to the needs of government as well commercial and industrial sectors. However, foreign banks including Citibank, Standard Chartered and ABN AMRO were offering credit card facilities and other products but on a limited scale. SBPs permission opened the gates for general clients to enjoy the benefits of consumer banking or retail banking. Under consumer finance, credit cards, auto loans, housing finance, consumer durables and personal loans were offered. For banks, personal loans are the best covered among all the segments of retail banking as the salary of the borrower is routed through the lending bank. With the start of consumer financing, the element of consumerism also emerged on the economic horizon. The individual borrowers got the opportunity to spend besides their incomes. This did not boost the propensity to consume in the country in economic terms but also enhanced the circulation of money in the economy. According to State Banks data, banks lending under consumer financing surged by 40.64 per cent in just one year, rising from Rs 95.675 billion by December 2003 to Rs 161.203 billion in December 2004. In December 2009, the total lending under consumer financing went as high as Rs265.983 but declined to Rs 228.488 in December 2010. The state-owned National Bank of Pakistan took the lead among its competitors by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with a leading electronic company for providing credit facilities to the buyers ranging from Rs.10, 000 to Rs.100, 000 repayable in 24 months for the purchase of electronic goods. This enhanced the purchasing power of lower middle and middle class consumers to buy consumer durables. This created a huge demand for consumer durables

The economic nosedive

Continued from page 48

in the country thus expanding its production base. This is the reason that large scale manufacturing sector grew at 6 to 8 percent during that period. Privatised banks including UBL, HBL, MCB and Allied Bank had also launched consumer financing on a larger scale both in big cities and smaller town with the help of their wider branch networks. The smaller banks including Soneri, Askari, Union Bank, PICIC Commercial Bank also entered into retail banking to get their due market share. The entry of new foreign banks including Bank Al Falah and Faysal Bank also expanded the volume of consumer financing, especially auto and mortgage loans, in Pakistan. The highest benefit was gained by the automobile sector which grew by manifold since 2003. The sale of automobiles, which was hovering around less than 50,000 units per annum at the time of launching of consumer banking, jumped to 100,000 in the first three years reaching more than 250,000 units afterwards. The demand was so high that the authorised dealers allegedly getting own money for automobile assemblers in the range of Rs 200,000 to 250,000 per unit, depending on the size of the vehicle. The problem of black money forced the government to allow the import of reconditioned vehicles under baggage rules to plug the demand and supply gap. The production of consumer durables including air-condition units, washing machines, refrigerators, deep freezers and other home appliances also went up mani-

fold in just two to four years due to rising demand. With the popularisation of consumerism, the campaign to protect and inform consumers about ethical practices such as honest packaging, product guarantees and improved safety standards also gained momentum. The best thing consumer banking has done for society is the availability of consumer goods for almost every middle and lower middle class person. Consumerism has boosted industrial production in the country and all those industries which were running under capacity can attain economy of scales and thus maximise profits. With good things, the consumer banking also carries loopholes. Hidden catches for the consumers and poor customer service of offering banks had also disappointed clients. On the other, the cut throat competition forced marketing teams of consumer financing to select bad borrowers and resulted in accumulating non-performance loans. The rampant defaults on auto loans had compelled State Bank to stop car financing on immediate basis. Similarly, the lacunas in land titling also slowed down mortgage financing in the initial period. The worst fiasco happened with credit cards. People used credit cards without realising the importance of paying back within time. As usual, the card holders also misused the credit facility and resorted to big buying and purposely defaulted on payments. Currently, the default rate has come down. In the auto-financing sector, the recovery rate is around 97%. In mortgage financing, the banks can invoke foreclosure law to get hold of property, if the customer is unable to pay up. However, the real test of default will come once the

The best thing consumer banking has done for society is the availability of consumer goods for almost every middle and lower middle class person. Isnt it? Pay 10 percent of the price, get the item and pay in easy installments for a prescribed period. However, the unplanned consumerism has also given a rise to different problems, the most serious of them being the shortage of energy

products started ageing and people will start getting tired of long loan repayments. The State Bank took several measures to redress public grievances. The most important step in this direction was the establishment of Banking Mohtasib (Ombudsman) on May 2, 2005, and redressed through dedicated Redressal Division at Consumer Protection Department. As we analyse the share of consumer financing in the total lending of banks to private sector, it is negligible. In 2003, the loans given under consumer financing was Rs 95.675 billion of the total lending of Rs 1.095 trillion to the private sector. In June 2005, the lending under consumer financing surged to a reasonable amount of Rs 213.835 billion while the total lending of the banks to private sector was Rs 1.694 trillion. Till the year 2005, the lending rates remained in the single digit, which encouraged bank clients to avail cheaper consumer financing for improving their living standards. In December 2009, the total lending to private sector touched Rs 2.640 trillion as compared to a total disbursement of Rs 265.893 billion under consumer loans. The lending under consumer financing declined to Rs 228.488 billion in December 2010. For this drop, a major reason was the persistent slow down in the economy and higher mark up due to high inflation rate. The writer is a senior journalist

The interim government installed near the end of 2007-08 lost control over the economy as the inflation started increasing and almost touched double digit. Exports crossed $19 billion level but the imports increased phenomenally to $39.96 billion. The economic declined was round the corner. The present regime assumed office in the third quarter of 2007-08. It had no economic plan and changed three finance ministers during first six months of its tenure. The foreign exchange reserves depleted very fast creating balance of payment scare. The increase in global crude oil and commodity rates also played havoc with the foreign exchange reserves. Former Federal Finance Minister Dr Salman Shah said that incompetence of the economic planners of the present regime triggered the meltdown of the economy. In their endeavour to put blame on previous government, the economic managers claimed that the figures presented to them by previous regime were fudged and the economy is in dire state. This is not true. Had they acted on the economic plan of the

The highs and lows of capital market

Continued from page 48

precious government they could have raise $4 billion from the Global Deposit Receipts of many public sector companies. Instead, they cancelled those deals and were forced to seek assistance from the IMF. During the same period the Muslim Commercial Bank raised $1 billion from GDR. In the year 2008-09 the economy got completely out of control and the inflation increased to over 22 per cent. The exports declined to $17.6 billion and the imports also reduced to $34.8 billion but still were double than imports. Tax to GDP ratio declined to only 8.4 per cent of the GDP The . rupee started losing its value and jumped from Rs 67 against the US dollar in May 2008 to Rs 81 by June 2009. The next year was equally turbulent the dollar was traded at Rs85 and the tax to GDP ratio remained below 10 per cent. Former Federal Finance Minister Sartaj Aziz said the government lacks the will to improve economy. He said the country is facing stagflation as the growth is going down while the prices are increasing. -The writer is Senior Commerce Reporter at The News Lahore

which put extreme pressure on Stock market. The situation compounded due to the political instability in the country. To stop the investors, the stock market was frozen at 9705 index level in August 2008 which lasted almost four months and reopened in December 15, 2008. However, freezing floor level was not successfully delivered as the index

went down to 4782 points in January 2009. Since then, the recovery was witnessed in the equity markets of the country and it has touched 12000 levels so far. The process of demutualisation has remained elusive for the last seven years and it has again been initiated by the SECP in a diluted form. The writer is commerce reporter at The News, Lahore

The News Special Report, February 2011

52
2005
February 5

TWENTY YEARS OF THE NEWS 2011 WITNESS TO HISTORY

2005
February 12
post by 2007
s Common Wealth urges Musharraf to quit

2005
February 19
s Egypt and Jordan announce return of

2005
March 14
s Benazir, Shahbaz meet in London

Power woes
s KESC sold to Saudi group

Kanooz-al-Watan

their ambassadors to Israel

February 10

February 18

February 22
s A powerful earthquake measuring 6.4

February 24
s Slovakia Summit between US President

s Prince Charles announces his

impending marriage to Camilla Parker Bowles

s Provincial minister Imtiaz Sheikh sacked s Blasts hit Shia mosques in Baghdad, Iraq,

on the Richter scale hits Iran

George W Bush and Russian President Vladimir Putin begins in Bratislava

leaving at least 27 dead and 60 wounded

By Kishwer Khan

oday, the crisis that has been plaguing for Pakistan decades, is being considered by some to be more severe than the challenges posed by terrorism and extremism to the integrity of Pakistan. It is a major factor that is not only affecting the economy but is also causing many political and social problems in the the country. According to estimates, the current shortfall in the energy sector is 5,000MW to 6,000MW per day and it is going to be multiplied in the coming days. The gap between supply and demand is widening and the government is not making any serious efforts to deal with this relentless problem. Statistics (See table 1 & 2) clearly show the increasing demand of energy consumption over the years. According to recent reports, due to the unprecedented and severe power shortages, over 400,000 industrial workers have lost their jobs and the annual monetary loss of the industrial sector of over Rs240 billion has paralysed our economy. A major portion of the population is on the streets demonstrating against the government and demanding immediate relief from the severe power shortages. has about Pakistan 20,000MW of installed capacity but this falls short of demand by about 3,000 to 4,000

mega watts. (Europa2010). Outdated power distribution networks, erratic billing, and mismanagement of supply, power theft along with the poor surveillance and malpractices of policy makers further add to this problem. It seems absurd that a country like Pakistan, which has plenty of mineral re-

sources including the third largest coal reserves in the world and is a nuclear power, is in the grip of enormous and unprecedented energy crisis. This crisis is not only caused by the widening shortage of power but also by the disputes over the right to ownership, revenue collection and distribution, sharing and royalty of

the energy resources among the center and the provinces as well. The tables given below show the province wise oil and gas production and consumption trends. (See table 3) These tables clearly show that Sindh is the largest oil and gas producing province of Pakistan and Sindh and Balochistan together contribute more than 93 per cent of the total gas production. However, they consume even less than half against their production. These inequalities and grievances are adding fuel to the fire of insurgencies and enhancing the momentum of

TABLE-1: ANNUAL ENERGY CONSUMPTION

Fiscal Year Petroleum Products Tonnes (000) 1998-99 1999-00 2000-10 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 Avg 10yrs July-March 2007-08 2008-09 (e) 16,647 17,768 17,648 16,960 16,452 13,421 14,671 14,627 16,847 18,080 Change (%) 6.7 -0.7 -3.9 -3.0 -18.4 9.3 -0.3 15.2 7.31 1.4 (mmcft) Change 635,891 712,101 768,068 824,604 827,264 1,051,418 1,161,043 1,223,385 1,221,994 1,275,212 Gas Change Electricity (Gwh) 43,239 45,586 48,584 50,622 52,656 57,491 61,327 67,603 72,712 723,400 Change (000) 5.3 6.6 4.2 4.0 9.2 6.7 10.2 7.6 0.9 6.1 Coal M.T* 3,461.40 3,167.90 4,044.70 4,408.60 4,889.90 6,064.50 7,893.80 7,714.00 7,894.10 10,110.60 Change

12.0 7.9 7.4 5.8 20.5 10.4 5.4 -0.1 4.4 8.2

-8.5 27.7 9.0 10.9 24.0 30.2 -2.3 2.3 2.8 13.1

13,342 12,829

-3.4

955,625 931,700

-2.5

55,208 55,614

0.7

6,559 4,822

-26.5

TABLE-2: ANNUAL ENERGY CONSUMPTION

Fiscal Year Petroleum Products Tonnes (000) 18,080 17,911 Change (%) 7.3 0.9 0.5 Gas (mmcft) Change 1,275,212 1,269,433 Change 4.4 0.5 6.8 Electricity (Gwh) 73,400 70,371 Change (000) 0.9 4.1 5.0 Coal M.T* 10,111 8,390 Change 28.1 17.0 12.5

07-08 08-09 Avg. 10 years Jul-Mar 08-09 09-10 (e)

12,892 13,937

8.1

931,700 959,475

3.0

55,614 54,653

1.7

4,822 5,304

10.0

e: Electricity consumption for AJ&K is estimated on the basis of actual six months data *Million Tonnes Source: Hydrocarbon Development Institute of Pakistan

separatist and nationalist movements. Though, the recent 18th amendment is a laudable attempt to cope up with this problem, there is still a long way to go, notably in terms of proper implementation of the amendment. If we look at the current scenario we come across the fact that at present, the total power production capacity in our country is more than 20,000MW, out of which hydel power is only 6,500-7,000MW. The balance 13,000MW is thermal power produced either by using natural gas or furnace oil. A small capacity of 450MW is nuclear and only 150MW is through coal. Here it would be interesting to note that it is officially declared that during the last decade significantly, not even a single megawatt of energy has been added to the existing energy generation capacity. However, some hydropower projects have been initiated including the most familiar one viz the Ghazi Barotha project. But the energy sector is still under pressure and the gap between supply and demand is getting deeper due to escalating fuel prices in the international market. Pakistans energy needs are fulfilled with more than 80 per cent of imported resources, but continuously soaring fuel prices have made it difficult for the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) and other power producers to meet the consumption requirements. WAPDA provides about 58 per cent of the total electricity production, while the rest of the power is supplied by the Karachi Electric Supply corporation (KESC), nuclear power plants and IPPs (independent power producers). This amounts to only 65 per cent of

Pakistans population which has access to electricity. Unfortunately, since the beginning our governments have never been seriously concerned with the growing problems of the energy sector. Even the most important Mangla and Tarbela dams were built incidentally by the Indus Basin Treaty. After these two, many other hydro and other power projects were discussed, designed and, in some cases, are even in the pipelines, but still nothing has been done on a concrete basis. The delaying tactics of existing regimes for any new project proved to be fatal. And when the storm of crisis touched the heights, the incumbents came up with ad hoc arrangements or quick fix plans, which in the long run further accelerated the momentum of the crisis. In this regard the best example can be cited is the IPPs of 1990s, who initially worked well but soon turned to be counter productive due to political influence, lack of transparency and excess capacity for power generation etc. The privatisation of KESC and Rental Power Projects (RPPs) can also be cited as an apt example of the ridiculous blunders made by the authorities. Keeping in view the fast growing energy crisis, it can be held that it is high time that the government comes up with comprehensive, well-engineered and reliable solutions or projects. In order to counter energy and power shortages, Pakistan should use all available energy resources rather than putting all its eggs in one basket. Among all possible solutions the best one can be the use of coal, solar and wind energy which are found in abundance in our country. Furthermore, the

construction of pipelines from other countries is a good option as well if it is carried out by taking in account all possible threats, costs and problems. In this regard, Pakistan has signed the agreements of (IPI) Iran-Pakistan-India Pipeline project and Tajikistan-Afghanistan-PakistanIndia (TAPI) pipeline project,

eration by the construction of new dams, but it has the cost of environment and has geo political issues which are to be resolved with the consensus of all stakeholders. Policy makers of the country should adopt aggressive policies with the will to learn from past mistakes, to put an end to malpractices, to come

TABLE: 3

PROVINCE-WISE OIL PRODUCTION IN PAKISTAN, 2007-2008

Province Sindh Punjab KPK Balochistan Pakistan Oil Production (million barrels) 14.37 6.51 4.68 0.024 25.60 Percentage % 56.13 25.46 18.32 0.1 100%

Source: Pakistan Energy Year Book 2008, Ministry of Petroleum &Natural Resources, GoP

TABLE: 4

Province wise gas production and consumption trend, 2008-2009

Province Total Gas produced (MMCF) Sindh 1,047,673 Punjab 76,287 KPK 31,359 Balochistan 305,359 Total Gas consumed (MMCF) 485,271 649,938 44,706 89,519 Ratio (consumption v/s production in %) 46 852 142 29

Source: Pakistan Energy Year Book 2008, Ministry of Petroleum &Natural Resources, GoP *Million Tonnes Source: Hydrocarbon Development Institute of Pakistan

which are to be completed by 2012 and 2014 respectively. However the future of these projects is still daunting mainly because of our uncertain relations with India and the war-torn Afghanistans Taliban factor. Recently, the Government of Pakistan has taken another step to meet the challenge of power shortage by setting up RPPs, but unfortunately like other hasty plans, RPPs are also expected to be a failure as they are meant to rise up the import budget for fuels and our shamble economy cannot sustain this burden anymore. Pakistan can also be self sufficient in hydro power gen-

forward for the national cause by keeping their personal and political interests far behind, to make energy conservation possible and to recruit well qualified and technically adept personnel to deal with the problems of Pakistans energy sector. Additionally, the ruling elite should promote the spirit of federalism, especially fiscal federalism among all the units of the State in order to cope with the intra state problems related to the distribution and revenue collection of the energy resources. The writer is a lecturer at the Department of General History, University of Karachi

By Mansoor Ahmad
s Pakistanis discuss the major causes and crippling effects of the worst ever power crisis in the nations history, loadshedding and circular debt are two key phrases that have entered the vocabulary of average people during the last few years. Energy crises existed even when The News started publication in 1991, but the magnitude of the crisis was never as out of control as it is now. Even at that time, thermal power generation was much costlier than hydroelectricity. However, the governments during that decade, alternately the PPP and PML-N, shied away from their responsibility of producing power by building mega power projects. The PPP government then signed agreements with independent power producers in 1995 guaranteeing them high upfront tariff and arranging international loans for them through sovereign guarantees. This decision changed the entire power scenario in the country and paved the way for extremely expensive electricity for the consumers. The agreements were challenged by the next PML-N government who had to back off as the agreements were signed with the blessings and support of the World Bank. The country faced the first circular debt problem in 1997 when the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) had to pay capacity charges to the IPPS installed with sovereign guarantees at very high charges per unit during its first five years of operations. Former Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman Abdullah Yusuf was assigned the task by the Nawaz government to resolve the issue immediately. Abdullah Yusuf said that the IPP dues were immediately cleared through a formula while public sector companies were cleared in phases through an agreed formula. He said in order to avoid future circular debt the electricity tariff was increased in one go. The former Wapda chairman Tariq Hameed said that as the tariffs were very low at that time and due to higher hydro electricity generation at that time and a small increase worked. Hameed admitted that the Musharraf regime was slow in realising the incoming power crisis. He said that his predecessor General Zulfiqar repeatedly informed the federal government of looming crisis but the Private Sector Power Development Board assured them that letter of intent of over 17,000 MW power plants had been signed and the projects would be operational before the shortage occured. The crisis was averted for a while when the 1,450MW Ghazi Brotha Hydro electric project was commission in late 2002. The project was started in 1997 and should have been completed by 2000 but the change of government in 1999 delayed its completion. Energy sector experts regret that Pakistan, during past two decades, has not made any serious effort to generate power and energy through alternate and environmentally-friendly resources. Presently the only clean electricity produced in Pakistan is from hydro and nuclear resources. Khalid Parvez an expert in the

Power sector in the doldrums what next?

power sector and consultant at Reshma Power wonders as to why the planners have neglected coal powered generation plants that would produce much cheaper electricity than furnace oil. He said even imported coal would produce much cheaper electricity. According to World Coal Institute 41.5 per cent of global electricity is produced by coal run generators. Gas is used as generation fuel by 21.1 per cent electricity producers, hydro electricity accounts for 16 per cent of the total electricity produced, Nuclear power generates 14.6 per cent of global electricity, oil is used for generation of only 5.8 per cent of the global electricity and other like wind, biomass and solar energy account for 2.3 per cent of global electricity production. Another power sector expert Engineer Mohsin Syed regretted the fact that no government in Pakistan had exploited the wind energy potential of Pakistan. He said a look at the Global Wind Report 2009 of Global World Energy Council reveals that in Wind power China has become the largest producer with wind power generation of 25,805MW of which it added 13,803MW in 2009 alone moving ahead of Germany that produces 25,777MW of wind power. India had installed wind power generation capacity of 10,985MW by end 2009. It added 1,271MW in 2009 alone. The total global wind electricity generation stands at 158,505MW out of which Pakistan hardly produces 50MW. According to Syed, the Asian Development Bank has done Pakistan a great favour by exposing the grey areas of the high-cost rental power plant contracts and the Supreme Court is now doing justice in this regard. According to the Green Cross International, solar energy is developing at a fast pace led by Germany that produced 5,722MW of solar power in 2008, followed by Spain 3,000 MW, Japan 2,100 MW. India is producing 112MW and China 100MW of solar power whereas Pakistan produces virtually nothing in terms of this resource. Of the 19,000MW installed electric generation capacity in Pakistan, 6,400MW is through hydro 300MW through nuclear fuel and rest almost 1,200MW through oil and gas. Since there is shortage of gas particularly during winter almost all power generation is done though furnace oil. Private captive power units produce additionally over 2,500MW of electricity through gas which is not available in Punjab during winter and they have to shift to furnace oil or diesel. However captive power generation in Sindh is not impacted during winters. Oil and gas units cannot generate electric power according to their capability be-

cause of a shortage of oil and gas, which is primarily due to circular debt. The cost of electricity generated from oil and gas is high because of the high cost of raw materials. Pakistan has been blessed with ample water resources but could store only 13 per cent of the annual flow of its rivers. The storage is fast depleting due to sedimentation. In contrast US have developed 497 per cent storage capacity of annual flow of River Colorado; Egypt possesses 281 per cent of River Nile and India 35 per cent on Sutlej-Bias Basin. These countries are producing cheap electricity through these dams. Presently, Pakistani consumers and industry are suffering not because of the power shortage but because the installed capacity is not being fully utilised. The circular debt is likely to reach Rs780 billion by the end of this fiscal year. According to experts, circular debt and the power crisis are interlinked issues that cannot be resolved unless all the stakeholders, consumers, power generation and distribution companies and the government decide to adamantly resolve them in a comprehensive manner. The problem of inter-corporate circular debt has turned out to be a chronic one. It has gravely affected the power generation capacity available in the country. It arises because a number of public sector commercial entities such as Pakistan Railways, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) and provincial and federal government departments are in default on payment of huge electricity bills running into billions of rupees. Experts are of the view that the government needs to review its policy of paying-off the circular debt by floating TFCs that create a liquidity crunch for commercial banks. Instead, the power sector should be made self-reliant and self-sustaining. The three major stakeholders in the power sector; PSO, Pepco and IPPs should make genuine efforts to keep their accounts free of outstanding bills as much as possible. Power sector expert Mohsin Syed said that logically the tariff should be increased to cover the entire monthly deficit. However he added this is easy said then done. He said the actual problem is that of every 100 units of electricity supplied in the Pepco system only 75 units are billed and 25 per cent are lost in transmission and distribution. He said similarly of the 100 units billed the payment for around 75 units is received while there is no recovery of 25 per cent units. He said recovery varies from 55-58 per cent of the billed amount in the Hyderabad or Peshawar Electric Supply Companies to around 90 per cent in Islamabad, Gujranwala or Lahore Electric Supply Companies. He said with increase in power tariff the distribution losses (which are mainly due to theft) will increase. He said recoveries will also decline keeping alive the circular debt problem. The government and Pepco lack the political will to cut supplies to the powerful section of society involved in power theft and nonpayment of bills. The writer is Senior Commerce Reporter, The News Lahore

By Munawar Hasan

gricultural growth in Pakistan has been well below its potential over the past several years despite an unusually favourable set of physical resources, including vast irrigated areas. As a result, rural incomes are growing little, if at all, and poverty reduction has virtually halted. The share of the agriculture sector in GDP stands at 21 per cent, which is also on decline. Owing to low productivity, agriculture growth has been on the decline in the last two decades due to variety of reasons, threatening food security. Rising cost of inputs, lack of certified high yielding and disease resistant seeds, water shortage, obsolete farming practices and marketing related problems are being described as core problems in achieving optimum level of production. It is worth noting that Pakistan achieved nearly a 5 per cent growth rate over a ten-year period in the 1960s. The per capita growth rate in the 1960s was 4.4 times higher than the current rate. The agricultural GDP growth rate in Pakistan was only 1.5 per cent in 2007, significantly lower than the population growth rate. The 1989-90 to 200405 average growth rate was 2.3 per cent. Immediately following that period, the growth rate was about 3 per cent, a rate that can be expected from smallholder-induced improvements in cultivation practices, growth in the rural labor force, and small changes in cropping intensity. Stagnant or low production of various crops is a real cause of concern as it increases inflationary pressures and hampers overall industrial activities. It is ironic that the

potential is there to raise productivity of agriculture sector significantly. It is evident from the wide gap between crop productions of progressive and ordinary farmers. Example of the cotton crop is sufficed to elaborate this point. One-after-another threats to cotton productivity have been seen in last couple of decades with no remedy introduced by department concerned, be it deadly Cotton Leaf Curl Virus (CLCV) or onslaught of mealy bug. Even provision of certified latest breed of seed is not being ensured to the helpless farmers. Cotton contributes significantly in foreign exchange earning through export of textile products. Low production of cotton over the years has put a question mark on viability of textile sector that is struggling hard to meet export orders in the absence of cotton, basic raw material. This shortcoming along with energy crisis can overshadow vast opportunity furnished in the post-

quota regime. It is believed that Pakistan textile sector has the potential to solely fetch export volume equal to total export of the country within a few years if a conducive environment is ensured. There is thirty per cent yield gap between output of progressive farmers and national average yield. According to a study, progressive farmers have been able to produce 2.6 tonnes cotton per hectare against national average of 1.8

tonnes per hectare. Hypothetically, Pakistan cotton output can be increased manifold if certified latest breed of seed is provided to growers, leave alone agriculture practices being employed by progressive farmers. It is pathetic that per hectare cotton yield was relatively lower last year if compared with yield achieved in 1992. Genetically modified genuine seeds of cotton are being used worldwide, including in neighbouring China and India, but farmers in Pakistan have been prevented from reaping benefits of this modern technology. It can in return increase production to reasonable level, providing much-sought after lint to textile industry that has been suffering badly due to its unprecedented prices and shortage amid cutthroat competition. It is high time to act as it is already overdue, threatening entire value chain of textile and depriving livelihood of millions of people. Production of wheat has been volatile during last two decades. On the other hand output of pulses are on the decline, sending its price skyrocketing. Successive crisis of atta, sugar, milk continue to haunt ordinary people of a country that is primarily an agriculture economy. There are various reasons behind low output of crops. Average yield of wheat is almost stagnant for last at least seven years. Recent ample availability of wheat does not reflect any improvement in per hectare yield but it is because of rare increase in support price of commodity. Last year, per hectare yield of wheat was 2639 kg, indicating less productivity level. On the other hand, progressive farmers are getting 4.600 kg per hectare yield of wheat,
Continued on page 57

The News Special Report, February 2011

TWENTY YEARS OF THE NEWS 2011 WITNESS TO HISTORY

2005
March 18
s Dr. Amina Wadood becomes the first

53

2005
March 28
s A massive 8.7 magnitude earthquake hits

2005
April 9
s Pakistan to build more N-plants-Ground-

2005
April24
s Pope Benedict XVI is installed as leader

Muslim woman to lead prayer

March 19
s Mukhtaran Mai case accused arrested

Indonesias Sumatra island killing 1300 people

breaking of Chashma-2

of the Roman Catholic Church

April 1
s Ballistic missile Abdali Hatf II, test fired

April 16
s Pakistan-India summit - Musharraf

April27
s The giant double-decker Airbus A380,

March 20
s Hatf VI missile test fired

arrives in India

the worlds largest commercial airliner, takes off on its maiden flight

The News brought English language newspapers closer to the masses

Ques: Can you recall the time when The News was launched and how it made a difference in the English newspaper category? Ans: At that point in time, there was this leading English newspaper, and then some small ones, most of which have been discontinued. The News, in my personal view, brought the English language newspaper closer to the masses, especially the middle class, for the first time and has successfully created its own niche. Ideologywise, it lies somewhere in the middle of Right and Left-wing, which again makes it more pertinent to the masses, particularly the educated middle class, who unlike the intellectual class, possess a rather more balanced worldview. Ques: The News is one of the largest English newspapers in the country. How do you see the content, news reporting, and investigative reporting in it as compared to other English language newspapers in the country? Ans: The News has its own unique place in the industry vis--vis its audience. Personally, I see the news process as a form of value creation for the media consumers who spend money to buy a newspaper every morning, and then as members of our audience, help us get ads and sponsorship revenue. Keeping in view the consistent popularity of The News among the masses as a source of first-hand news, information and investigative stories, I believe that the editorial and investigative staff of the paper must have a hand on the pulse of their audience, and a keen eye on the national and regional environment. As person of communication and marketing, I believe this level of responsiveness is what keeps on translating into the continuous success for The News and its team. Ques: The News introduced the concept of creative advertising in print in Pakistan, how have the customised creative so-

Inam Akbar President & Group Chairman of Midas (Pvt.) Limited

nam Akbar has led Midas to great success and by his estimate, the agency accounts for 20 per cent of the market share. He credits this success to focusing on business development and seeking new opportunities, maintaining a cordial personal relationship with each and every one of his hundreds of clients, and of course the media.

lutions offered by The News helped you as an advertising agency? Ans: Midas has a special level of comfort with The News. Conceiving or adapting a creative campaign for The News is much easier and exciting, since we seldom have to worry about what is possible and whether we will need special permissions from the editorial staff. We can print an ad in pretty much any order and any way we feel like. We have been consistently experimenting with spaces, sizes, positions, odd placements, panels, teasers, and the like. Ques: How, in your view, has the Jang Group in general and The News in particular made a difference in the lives of the

Pakistanis who want to be informed and updated about local and international news happenings? Ans: As I mentioned earlier, the Jang Group and The News have a moderate ideology, neither conservative nor too liberal or elitist, and that is what brings it really close to the masses. These are media outlets with a whole variety of infotainment flavours. The diversity of mediums means a continuous sampling of all sorts of different and diverse information, ideas, ideologies and worldviews. On an average day, while some of the articles will conform to the readers pre-existing views and values, there may be many more, totally divergent, that intrigue and challenge the audience towards a different line of thinking. By avoiding extremes, these media outlets are more engaging for many more people. Coupled with that is the speed with which the Jang Group delivers news thanks to its nationwide presence, and this in turn contributes immensely to the knowledge and awareness of average Pakistanis. These are the reasons why the Jang Group as a whole commands such a massive share of the audience! Ques: What is the biggest strength of The News in your view? Ans: The News speaks the language and ideas of the common Pakistani. More so, it views issues and news from the perspective of the common man. And that is remarkable despite the fact that it is an English language newspaper. Ques: How do you see the macro economic indicators of the country at present? Ans: The huge rise in remittances by overseas Pakistanis, the record levels of Forex reserves, the highest tax revenues and rising exports all paint a rosy picture. On the other hand, the high interest rates, sluggish manufacturing sector and energy crises are reasons to be worried about. On the whole, I am an optimist and would rather prefer making positive predictions. Ques: Which industries and sectors do you see growing in the future? Ans: The real estate sector in particular, the investment and financial sector in general, as well as the agriculture sector and all dependent industries are likely to grow fairly well in the coming year or so. Ques: How has the media environment in Pakistan changed over the past 20 years? Ans: In these 20 years, we have witnessed a revolution right in front of our

The News is a trendsetter

Ques: Can you recall the time when The News was launched and how it made a difference in the English newspaper category? Ans: The inception of The News back in 1991 created a ripple in the print publication industry. Back then there was a huge vacuum in the English newspaper market and readers in the country found a new flavour of journalism with The News. I still remember the first copy - the concept of colour pages was a treat to all and advertisers were pretty interested in having their advertisements appear in the News. The Marketing strategy of this new entrant was phenomenal. Since then it has become the advertisers choice and priority in the media list. After twenty years The News has grown into a seasoned trendsetter. It has undoubtedly become a habit and a morning routine to a large number of readers. Ques: The News is one of the largest English newspapers in the country; how do you see the content, news reporting, and investigative reporting as compared to other English language newspapers in the country? Ans: As I mentioned earlier, the innovative look of the paper was the key and then the substance was well versed too. With the support of the Jang Group, The News has always had an edge over other players in the market. The young team was a great reason behind the success of the newspaper. I am a firm believer of encouraging the contribution of youth in business. Youth has no fear and hence it often conquers challenges that may seem impossible to others. Now you apply the same on the newspaper and you will understand the difference between The News and other English language newspapers in the country. Ques: The News introduced the concept of creative advertising in print in Pakistan, do you recall any of your campaigns where `The News offered you a customised creative solution that Continued on page 55 offered you and your brand extra value

Mahmood Hashmi Chief Executive of Orient Advertising

ahmood Hashmi is the successor of legendary icon S H Hashmi who is a known name in the media and advertising spheres. Orient Advertising is considered the preface of the advertising philosophy in the country. Orient Advertising has been in the business for last 58 years and Hashmi has been a part of it since the 80s.

for money? Ans: There are uncountable campaigns that have been supported by The News. To name just a few, Mobilink, Coca-Cola, Suzuki, Nestle, Sony, Nokia, Shan and Phillips are living examples. The flexible policy of the newspaper has always been a main contributor that added enormous value to all the brands appeared in The News. It is the only platform that encourages brands to experience innovative approaches that instantly get noticed and leave a lasting impression on its readers. The credit goes to the management and the team for accommodating creative wishes and unconventional ideas. Ques: How, in your view, has the Jang Group in general and The News in particular made a difference in the lives of the Pakistanis who want to be informed and updated about local and international news happenings?

Ans: The Jang Group is the largest news group in the country by far. It is undoubtedly the biggest network in the field of journalism with the experience of more than 6 decades. It has the widest reach and a loyal readership. Their forte is based on the basic foundation of journalism essence. They gather information from every nook and corner of the globe, inking the facts and then release it to the farthest end of the land. I have no hesitation in saying that all the frontiers of North East West and South are well covered on the a canvas created by the newsmen of the group everyday. Ques: How do you see advertising when it comes to The News? How effective is it and are you satisfied with the readership and value for money that you get against your ad-spend? Ans: I think The News gives the best value for money to our clients for any level of advertising budget. It is a necessary component of all the media plans. I have never come across a situation where any other preference is demanded in lieu of The News. It is indeed a great combination of the cost, reach and impact for any volume of the campaign. Ques: What do you think about the economy of Pakistan from the macro point of view? Ans: I am a firm believer of self-auditing, in order to gauge the macro picture one needs to magnify the micro knit of the economy. Orient Advertising is amongst the many businesses that act as the fibre of this fabric. We have seen a tremendous growth in the business. Orients present share of business with Jang Group is remarkably higher than expected. The direction of the growth curve is clearly upwards and we see a great sharing of business opportunities with Jang Group. If the business knitting follows the same way then sky is undoubtedly the limit. Ques: Which industries/sectors are still flourishing and offering good returns to investors and do you see them doing well in the future? Ans: All businesses could continue as cash cows depending on how you treat them. The understanding of business requirements and trends helps us create value for money for our clients. The clients are ready to invest but with calculated risks. I see a number of small spenders
Continued on page 55

The News Special Report, February 2011

54
2005
May 17
s NA adopts PEMRA bill

TWENTY YEARS OF THE NEWS 2011 WITNESS TO HISTORY

2005
May 25
s A judge orders best-selling writer Oriana

2005
June 1
s Six bodies found in KFC restaurant

2005
June 13
s Michael Jackson walks out of court a

May 24
s Market suffers $1.4bn loss: SECP KSE ,

Fallaci to stand trial in Italy on charges of defaming Islam in a recent book

torched by mob

June 11
s Court orders release of 13 accused-

free man after being cleared of all charges in a dramatic sex-abuse trial

in a state of tussle

May 31
s BJP chief Advani arrives

Mukhtaran Mai case

June 17
s US invites Mukhtaran Mai

Future of newspapers in Pakistan like the rest of the world is digital

Ques: The News is one of the largest English newspapers in the country. How do you see the content, news reporting, and investigative reporting of The News while comparing it with other English language newspapers in the country? Ans: In comparison to its key competition, The News is a newspaper that keeps its readers involved while imparting information. This is only possible via the right mix of information and sensationalism. It has some of the best investigative reporters in the industry. This is why it is better to follow developing stories on The News in comparison to other newspapers in Pakistan. Ques: The News introduced the concept of creative advertising in print in Pakistan. Do you recall any of your campaigns where The News offered you a customised creative solution that earned you and your brand extra value for money? Ans: The paper has always been supportive of creativity and for a creative director The News is always his first recommendation. The News and great brands have done some exciting work in Pakistan. The one in which I was personally involved was with Lipton re-launch in 1999- 2000. We had a great innovative press campaign at that time Ques: How, in your view, has the Jang Group in general and The News in particular made a difference in the lives of all the Pakistanis who want to be informed and updated about all the local and international news happenings? Ans: Being the largest media group both in print and electronic, Jang Group touches most of the literate people of Pakistan. Undoubtedly, Jang Group is the primary source of news and information for the Pakistani people. They were able to achieve this status by understanding the knowledge needs of the population. Jang Group also has the right mix of media to reach out to the masses. The News is one of the largest circulated English newspapers in Pakistan that caters to the upper Socio-Economic classes (SEC). Jang is the biggest newspaper in Pakistan. It caters to

Mansoor Karim CEO of JWT Pakistan

ansoor Karim Shaikh is the CEO of JWT Pakistan. In 1990, he traded in the keys to the family business to embrace the crazy deadlines, the client calls at midnight, the temper tantrums of the creative director and the endless caffeine fuelled debates on strategic direction. He hasnt looked back since. Starting off at MNJ as an account executive, Mansoor built his career path working on diverse brands in some of the most happening agencies in town. He rose to the Account Director level at Asiatic JWT where he was overseeing Rs 200 million worth of beverage advertising for Unilever.

a wider audience of literate Pakistanis. Pakistans most vibrant TV network (Geo , News, Geo TV Geo Super & Aag TV) caters to the needs of the masses in a great manner as well. Thus, Jang Group has improved the lives of Pakistanis significantly by keeping them informed and updated regarding local and international news. Ques: How do you see the advertising options when it comes to The News? How effective is it and are you satisfied with the readership and value for money that you get against your advertising rupees? Ans: I feel that the effectiveness and value for money of advertisements in The News can be further improved. This is possible by placing lesser number of commer-

cials. Right now there are so many commercials that the newspaper looks cluttered. By providing a clutter free space and by introducing innovative options for advertisers the value for money can improve significantly for The News. Ques: What in your view is the biggest strength of The News? Ans: The biggest strength of The News is the quality of reporters and human resource it has. Great names like Shaheen Sehbai and Ansar Abbasi along with their teams bring a lot of credibility to the newspaper. Ques: How do you see economy of Pakistan doing from macro point of view? Ans: Pakistan is a great country, one can judge by seeing the results of all major MNCs operating in Pakistan. Most of them have shown growth over the years. The government needs to focus and create an environment which is conducive for economic growth. To achieve an era of sustained economic growth; following steps should be taken immediately: a) Invest in educating the masses so that our work force is more skilled and productive. b) Ensuring peace and security in the country so that economic activities grow. c) Improvement in judicial system to protect the rights of investors. If we are able to do the above then you see we will be one economic power in the region. Ques: What are the sectors that are still the cash cow and offer good returns to the investors and you see them doing well in the future? Ans: I still see a lot of potential in the textile industry of Pakistan. This country has the right basics to see further growth in this sector. Cotton is one of the best crops that this country produces. We also have the right infrastructure and skilled human resources. Recent floods and disruption in energy has curtailed growth in recent past. However, with support from the government, this sector can bounce back very strongly. Food industry is another sector where I see growth. Our country is rich with minerals and oil and gas so there is potential for investment. Ques: How would you summarise the change in media environment in last 20 years? Ans: The media environment has changed drastically in Pakistan over the last 20 years. Initially, the news and information industry was highly state
Continued on page 56

The News has always been open and flexible

Ques: How did you enter the advertising industry? Where did you start and how has the experience been? Ans: I stumbled into it. Armed with a Masters in English Literature which I thought would open the doors to fame & fortune, I learnt quickly that it wasnt much use. I started teaching in Karachi my first class was 345 students, roll call took up the entire period till we dropped it. It was a horrific experience. Then I met a sexy looking bird at a Karachi party who said I could have fun and go places. I flipped for advertising. Whats it been like? Heart breaking, soaring joy, plummeting depression, great insight. And at the end of it all, Im a humble ignorant devotee, who cant figure out what works and what fails. Its all in the game. Ques: What is your take on Pakistans economy today? Which sectors/ industries do you think are going to boom and which sectors are going to decline? Ans: I think the only business that will boom is target killing and arsenal sales. Who can seriously predict any business future trends here? I am sorry but I am not idiotic enough to venture any bets - Maybe it will be Telecoms and then again, maybe not. How many times are you going to confound customers with 12pm-4am 43 paisas off and stuff like that? Real estate is as dodgy as a dodgy bird and can boil or freeze at a moments notice. Most industries are on limited oxygen supply. I guess IT might still be the one and industries that thrive on the greed of Pakistani society to consume, consume, consume will be or could be the ones. Banking I dont see blowing wads, but colas, toffees and suparis might still move things about. To me it is fuzzy and declining ad spend gives little hope. Ques: What are the current challenges and positives that you see in our advertising industry today and how do you foresee its future? Ans: Clients dont respect agencies it is a master-slave relationship. The problem arises with the very start of this relationship. Agencies get a letter or a phone call and they produce kilos of cam-

Masood Hasan CEO Publicis/Modem4 Pakistan

The News has had its share of thrashing, torture and budget cuts by the GoP on their quotas but overall I think they have hit the jackpot pretty often. Good going!
paigns. Agencies are on the defensive from day one - they bend over backwards to impress the client & convince them that they can actually do the job. No one dares ask clients how much money they have, who is funding them, where do they stand financially, where is the feasibility; so many suffer investing time, money and soul into campaigns that never run. The clients leave a lot to make you sick - they have do not have the breeding, the taste, class or guts to take an original position. They kill and discourage creativity but pay homage to the big idea. That is why - and agencies are just as guilty, that Pakistani advertising sucks big time. Discounts have made this a tender notice business - media compromise all the time and defeat their own sacrosanct rates and policies. Everything goes to the lowest bidder - damned be the creative, strategic or quality service inputs-

its dog eat dog. Agencies dont trust one another - the best news in any agency is that such and such client is unhappy with such and such agency. No agency bothers to find out why? But plunge headlong to offer body and soul. However all is not lost. I like the new human resource - they are brash, not as competent as they sound but there is potential and energy here. If only they get off their bum hugging jeans and deliver serious work! Ques: In last 10 years we have witnessed enormous media growth in the country with number of new TV channels and newspapers that has completely changed the media scene; in your view, what are the challenges and positives that have come up with this change? Ans: More garbage to choose from. We still have no serious research to back us up - 5,000 respondents among 180 million? Thats a joke. So decision-making, media wise, is shooting in the dark with blinkers on. Id rather have less channels and more focus than this hotchpotch. Without serious research by professional outfits and savvy clients who commission serious research, agencies are playing pin the tail on the donkey. No way to run a business! Ques: We have seen major growth in print advertising spend; what do you credit this growth to? Ans: New clients - telecoms and for a while real estate are two. Plus the invasive natures of MNCs that make you want everything you dont really need. There are new avenues for sure - and in spite of TV etc people believe that the serious message is carried by print. There was even some money around to invest in advertising but the last 3-5 years have raped the media and everyone in the business of selling. Ques: How do you see the content, news reporting, and investigative reporting of The News as compared to other English language newspapers in the country? Ans: Pretty good - you guys thrive on putting your hands into the hornets nest or whatever that stinging place is called from DC and Shehbai Sahib to the News sleuths who get beaten every other night by shadowy outfits trained as barbers on call. The News has had its share of thrashing, torture and budget cuts by the GoP on their quotas but overall I think
Continued on page 56

The News Special Report, February 2011

TWENTY YEARS OF THE NEWS 2011 WITNESS TO HISTORY

2005
July 28
s Accused in Daniel Pearl murder case

55

2005
July 31
s US allows shipment of F-16s to Pakistan

2005
August 17
s President issues Madressah Registration

2005
September 7
s Hosni Mubarak wins a fifth six-year term

Mohammad Hashim Qadeer arrested s Indias opposition leader L.K.Advani appears in court and is charged with inciting Hindus to attack a mosque in the town of Ayodhya in 1992

August 13
s State Bank issues Rs 20 note

Ordinance

in the Egyptian presidential elections

August 30
s Hundreds of people are killed as

September 12
s After 38 years of occupation, Israel

August 14
s Pakistan test-fires Babur missile

Hurricane Katrina lashes the US Gulf coast

completes its withdrawal from the Gaza Strip

Future is nothing but the choices you make in the present

Ques: How do you see the current economic situation in the country and which specific industries and sectors to look at in the near future? Ans: Pakistan is famous for its individual performers. Unlike collective and institutionalised growth, it is the cumulative performance of private setups, SMEs and entrepreneurs who always bring in the positive indicators into the economy. I believe this cumulative performance of individual performers is what has always defined the state of our economy. As for the booming sector, I believe infrastructure has a lot of promising vacuum waiting to be filled. I guess tourism will remain the most neglected sector. Ques: What are the current challenges and positives that you see in this industry today and how do you foresee its future? Ans: Future is nothing but the choices you make in the present. I guess the art to exist in tough times is what enables you to grow in good times. This is something that most of the advertising agencies have learnt. Finding sustenance in limited business and surviving at the tip of the breakeven point without any decline in quality of creatives and services is a challenge that will produce a new league of agencies that will be entering an impending era of recovery and growth with aptitude, vigour and a lot of learning. Ques: In the last 10 years we have seen an enormous media growth in the country with number of new TV channels and newspapers that has completely changed the media scene. What are the challenges and positives that have come up with this change? Ans: Audience has been divided into segments. The positive thing is the focused media segmentation option. But simultaneously, the media options come with a lot of tall claims by almost every media player for the numbers it serves. Hence the challenge is to keep a track of

Syed Asif Salahuddin CEO of Adgroup Advertising (Pvt.) Limited

ince an early age, Salahuddin had a keen eye for literature, art, music and how it can be applied for optimising results in marketing. He entered the advertising industry in 1986. After working for international media, Salauddin decided to sail his own yacht in 1991. This was when he bought Adgroup from renowned journalist I H Burney. Since then, the Adgroup has witnessed excellent growth in business.

audience preferences on a regular basis and verify it whenever it shuffles. Optimisation of media spending is a key strategy in this segmentation scenario which cannot be achieved unless you minimise the chances of wrong selections and duplications. Hence, do not commit the classical sin of reaching the same audience with multiple channels or multiple audiences with the same ones. Ques: Print advertising spend in Pakistan has witnessed a multifold growth in the last 10 years. What do you credit this growth to? Ans: High client budgets will be an answer to the overall rise in media spending and hence will not be specific to print media only. I guess within the complex and segmented media scenario, the in-

herent high probability of print media to communicate with its claimed readership is the prime reason behind the high numbers of advertising in it. Plus undoubtedly, this will remain the main media that will always communicate without noise. Ques: With electronic media going through rapid fragmentation, how much does prints extended capacity provide a better solution to your advertising needs? Ans: I guess this was more of an answer rather than a question. Smart advertising though! Ques: Do you recall the time when The News was launched back in 1991? How do you think The News over the years has changed the face of Pakistans newspaper industry in general and English newspaper industry in particular? Ans: Coincidently, the dawn of The News coincided with my possession of Adgroup. I could foresee a bright future for this member of the print media industry owing to the impetus of immense journalistic acumen behind it in the form of the Jang Group. I feel the paper has brought pride to its parent company without any extra dependence on it. Ques: How do you see the content, news reporting, and investigative reporting of The News as compared to other English language newspapers in the country? Ans: I will give extra marks to The News for being inquisitive. Ques: The Jang Group and The News in particular have been in the forefront in spreading general awareness about local and global current affairs. How do you think this has made a difference in the life of an average Pakistani? Ans: I guess the electronic media is more relevant to describe changes in the life of a common Pakistani. But nonetheless, The News has always complemented general news with its detailed expert analysis. This in turn has always raised its readers to new levels of understanding about the current issues as compared to the viewers of electronic media. Ques: The News today is one of the largest newspapers in the country. What in your view gives The News an edge over its competitors in terms of attracting advertising? Ans: Credibility of The News to serve what it claims! Ques: Your comments about the contribution of Jang Group in the overall
Continued on page 56

The News brought English language

Continued from page 53

eyes. From the state-controlled and mostly owned media, to the now dozens of absolutely free TV channels and newspapers; it has been a drastic change. This phenomenal change has brought about tremendous opportunities in the form of innovation and flexibility, as well as competitive challenges like never before. Today, we live in a media environment that is dynamic and too unpredictable, the era of survival of the fittest has really dawned on us, the media. Ques: With so many TV channels and with Internet, OOH and radio also gaining their share of advertising, how do you see the future of newsContinued from page 53

papers in general and advertising in newspapers in particular? Ans: Its all about balancing tradition with innovation. Newspapers have struggled throughout the history of Pakistan and therefore naturally carry a lot more credibility in the eyes of the masses. That credibility is a genuine and inherited asset. All newspapers need now is to cash in on their traditional strengths, and spearhead into the new realities, the latest mediums. The website of a renowned newspaper will continue to attract the largest share of the national web traffic no matter what. Similarly, a TV news channel backed by its print correspondents all over the country will continue to have an edge. More

so, the print has some advantages that will remain its exclusive forte for years and decades to come. Ques: How do you see the future of advertising in Pakistan? Ans: With the national literacy rate hovering around 50 per cent, we are yet to reach the other 50 per cent of the audience. We are still a young nation and I believe we have yet to reach our full potential in terms of industrial and commercial growth. With a little stability, and the economy resuming a growth rate of around 5-6 per cent, which is very much possible, the advertising industry is expected to grow by nearly 20 per cent a year, which means doubling in size every five

years. However, for that to happen, the media industry and ad agencies will have to work together for mutual co-existence and growth. Ques: Your comments about the contribution of Jang Group in the overall media environment of the country. Ans: Its popularity speaks volumes of the role of Jang Group as a whole. Ques: Lastly, your message for The News on completing 20 years of its existence? Ans: On behalf of Midas, I congratulate everyone in the management, editorial, and field staff of The News. You have had a tremendous 20 years, and may you have many more success in the months and years to come! great admirer of the Jang group. I think it has served the nation by keeping people wellinformedwell in time. The popularity of this group is known to all. It has reached the place where it is now producing excellent resources for the whole industry. Orient Advertising can relate to the feeling, as we are the prime source that is producing human resources that shall run the industry. It is indeed a pride to be the market leader and enjoy the responsible role of a mentor. Ques: Lastly, your message for The News on completing 20 years of its existence? Ans: I wish The News a successful journey towards its future. I think at the age of twenty life is blessed with a significant experience and spirit of youth. This combination actually helps to go places and achieve higher degrees of challenges. We have been your partner in the past and shall be with you all the way. Good luck and keep winning hearts!

who have stretched their limits and stepped into the larger ponds of communication ventures. Driving seats are very important if you are travelling on a difficult terrain and the journey is often slow for the passenger. I am thankful to my clientele for trusting us, taking our advice and acting upon them. The Cash cow philosophy is little different in my point of view; for me, relationship management makes your business yield higher only if you know how to nurture the seed. It helps you to harvest a cash crop even in off-seasons. Ques: How has the media environment changed in last 20 years? Ans: I see a positive change. If I look back I see lesser challenges and hence lesser opportunities. The boom of media and mobile technology is the key denominator a quantum leap that has created multi-fold avenues to reach specific destinations. Reaching specific customers has now be-

The News is a trendsetter

come a nonlinear approach; linear equations now being considered obsolete. Lifestyles have become the driving force for customer preferences. Today live transmission is a 24hour business. Things change at the speed of switching channels on the remote control and clicking on the internet. Information is flooded all the time and we need to find out the time & space to get our messages across. Life on the fingertips has made the world a global village. Ques: With so many TV channels and with Internet, OOH and radio also gaining their share of advertising, how do you see the future of newspapers in general and advertising in newspapers in particular? Ans: I think charm of reading cannot be replaced by listening or viewing. The feel of the paper is an addiction. We still give more significance to written communication than to the verbal. I think we still need to follow the papers & readership trend over the next ten years. The impact of print advertisement has no comparison with short duration airwave messages. But things do get tougher due to the cost factor and reach comparisons. Ques: What is the future of advertising in Pakistan? Ans: I see a comeback of the basic advertising model in Pakistan. This is a natural phenomenon; it is like flowing rivers often branch out in different directions but at the end they merge into one sea. The specialised division of advertising would ultimately merge into a full service adverting agency model. The full advertising agency is a time-tested mode of business. Ques: Your comments about the contribution of Jang Group in the overall media environment of the country: Ans: We have always been a

The News Special Report, February 2011

56
2005
September 20 September 7

TWENTY YEARS OF THE NEWS 2011 WITNESS TO HISTORY

2005
October 8
s Devastating quake kills thousands in AJK

2005
October 25
s The number of US soldiers killed in the

2005
October 29
s Three bombs detonate in New Delhi the

s Benazir appear before Swiss court s The 2005 Nobel Peace Prize awarded to

and NWFP

Iraq war hits 2000 mark

October 19
s Former Iraqi president Saddam Hussain

October 26
s Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmedinejad

capital of India, killing at least 61 people and injuring 188 others

Mohammad El Baradei of IAEA

October 30
s $2.6bn PTCL deal collapses

goes on trial for the murder of 148 Shia men in Dujali in 1982

causes uproar among the international community by calling for Israel to be wiped off the map

The News: Fresh, aggressive, youthful and slice-of-life approach

Ques: What is your take on Pakistans current economy situation? Ans: We have valuable resources, unlimited opportunities and a well-positioned geographical location. However, despite the advantages, we still suffer from an unstable economy. Without economic stability and peace, Pakistan or any other developing country cannot prosper and flourish. The dairy sector, telecommunication, education, fashion and the service industry are experiencing a steady growth, whereas the sectors of real estate and automobiles are declining. Now is the time to change the situation. Ques: What are the current challenges and positives that you see in this industry today and how do you foresee its future? Ans: The biggest challenges, in my opinion, are the pocket agencies and media buying houses offering marginal rates, electronic medias inflated rates and survival in the current economic instability. In this day and age hurdles have been redefined to non-availability of quality human resource, and the clients inability to break out of age-old conventions. The advertising industry is striving to compete, survive and succeed more than ever before. New campaigns based on innovation and insights are proving to be a positive sign. Ques: Today, we have a lot more newspapers, TV channels and other advertising options than we did 20 years ago. What, in your view, are the challenges and positives that have come up with this change? Ans: Advertising agencies today have several media options to choose from for their clients. This has made the process quiet intense. The agency is required to exercise extra care when buying media time. However, this has brought with it the advantage that now the client is more specific. International media accessibility has brought a surge in awareness levels across all segments of society Ques: From a paltry Rs 3 billion in 2001, the national industry print advertising spending has grown to Rs 9 billion today. What do you credit this growth to? Ans: Print advertising expenditure has increased to 200 per cent in the last 10 years. The credit goes to the eye-catching layouts of todays newspapers and publications. Also, heavy spend-

Sajjad Gul CEO of Evernew Concepts (Pvt.) Ltd.

ajjad Gul is a well known figure in the media and entertainment industry because of his Lollywood connection. He started Evernew Concepts in 1987 with the objective to give creative and media communication solutions to its clients and to become a trend-setter in the advertising industry. Evernew is one of the leading media groups in Pakistan and Evernew Concepts has been a real success story. With its unique, creative and inspiring campaigns, Evernew Concepts has built a strong relationship with its clients.

ing by telecom and real estate sectors has brought about the boom. Ques: With electronic media going through rapid fragmentation, how much does newspapers extended capacity provide a better solution to your advertising needs? Ans: Print media has always fulfilled advertising needs as it is focused and gives time to read and judge. Now-a-days electronic and online media is affecting print media a lot by reducing its share. For that print has to come up with more creative solutions for its clients. Ques: Do you recall the time when The News was launched back in 1991? How do you think The News has, over the years, changed the face of Pakistans newspaper industry in general and English newspapers in particular? Ans: What made The News a trend-setter and leader in journalism was its fresh, aggressive,

youthful and slice-of-life approach. The News entered the media when English journalism was lost to stereotypical-ism!. The News made a bold entrance with strikingly different layouts and content management. It was the first paper to launch extended publications /magazines and thats how I remember the launch or should I say the advent of The News so clearly. Ques: How do you see the content, news reporting, and investigative reporting of The News as compared to other newspapers in the country? Ans: The News is known by its distinctiveness. It takes a unique direction when investigating reports and due to that they turn out to be huge attention grabbers. Their refusal to take a conventional approach towards news and events is a novelty in Pakistani journalism and certainly turned heads towards it. Ques: The News introduced the concept of creative advertising in print in Pakistan. Do you recall any creative campaign/s in The News which you think added value to a brand? Ans: Evernew Concepts instafone campaign is recognised as a milestone in creative advertising. The News has always encouraged such creative, out-of-the-box content which is what we do particularly well. Ques: The Jang Group and The News in particular have been in the forefront in spreading general awareness about local/global current affairs. How do you think this has made a difference in the life of an average Pakistani? Ans: The Jang group plays a vital role in defining and making decisions. Recently, it stood up for the restoration of judiciary. The strength of the campaigns conducted in Jang Group publications was incredible. The people were supported and spoken for in a powerful way, so much so that the government had to reverse its decision. Being the largest media group in Pakistan, Jang Group is the voice of the nation - for the nation. Ques: Your comments about the contribution of Jang group in the overall media environment of the country. Ans: Sensible approach, visionary leadership, and sense of responsibility makes Jang Group the largest and most renowned media group of Pakistan. The Jang Group is recognised as a socially responsible business. It has made a profound impression on every individual reading it. Ques: Lastly, your message for The News on completing 20 years of its existence? Ans: Hearty congratulations on your 20th Anniversary. We look forward to the new and upcoming from your side. Keep us amazed with your spirit. One day the nation will reciprocate to the change that everyone is hoping for, and the credit will go to The Jang Group.

Future of newspapers
Continued from page 54

controlled. Then the culture of satellite dishes was introduced. Pakistanis started receiving Indian channels. They were listening to the other side of the story. Then accessibility to Internet also provided a very vibrant source of information. The thirst for more information was still felt by Pakistani audience. They wanted free and fair news reporting. Then the Government of Pakistan took the right decision of liberalisation of electronic media. Geo was the pioneer. Many others followed. This created healthy competition. As a result, today Pakistani people are receiving quality news and current affairs channels 24/7. Thus, Pakistan today is significantly more aware regarding the social, political and economic issues they face than ever before. Ques: With so many TV channels and with Internet, OOH and radio also gaining their share of advertising, how do you see the future of newspapers in general and advertising in newspapers in particular?

Ans: The future of newspapers in Pakistan like the rest of the world is digital. With internet penetration growing; more and more people will read it online. Readers will prefer reading it on the net because of the following reasons: a) Newspaper is easily accessible on the net. The reader does not need a hawker or a bookstall to purchase newspaper. The only thing required is a reasonable internet connection. The quality of internet is improving in Pakistan drastically as well. b) 24/7 updates on the internet makes it a better competition to TV than regular newspapers c) The reader has to pay nothing for internet copies. Ques: What is the future of advertising in Pakistan? Ans: Future of advertising is as glorious as was its past in Pakistan. Consumers in the country will continue to take decisions regarding consumption of products and brands. Advertising will continue to facilitate this decision making process. However, the thing that will

change is the mix of media vehicle. Apart from TV, the role of following media will increase dramatically: a) Internet b) Mobile applications c) Augmented reality All three come under the head of Digital advertising. Both advertisers and advertising agencies should invest in digital to stay ahead of time. Ques: Your comments about the contribution of Jang Group in the overall media environment of the country. Ans: All Pakistanis are proud of the excellent contribution by the Jang Group. It for sure is the first choice of Pakistanis in attaining access to information. This was possible due to the vision of its founder Mir Khalil-ur-Rahman. It was his professional integrity that produced some great names in the industry. Jang Group continues to produce some immaculate professionals. They have not only worked with dedication but have also contributed significantly for the freedom of press in Pakistan.

The News has always been open and flexible

Continued from page 54

Future is nothing
Continued from page 55

they have hit the jackpot pretty often. Good going. Ques: The News today is one of the largest newspapers in the country in terms of revenue. In your view, what gives The News an edge over its competitors in terms of attracting advertising? Ans: I think CPM is one, that and its ability to get into places where most cant. It is sort of the automatic choice for Lahore, followed by Rawalpindi; flexibility with bundling deals and never saying no to a proposal straightaway are good marketing practices.

The News has always been open and flexible, far more pliable than other papers and genuinely keen on making a difference. However lack of funds has gradually depleted this vision. Ques: Your comments about the contribution of Jang group in the overall media environment of the country. Ans: To say things would have been the same would be unfair and untrue - you have made a big difference - not all of it fit to write on a golden placard up in the sky but pretty good considering this is a country with a surging desire for self destruction.

media environment of the country. Ans: Not everyone can afford the price of speaking the truth. The Jang Group has been one of those who have preferred consequences over compromise. I sincerely hope that no price tag can buy this habit of yours. Ques: Lastly, your message for The News on completing 20 years of its existence? Ans: Officially, The News is no longer a teenager. I hope that with the maturity of this new age, the characteristics of a teenager, particularly the passion to innovate and the courage to rise will remain perpetual. You will always find me and my companies facilitating you in your growth to new heights.

The News Special Report, February 2011

TWENTY YEARS OF THE NEWS 2011 WITNESS TO HISTORY

2005
November 2
s Iran allows UN nuclear inspectors to

57

2005
November 22
s Japan announces it will have a military 6

2005
December 4
s Dr Shamshad named first woman

2005
December 21
s US Vice President Dick Cheney visits

visit a military complex at Parchin, where the US believes experiments with explosives used in atomic weapons may have been conducted

decades after the US stripped the nation of the right to maintain armed forces

governor of the State Bank of Pakistan

Pakistan

November 26
s Brian Lara creates new record for scoring

December 12
s Accord on ferry service finalized

December 21
s Deal reached with Etisalat on Pakistan

highest number of runs in Test matches

between India and Pakistan

Telecommunication Ltd (PTCL)

HR challenges in a media organisation

By Dr Ziauddin Ahmed Zia
rom print and radio, to TV and the Internet, the world has come a long way when it comes to getting information fast. Timely reporting is only possible because of the unbelievable rapid development of media in the world. The media organisations can broadly be clubbed into print media, electronic and broadcast. No matter what medium it is, the asset for any media organistaion tends to be its human resources also known as the employees and this is where the Human Resource (HR) department comes in. The Jang Group has been a pioneer of the newspaper industry in Pakistan and followed the lead in the electronic media with GEO TV Network. Given that Jang Group is a major media group and has the largest number of employees when compared with any other media outlets, we have deal with a lot HR issues. However, the challenges in print media organisations, including our own, are slightly different from other companies. There are many issues that we face everyday and

try our best to resolve. Only change is constant is an adage that we follow at The News/Jang Group and an important challenge to the HR Department here is to prepare the management and employees to face the challenges of rapidly changing media globally and become aware and proficient in the use of technology. The conduct of Job Analysis and preparation of Job Description and Job Specification is imminent for all organisations but due to diversity and unique nature of most of jobs in print and electronic media, this exercise has assumed even more importance in media organisations. However, in Pakistan only a few Media organisations have undergone this exercise besides the Jang group. For us, retention of well trained professionals is again a huge challenge. Given that due to the change in values and market conditions, employees thinking and loyalties also tend to change. A small example of this is when a new newspaper is launched; the trained manpower from the existing established organisations is attracted and offered much higher remuneration. Resultantly, the turn over in print media has been increased significantly. The country has passed through a unique phenomenon during the last one decade when licenses in bulk were issued to different Groups/Entrepreneurs for establishing their Electronic Media Channels, resultantly; around 50 channels were launched with in a short time which caused a mad run amongst the channels management for acquisition of the trained

and experienced staff. This phenomenon culminated in the largest and fastest employee turnover in any sector of the economy in the history of the country. In several categories in media organisations, it appears advisable to induct newly qualified people coming out of universities/colleges at different levels. If such people are trained according to the requirement of the company, their attitude, behaviour and values can be molded as per the requirement of the organisation. However, different ways and means will have to be adopted to ensure continued retention of such people after the completion of their training. For the purpose of hiring we not only advertise the positions but also reputable universities are approached to refer their fresh graduates from several fields. Such persons are inducted as trainees and paid reasonably attractive amount during the period of training which is normally one year. On successful completion of training they are appointed in different positions on prescribed packages.

During the last few decades the media has assumed the most significant and decisive role in the opinion formulation and masses education all over the world. This has opened up new avenues for journalists but at the same time, its human resource department has to face new challenges too

It is commonly understood that the employee retention and acquisition is only possible through appropriate Compensation Management System and the employee packages should be competitive and market based. Also, salary reviews should take care of the escalating inflation. For the convenience of the management in other sectors of economy, different organisations/consultants conduct salary and benefit surveys on periodical basis. Unfortunately, such surveys are neither conducted in media organisations nor the known media groups exchange such data with each other for comparison purposes, resultantly, every organisation remains in dark and in most of the cases is hard pressed to meet the demands of the key staff or the experienced replacements. Since the employees of the Media

organisations are more open to risks of several types (death, injuries etc), then the other businesses, the Jang Group takes due care of its employees in the areas of occupational health and safety and field hazards . There have been several instances when our reporters and other staffers were attacked. In such situations the organisation always stood behind them and took appropriate care of such employees. The News/Jang Group is a pioneer in adopting the EQUAL OPPORTUNITY / GENDER PROTECTION policies. Jang Group is probably the only Media Group in the country to have such a policy with the name of Gender Policy. Unlawful discrimination undermines the integrity of the employment relationship, compromises equal employment opportunity, debilitates morale and interferes with work productivity. Examples of Gender Discrimination include the following which may be taken care of while dealing the employees in the organisation:In Jang Group any employee who believes that she/he has been subjected to any form of prohibited discrimination/harassment, including sexual harassment, or who witnesses others being subjected to such harassment or discrimination is encouraged to promptly report the incident(s) to either their supervisor or manager or directly to the employer. After investigation where discrimination/harassment is found to have occurred, the HR Department takes prompt and appropriate remedial action to stop the discrimination/harassment and deter its reoccurrence. The remedial action taken may include counseling, training, intervention, mediation, and/or the initiation of disciplinary action for imposition of a suitable penalty. Given that the way the organisation is growing, the issues tend to increase too. However, the HR Department of The News/Jang Group strives to give the employees a better work environment and a place they can call their own. The author is Group Director HR & Administration, Jang Group of Companies

Agriculture through the years

Continued from page 52

showing yield gap of massive 43.5 per cent. There is no significant progress on development of wheat seed as decade old variety is still being grown over vast area, making vulnerable whole crops to various threats. Similar is the case with rice crop that shows 45.6 yield gap if compared progressive farmers per hectare yield and national output. Sugarcane production is also unstable and at time remained well below the set targets. Production of sugarcane has also been at lowest ebb on various occasions during last two decades. Yield gap of sugarcane between national average and per hectare output of progressive farmers still shows shortfall of 67.2 per cent. There has not been considerable enhancement in production of gram over the years. Its per hectare yield is almost stagnant at 695 kg while farmers two decades ago succeeded in getting 615 kg yield. The price of gram and other pulses have increased manifold in recent years, thanks to apathy on the part of officials concerned. Dwindling production also translated into overall growth of agriculture sector, showing dismal performance since 1990. The overall share of agriculture growth in GDP also reduced to 21 per cent from almost 25 per cent recorded in 1999. Meanwhile, annual agri-

culture growth rate that stood at 5.4 per cent in 1980s plunged to 4.4 per cent in 1990 and nosedived to 3.2 in 2000s. Share of major crops in agriculture growth even stumbled, remaining in red zone in several years. During the year 2009-10, the overall performance of agriculture sector has been lesser than target. Against a target of 3.8 percent, and previous years performance of 4.0 percent, agriculture was grown by around 2.0 per-

cent. Major crops registered a negative growth of 0.2 per cent. According to a recent study carried out by USAID, promoting efficient and sustainable agricultural growth is a necessary condition for rural growth, employment generation, poverty reduction and social stability. Moving forward, it is imperative that Pakistan maintains a comprehensive, multifaceted approach to agricultural development and to ensure that sufficient resources are invested in the undertaking. The writer is Senior Staff Reporter, The News Lahore

The News Special Report, February 2011

58
2006
January 1
a price dispute

TWENTY YEARS OF THE NEWS 2011 WITNESS TO HISTORY

2006
May 24
s East Timors Foreign Minister Jos

2006
July 6
s The Nathula Pass between India and

2006
July 11
s Series of coordinated bomb attacks strike

s Russia cuts natural gas to Ukraine over

February 20
s Danish newspaper apologises for

Ramos-Horta officially requests military assistance from the governments of Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia and Portugal

China, sealed during the Sino-Indian War, re-opens for trade after 44 years

several commuter trains in Mumbai, India

July 10
s Italy wins as France, Zidane pay penalty

August 11
s Resolution to end 2006 Lebanon War

disrespectful caricatures

unanimously accepted by UN Security Council

Two decades of neglected population welfare

By Dr Qadeer Baig and Ahmad Shah Durrani
akistan is a country with persistently high population growth and officially a population of around 173.3 million in 2010 of which 40 percent are below the poverty line. The civil society in Pakistan is of moderate health but has contributed significantly in challenging the status quo in last decade. However, the countrys situation still has a ways to go as far as sexual and reproductive health is concerned. Pakistans Human Development Index (HDI) is a dismal 0.572; ranking 141 out of 182 countries. Pakistan has suffered from decades of internal political disputes and low levels of foreign investment. Between 2001 and 2007, however, poverty levels decreased by 10 percent as development spending increased. Growth slowed in 2008-2009, and unemployment rose. The economy remains vulnerable to internal and external shocks. Pakistani government and military leaders are struggling to control domestic insurgents, many of whom are located in the tribal areas along the Pak-Afghan border. Other long-term challenges include expanding investment in education, healthcare, and reducing dependence on foreign donors. The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) in Pakistan, which currently stands at 3.9, is the second highest in the region -overshadowed only by TFR in war-torn Afghanistan. The Contraceptive Prevalence Rate (CPR) is estimated at 30 per cent with about 30 percent unmet needs again lags behind comparable indicators of other countries in our immediate geographical area. The Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR), has improved from 340 to 276 per 100,000 births, is still the third highest in the region. A recent study by the World Population Foundation reveals that none of the 12 sexual and reproductive rights of the IPPF Charter are close to being realised. The Adolescents in Pakistan are not exempt from the sexual and reproductive health problems faced by the adult population. The sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs of adolescents have increased over the last few years but are largely unmet. Such facts and figures do not paint a very serene picture of Pakistan in terms of population welfare and womens health in Pakistan. However, twenty years ago the situation was even worse. And while it can be argued that the gradual improvement of

such indicators can be attributed to economic growth and development over time, such a line of reasoning disregards the fact that, in Pakistan, economic growth and development has not translated into human development - primarily because the quantity and quality of government spending on health, education and population welfare has, by and large, remained low and shown little signs of improvement. Non-governmental organisations like the Family Planning Association Pakistan, Lucile and Packard Foundation, World Population Foundation, Shirkat Gah, the Aga Khan Development Network, and others have been working in Pakistan on population welfare and womens health issues for the last many years. However, interventions in such areas have only really grown and developed in the last 20 years, particularly after the International Conference on Population Development held in Cairo in 1994. Before that landmark event, family planning and womens health intervention were strictly activity-

based and specifically focused on improvement of certain indicators and their correlated behaviors only. Furthermore, such interventions did not incorporate a choice-based approach to programming and as such, lacked the capacity to bring about any sustained behavioural impact. The ICPD declaration, which for the large part was the first such conference to lay emphasis on the choice-based approach to programming for population welfare and reproductive health interventions, set the ball rolling in this regard. This is exemplified in the gradual shift from the more dictatorial policy of limiting births, to public- and private sector organisations now placing onus on health birth-spacing instead. Even for interventions that were not choice-based (like the Social Marketing led Bachay do hi achay campaign) a certain amount of space was provided after the ICPD declaration that was not available before. It is heartening to note that the Government of Pakistan is a signatory to the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD, Cairo 1994) and the MDGs. Interestingly the population and family planning programmes, including access to reproductive health services, maternal health, child spacing and the prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), are part of Pakistans broad development strategy, however, investments to achieve these goals are insufficient, rather decreased in last 20 years in real terms: In 2009, only 0.7 per cent of GDP was allocated to the health sector, whereas the MDGs require a public health expenditure of 2 per cent of GDP by the year 2015. Despite improvements at the policy level, SRHR experts and youth are convinced that the current SRHR situation in Pakistan is alarming. Another important development brought about by the ICPD declaration was that it laid emphasis on sexual and reproductive health as a basic human right. This was the first time such an approach to population welfare and womens health issues had been outlined at an international forum. More importantly, however, this new approach laid the foundations for more sustainable and effective programming. Organisations that had once only had a narrow focus on population welfare and womens health issues now viewed such issues in the broader context of society and culture. Moreover, the ICPD declaration also paved the way for the formulation of International Planned Parenthood Foundations (IPPF) 12 Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights

(SRHR) Framework 1994 (now revised to 10 sexual rights in 2008). Ever since their formulation by the IPPF, the SRHR framework has served as a comprehensive guiding document for public -and private sector organization working in the field of population welfare and womens health. And strictly in the context of Pakistan the SRHR framework led to the birth of a new breed of rights-driven organisations like RutgersWPF, Marie Stopes Society and Aahung. These organisations have slowly but surely gained a strong foothold in the development sector of Pakistan, especially over the last 15 years. This is reflected in the increasing space provided to such organisations to test and implement their interventions. However, at the turn of the millennium what is arguably the most compelling change in the history of Pakistans population welfare sector occurred owing to the fast-changing demographics of the country. Specifically, organisations working on population welfare or sexual and reproductive health felt the need to increase the frequency and outreach of targeted interventions for the youth in light of the fact that more than 45% of the population of Pakistan was below 25 (back then) and that this demographic was rapidly growing -primarily due to high fertility and low contraceptive prevalence. This approach marked the first time that sexual and reproductive health was discussed out-

side the context of married couples. In the last 20 years, as the impact and frequency of youth-focused intervention for sexual and reproductive health rights increased, another radical shift in approach was observed -primarily because organisations implementing such interventions rightly acknowledged the effect of key decision makers (like parents, religious leaders, policy makers and teachers). As a result, the programming of such organisations was revised to incorporate focus on changing behaviors and attitudes of all relevant decision-makers in favor of healthier sexual lives for the youth. Later on, this approach was adapted specifically in the context of womens health and empowerment to include men in the sexual and reproductive health of women related to them. The recent formation of the Men Engage Alliance and celebration of World Sexual Health Day (Sept 4) in Pakistan is a pertinent example. Hence it is clear that, despite the fact that population welfare and womens health indicators still lag behind the rest of the region, the gradual improvement of indicators over the past 20 years (specifically post-ICPD) would not have been possible without the growth aof the development sector in Pakistan. The way forward now lies not only in consolidation of all the achievements of the past, but also the gradual incorporation of all decision-makers into the design and implementation of interventions focused on the improvement of access to SRHR by marginalised groups such as women, children and the transgendered. The fact that there is a noticeable increase in media coverage given to issues like the recent gang-rape cases in Karachi, Lahores and DG Khan hows that the space to debate such issues has increased over time. Now all that remains is the incorporation of strong rights-driven messages for improvement of SRHR status in Pakistan into mainstream public discourse, and by extension into public consciousness. It is only then that fight to improve sexual and reproductive health in Pakistan will have fully been realized. The authors work at RutgersWPF

Kashmir issue:
Continued from page 42

TBy Khalid Khattak

he education apartheid is unfortunately growing as ever in the complete absence of political will and non implementation of existing policies combined with the meager budgetary allocation over the years. Founded in 1991, The News International, the largest English newspaper of the country, witnessed and covered efforts of the successive governments for implementation of the three policies, the last one being announced in 2009. The mushroom growth of private sector schools owes a lot to 1992s National Education Policy which significantly promoted and supported the private sector in education. The policy laid special emphasis and encouraged private sector school. Nevertheless, the governments inability to take drastic measures at that time to ensure promotion of public sector education resulted in the deterioration of standard of education and public institutions. Over the years, public perception has rapidly changed, and not in a good way, about government schools. This happened primarily because of outdated curriculum and more importantly owing to the ever increasing lack of facilities including the unavailability of teaching staff. On the other hand, the private sector emerged as a strong competitor despite evident difference in its fee structure as compared to public sector. The difference in the quality of education is quite obvious today as those who can afford always prefer private schooling for their kids. The situation would have been different provided

measures were taken to ensure quality education at public schools too. Another thing which went wrong vis--vis mushroom growth of private schools is the absence of proper and independent regulatory authority to regulate affairs as well as fee structure of schools in the private sector. While Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Author-

sheer negligence and lack of commitment on part of those at the helm. The next national education policy was introduced in 1998 which once again ignored school education while special emphasis was laid on higher education by clear objectives of establishing new universities. Though the promises of improving quality of education were made in this policy as well

No less than three different national education policies were introduced during the last two decades. However, achieving quality and uniformity in education, especially at elementary level, is still a distant dream
ity (PEIRA) has been established to regulate private educational institutions functioning in Islamabad, the provinces especially Punjab province, have miserably failed in this regard. The 1992 policy recognised adoption of special measures for improving the quality of education especially at primary level however the same could not be achieved owing to the but practically no such thing happened. Islamic education was also focused in the 1992 policy while ideology of Pakistan was also recognised in the same policy. This policy also promoted private sector while establishment of regulatory bodies was also promised this time. However this did not happen and though the private educa-

tional institutions increased in numbers, there was no check on their functioning. The prime feature of the 2009 national education policy is the policy action regarding governments commitment to allocate seven per cent of GDP to education by the year 2015. It is pertinent to mention here that earlier, meager financial resources were a major hindrance in the way of promotion of education. The same has been pointed out by academicians and educationists time and again but to no avail. However, the increased budgetary allocations have increased the hopes of the academia who wish to see improvement in the quality of education. Professor Hafiz Muhammad Iqbal who holds a PhD in Education and has more than 30 years of teaching experience to his credit also believes that inadequate funding to education sector over the years especially to primary education has remained a challenge exposing the will of the successive democratic and dictatorial regimes. Higher education cannot be developed without a strong base at lower level. Without increasing access to education at primary, middle and higher school level an increase in rate of enrolment at university level will not provide dividend. It is unfortunate that the higher education is being expanded at the cost of primary education, he said. There is need to universalise primary and middle level education in addition to improving the quality of education, he said, adding Unless we increase our literacy rate, our social problems cannot be solved. The writer is Staff Reporter, The News Lahore

initiative is to persuade the governments of the two countries to take steps towards removing the irritants, allowing the citizens of Pakistan and India to visit cities of their choice. This extensive activity involving people of both countries has yielded a positive outcome. Ershad Mahmud, a Kashmiri analyst based in Islamabad, says that the newly-found mass resilience in Kashmir indicates that Indian forces have limited options to contain Kashmiri upsurge. "The use of force and repressive measure have not only lost their effectiveness but also proved counterproductive. Several times curfews were violated by the civilians and they joined either funeral procession or agitation." The UK-based Economist very aptly encapsulated the challenge that New Delhi has been facing in Kashmir, stating, "At one point, they will (cycle of

protests) become so big that they can only be contained by killing more of its citizens than a democracy can stand." In this context, finding a respectable way-out is a gigantic task for New Delhi as well as for the people of Kashmir since unlimited agitations is not sustainable in the long run even for Kashmiris. It should be acknowledged at the level of policy-makers and political elite that Kashmir issue has internal as well as external dimensions to deal with. There is no denying the fact that during the last two decades Islamabad's influence in the Kashmir Valley has increased tremendously. As long as Islamabad and New Delhi continue to follow hostile approaches towards each other and do not stop the zero-sum game, peace in Kashmir will remain a pipedream. The resumption of internal dialogue in Kashmir can be helpful if New Delhi makes it a

tri-partite- Srinagar-Delhi, Srinagar-Islamabad and finally Delhi and Islamabad based exercise. However, dialogue between various regions and hassle free intra-Kashmir interaction at all levels of the society can always be useful to narrow down the extreme positions and to create a broader understanding of each others' viewpoints. The dialogue should be backed by the practical steps to improve the ground realities such as demilitarization form the urban centers. Over the period of time the Indian society has been told that whatever awful messes occur in Kashmir are planned by Pakistan to destabilise India. The victim card worked well. Even liberal opinion makers and civil society activists hardly criticised their government's disproportionate use of forces because of Pakistan or radicals' role in Kashmir. Now, when a peaceful mass movement has taken over the radical and violent forces, New Delhi is still unable to seize an opportunity

and initiate unconditional dialogue. It is largely perceived that if India makes any concessions to Srinagar it will be seen as its weakness in face of the protests. Ironically, BJP which is known as architect of peace process with Pakistan does not want to give any credit to Congress to solve the Kashmir issue by any means. Therefore, BJP declared it would not let the government to make even mild gesture of flexibility. In conclusion, it is evident that comprehensive, resultoriented and time-barred negotiations among various parties of conflict can guarantee lasting solution of Kashmir dispute. India has been reluctant to hold tripartite talks involving all three parties of Kashmir conflict. Whenever it happens, it will lead to the final resolution of Kashmir issue. After the recent uprising, it is hoped that negotiation among three parties-people of Kashmir, Pakistan and India will be held sooner or later. vating factor in Pakistan but the west is extremely confused and there is a problem of mingling two streams of sentiments: antiAmericanism with Islamism. Many prominent liberal scholars, journalists and politicians who oppose US policies with respect to Afghanistan, Pakistan, the drone attacks and Pakistani nuclear programme may not necessarily be conservative religious people. In fact, the effectiveness of the nuclear security culture is difficult to measure, which is true for all nuclear powers including the US. The efficiency of any system is tested only when a mishap or near occurs...but Pakistans good or bad luck is that other countries cannot measure its systems effectiveness. The writer is the Chairperson, Department of International Relations, University of Karachi

After Pakistan goes nuclear....

Continued from page 44

Pakistan nuclear warheads are fully equipped with Permissive Action links (PAL). So if an unauthorised person gets hold of the weapon he cant activate it unless he has an excess to the electronic code. Pakistan has a two man rule to decode the system to release the nuclear weapon. The Pakistani nuclear programme has become a much more sensitive issue with the fast changing scenario in the northern areas of Pakistan. Afghan-based insurgents and their increased activities created a situation of civil war on the entire Northern belt adjacent to the Afghan border. Western concern evolved around the vulnerability of the nuclear installations. The fears

were: Possibility of the accession to power any religious group like Talibans and would ultimately come in control of nuclear facilities. People guarding the place may have sympathy with the Talibans. The government becomes so much unstable and weak that may come under the pressure of public or any group of people demanding an excess to nuclear weapons. Terrorist may themselves become powerful to occupy nuclear installations. People working there may supply nuclear fissile material to terrorists through nuclear smuggling. Finally, the fear that a Islamist element in the establishment might not take over the nuclear installation. Pakistans intelligence agency ISI has also been

brought under fire. The London School of Economics recent report accused ISI officials having close contacts with Taliban. It accused the government of Pakistan betraying the US while playing a double role, keeping contact with the Taliban and at the same time helping the US in Afghanistan. The possibility that any religious political party may rise to a position to form the government also gradually eroded. The religious parties could not remain united under the banner of the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal. Secondly the popular vote also rejected religious elements and none of the political parties were able to form the government in any province in the February 2008 General elections. Religion is a powerful moti-

Brokering for peace in the ME

Continued from page 46

largely revolves around the Gaza siege. The renewed wave of intensified clashes began when following the Battle of Gaza (between Hamas and Fatah fighters) Hamas took control of Gaza strip in 2007. Later on, the Egypt-Gaza border at Rafah border crossing fell into the control of Egypt which helped Israel in blockade of Gaza border. The blockade had severe economic consequences. Despite calls from the international community to lift

the blockade, clashes and Gaza siege continued. In May 2010, an aid convoy of six ships known as Freedom Flotilla aiming to break through the Gaza blockade was attacked and seized by the Israeli naval forces. Nine passengers aboard became victim of Israeli atrocities and lost their lives. Amid mounting international pressure to ease the Gaza blockade, the Rafah border crossing was reopened partially. The most unfortunate feature of the Middle East politics

is the inefficacy of the OIC and Arab League in bringing about some concerted efforts or plan of action for feasible resolution of the conflicts in the Middle East. Some may argue that the dysfunctional nature of the two organisations is the manifestation of the difference of interests among the Arab governments. They may not recognise Israel but neither will they stand against its atrocities collectively. The Obama administration is pursuing the traditional policy of

the US towards the Middle East. The US officials attempted to make Arab governments pursue modest confidence building in return for so called Israeli concessions. However, the situation remains contentious. One may conclude that peace in the region is not impossible but for that each party will have to make some painful concessions but sadly no one is willing to go ahead with this. - The writer is a Cooperative Lecturer at the Department of International Relations, University of Karachi.

The News Special Report, February 2011

TWENTY YEARS OF THE NEWS 2011 WITNESS TO HISTORY

2006
October 11
s Twelve people have died following a

61

2006
October 14
s The United Nations Security Council

2006
October 15
s Israeli police recommend charging

2006
October 17
s The population of the United States

train crash at Zoufftgen in north-east France, near the Luxembourg border.

October 13
s South Korean Ban Ki-moon is elected

adopts Resolution 1718, imposing sanctions on North Korea in response to its recent nuclear test.

October 15
s A 6.7-magnitude earthquake and a series

as the new Secretary-General of the United Nations

of aftershocks hit the U.S. state of Hawaii

Times dont change, men do

By Mustafa Kamal
George Bernard Shaw, has very rightly said, Progress is impossible without change; and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything. uch was my mindset when I was elected as the youngest mayor of Karachi. At the outset, I not only intended to bring a change but wanted to be an agent of change myself. Karachi is among the top three mega cities in the world,

were no basic utilities like clean drinking water and sewerage system available to almost 40% of the citizens. Industrial Zones had no infrastructure at all. Businesses were closing down due to unavailability of transport and communication facilities. Last but not the least, 9,000 tons of garbage (Solid waste) accumulated every day out of which only 6 to 7 thousand was lifted and disposed into landfill sites and the rest was left unattended creating threat to the public. There wasnt any

with a population of 18 million. It is also the largest Muslim city in the world. It generates 68% of the countrys revenue, alone. It can rightly be called the revenue engine of Pakistan. Having two fully operational seaports and one under construction Gwadar seaport, it is the hub of all economic activity. Furthermore, a number of National and Multi-

national banks and companies have their head offices in Karachi too. Karachi is a gateway to the Central Asian countries and also serves as a channel for approximately 75% of the supplies sent to NATO forces in Afghanistan. When I took over the responsibility as a City Nazim (Mayor) of Karachi, the city had no Master plan. There

mass transit system. Multiple Municipal Committees functioned without a Central control system. To add to that, public health and education were neglected sectors. The masses had lost their trust on the government; there was no sense of ownership. The city which I had inherited seemed to me, as if we have just gotten independence

or have just come out of a war. Our vision was simple, we wanted to make life decent for a common man in the city. That was where the journey of the development process in Karachi began. In the first phase of my plan, I dug up the whole city to lay down the infrastructure. I faced criticism from the media as well as from people who opined that all the projects shouldnt have been started simultaneously. But I had my own reasons. I knew that a single project, in the past had taken 7-11 years to be completed and the people of Karachi were used to it. I didnt have that much time. Besides I didnt want to pass on problems from one generation to another. I wanted to solve them once and for all. Since I wanted to turn Karachi into a Cosmopolitan, I knew, how important was it to save commuting time from one part of the city to another. Therefore, I laid the foundation of the first signal free corridor which consisted of 3 colossal flyovers and 3 underpasses, leading from the center of the city, thus reducing an hours journey to a 12 minute drive. The second signal free consisted of 5 flyovers and one underpass, covering 25 kilometers from Shahrah-e-Faisal to Surjani Town. The third consisted again of 5 flyovers and 1underpass including a 3 kilometer road strip connecting lines area to Saddar. During the construction of this free corridor, I faced the challenge of demolishing the 1185 residential area. No law was breeched and situation was settled amicably with the consent of its residents. Thus a signal free corridor from Saddar to Malir Cant was opened for public. The fourth one connected Quaid-i-Azam International airport to Metropole Hotel along Shahrah-e-Faisal,
Continued on page 73

Empowering women in Pakistan

October 16
s The government of Sudan and the

President Moshe Katsav with rape, sexual assault and fraud.

reaches 300 million people CNN

October 19

s Scientists at Duke University have

Eastern Front rebels sign a peace treaty in Asmara, Eritrea.

created a device out of metamaterials that makes objects harder to detect at microwave frequencies.

By Sharmila Faruqui
No nation can rise to the height of glory unless your women are side by side with you. Muhammad Ali Jinnah he concept of women empowerment is very important for the development of a community. According to this concept, women are active agents rather than passive recipients of development policies. The character and morality of a nation is judged by the way it treats its women. Women are as important and a vital segment of a society and a nation as are men. A nation cannot make any headway towards the achievement of its goals of political, economic and moral progress or earn a respectable place in the comity of nations until and unless it ensures unhindered participation of women in all spheres of life. In spite of being put on the back burner during Zias dictatorial rule, the former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto electrified the nation when she was sworn in as the first female prime minister of an Islamic state in 1988. This encouraged the women across the world in general and in Pakistan in particular. Since then, although they have become more active in the last two decades, Pakistani women are still struggling to get equal rights. Successive governments have tried, in one form or another, to empower women but could not make sig-

nificant progress because of various reasons. Former President Musharraf increased the number of reserved womens seats to 20 per cent in assemblies and 33 per cent in local bodies. However, in the 2002 elections as many as 31 per cent women in Khyber-

segments of the population. Pakistan is no stranger to the menace of deep-rooted poverty, especially in the rural areas; therefore the United Nations identified the rural women as a catalyst for change to eradicate poverty. It is very important that policy makers design development interventions to politically and financially empower women so they can make a difference in their living conditions as well as those of her immediate surroundings. There is a need to devise strategies that enhance the role of women in decision-making in all tiers of the government. The government of Pakistan has introduced a special hardcore poverty alleviation programme focusing on the very poor families through the women of the family. The newly-created Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) gives cash as-

(NWFP), Pakhtunkhwa Balochistan and Southern Punjab were not allowed by their men to vote. Economic development, if it is to be meaningful and sustainable, must involve all citizens and ensure equitable distribution, especially for the lower

sistance of Rs1,000 per month to poor households. On the political front 33 per cent seats are reserved for women in all local bodies. At the national level seventeen per cent seats have been reserved for women in the constituent assembly. The Khushali Bank and Woman

Bank are providing micro-credit to the poor, particularly to women. Micro-credit can be instrumental in empowering this segment of the society. Womens political participation is not only about increasing their numbers but about effectiveness and impact. Women should be able to participate in open, transparent, accountable decision-making processes of policy-making institutions and mechanisms rather than being just beneficiaries. Recognising the centrality of economic empowerment of women, I advocate that the women should have the ownership and control of assets, equal access to credit, employment, education, information and participation in decision-making bodies at all levels. An effective mechanism has to be instituted to enable the women all levels of the government. The current government, in pursuance of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazirs policies, has granted complete administrative and financial autonomy to the National Commission on Status of Women and fixation of 10 per cent quota for women in government jobs in addition to the initiation of the process to review all the discriminatory laws against women. These are very bold and positive steps that herald the beginning of a whole new chapter in the political participation of women in Pakistan. It is now incumbent upon the women parliamentarians to take meaningful steps for gaining a deeper understanding of the political empowerment of women in Pakistan. Women parliamentarians should rise above party affiliations and gravitate towards forming an inter-party bond for jointly devising appropriate measures in support of womens rights. The writer is Secretary Information PPP Women Wing Sindh

The News Special Report, February 2011

62
2006
October 20

TWENTY YEARS OF THE NEWS 2011 WITNESS TO HISTORY

2006
October 21
s 5.2 magnitude Earthquake hits Philippines

2006
October 26
s Sheikh Taj El-Din Hilaly apologises after

2006
October 28
s Ghulam Ishaq Khan passes away

s OPEC agrees to reduce its output by

1.2 million barrels per day, its first cut for more than two years, to halt falling oil prices. s European Union leaders gather in Lahti, Finland, for a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

October 22
s Mohammed Shahadeh, leader of the al-

Aqsa Martyrs Brigades terrorist organisation in the Gaza Strip Bureij refugee camp, is shot outside his home

The journey of art

By Mohsin S Jaffri
he News is celebrating its 20 years of publication. Its readers can be proud of many firsts that was the hallmark of The News in the last twenty years. Promoting art and culture, artist, and their work, art galleries, art collectors, and art books has remained in the forefront when providing people with what they want and catering for nearly everyones taste and likes. The issue of Tapestry was devoted to art and cultural activities. As a weekly page, published every Thursday, it carried, art reviews, book reviews, cultural activities, selective poetry, theatre, cinema and street plays. It became a well read section of The News and the arts and artists community appreciated it well. In most discussions and conferences the Tapestry was quoted, its opinion and critical evaluation of art and artists were highly regarded. The three cities, Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad have remained active in promoting arts in all its aspect. The new wave of art recognition and the new found awareness of art and its aesthetic appreciationthanks to the newspapers, especially The News. Pakistani artists, not long ago, were very much under the influence of Western images, styles and themes. However, a change has taken in the last 10/15 years. Pakistani artists are now producing indigenous themes and sticking to eastern subjects. New experiments have given a rich outlook to what is to come. Installation Art has found its way among some Pakistani

artists. Installation art mostly is concept related and could be supported by sound, music and video images.VM art Gallery at Rangoonwala Community Centre is one place where installation art may be mounted easily. Many artists have managed good shows. Abdullah Syed who came from Australia managed two good installation art shows. Another artist from UK, Kathy Hind, who was specially invited by the Director VM Art Gallery, Riffat Alvi mounted a very interesting and moving installation of 1,000 (one thousand) papiermch birds to pay homage to the men women and children who died in the atomic destruction of Hiroshima. A thousand paper birds made by all who participated hung beautifully by the ceiling and their movements created an excellent atmosphere, lively and moving. A video played in the background created an unforgettable memory of what was happening and had already happened. Development in the art field Some art galleries are mainly commercial centres interested in sale of art pieces alone. But many galleries pick and choose their artists work for exhibition. Chawkandi and Canvas art galleries are selec-

tive and active galleries, mostly going for their own choice of artists and their work. In Karachi, Art Chawk is the newly established art gallery run by a well known artist herself, Shakira Masood, who is working hard with the help of Bushra Hussain, with artistic tendencies, good organising abilities are joining up to make Artchawk a success. Not long ago, a Pakistani artist settled in the USA, Saquib Mogul, was invited by Art Chawk and his show created ripples among other art galleries. Kunj Art Gallery remains selective and is not that active as other galleries in town. It

opens its doors occasionally but whenever that happens the show is well organised and the work displayed reflects quality. In newer galleries Koel in Clifton is coming up creating a name for itself. Other art galleries doing business and in the active field are Artaste, Art Scene, Dream Art, Poppy Seed, Shakil Ismail and quite a few more. Quite a few newer art galleries have also opened

up reflecting that art appreciation and art sale is on the increase. The new awareness among younger generation and better understanding of art by the older generation has made it possible for young men and women to choose art as their carrier subject. Karachi School of Art is moving towards degree status art courses. The future of art is looking good. FOMMA (Foundation for Museum of Modern Art), as usual, produced a few remarkable books, written by Marjorie Husain and Salwat Ali remembering and honouring some of the great artists of Pakistan. The last ones, Journey of the Spirit by Salwat Ali and another book titled Rabia Zuberi: Life and Work by Marjorie Husain. Rabia Zuberi (Rabia Apa) whose dedication to art has been awarded by the President of Pakistan, Pride of Performance a true recognition. Pakistans master artist Jamil Naqsh has found a new abode in the heart of UK. Very recently, he stood up against the evacuation of pigeons from the famous site of Trafalgar Square. He painted a series of paintings depicting pigeons and their plight. This went well with the habitants of London. Lahores National College of Arts (NCA) has achieved a great deal of success in attracting students and promoting art, especially the miniature art. Also, PNCAs National Art Gallery opened its new wing which was inaugurated by the President Pervez Musharaf. Art exhibitions and art sales are a vibrant aspect of all the three cities. The way art culture is being promoted, new art galleries are opening up and new art schools are coming up on scene, one can confidently say, a new era is in the making.

Books for the literarily inclined

October 27
s Johannesburg International Airport

for his statement comparing women wihout hijab to uncovered meat

October 29
s ADC Flight 53, a Nigerian Boeing 737

renamed OR Tambo International Airport

airliner carrying more than 100 passengers, crashes near Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja

By Mohsin S Jaffri

or some, a good book is better than any gift that one can think of. Good books are considered a reward after a hard days work; in fact it becomes a source of relaxation and a quite pleasure. All this said and done, its not easy to get hold of a good book at least not as frequently as one would hope. Oxford University Press leads the way in providing good books on nearly all the topics that one can think of. Other publishing houses, for producing quality books includes, Sama Editorial & Publishing Services , Royal Book Company, Vanguard, Ferozesons, Fazleesons, Welcome Book Port, Darul Ishaat, City Press, Sang-e Meel, and a few more. I must also mention, Pakistan Study Centre, and University of Karachi. Until a decade ago, the literacy rate in Pakistan was too dismal, around 20 to 30 per cent. Today, Pakistan, having a population of 165/170 million, is making efforts in both literacy and technology areas, entering the new Information Technology age of awareness and achievements. Reading habits are changing fast. The following is a short list (of my choice) of books published and reviewed by me in The News.

Paksitans Foreign Policy 1947-2005: A Consise History By Abdul Sattar; Published by OUP An interesting book with some insight into reasons and policy making Ice-Candy Man By Bapsi Sidhwa, published by Sama The book is set in the period of great turmoil of the partition of the Indian subcontinent (1947). The book is a must for knowing the wrongs done to women; the subjugation, harsh treatment and misconception regarding honour and honour killings.

reflecting on partition and independence. Set in Lucknow of the 1940s, there is a story of the kinship, intimate friendship and love in a context of political upheaval. The Gun Tree: One Womans War By B.K. Zahrah Nasir, Published by OUP . Its the story of a woman deliberately entering in Afghanistan, knowing to some extent what to expect, at a time when Russia had invaded Afghanistan. The Hidden Culture of a Red Light Area By Dr. Fouzia Saeed, Foreword by I.A. Rehman, published by OUP . Taboo is about Shahi Mohalla - Lahores red light district - and its inhabitants - women who perform mujra (song and dance) and also earn money by having sex with customers. Cricket: A Kind of Pilgrimage By Emma Levine Emma was born in a cricket loving family in Bradford, Yorkshire in 1969. Her adventure seeking nature brought her to Asia and to the game of cricket. The writer is Editor Business and Economics page, The News

Shattering the Myth: Islam Beyond Violence By Bruce B. Lawrence, published by OUP The book looks deep into Islam as a religion - its teachings in the sphere of human concerns, and questions the western concept of violence in Islam. Zamir Niazi: Fettered Freedom Published by PSC, University of Karachi Fettered Freedom comprises eighteen articles written by Zameer Niazi, author of Press in Chains, Qurratulain Hayder My Temples, Too, published by Sama A translation of Meray bhi Sanam Khanay by the author herself;

The News Special Report, February 2011

TWENTY YEARS OF THE NEWS 2011 WITNESS TO HISTORY

2006
November 5
s Former President of Iraq Saddam

63

2006
November 6
s Bombs explode at Mexicos Federal

2006
November 8
s China has a record high surplus in its

2006
November 9
s Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev

Hussein is sentenced to death by hanging by the Iraqi Special Tribunal s A large area of Western Europe is affected by power cuts

Electoral Tribunal, an opposition partys headquarters and a bank in the capital

November 7
s The World Trade Organisation invites

Vietnam to become 150th member

balance of trade of $23.8 billion as exports rise and imports fall s At least 42 people die and 20 people are injured in a bomb blast outside an army training centre in north-west Pakistan

formally signs new Constitution

November 10
s NASA spacecraft records hurricane-

like storm on Saturn - the first such event observed on another planet

By Moayyed Jafri
n Lahore has never been short of political and social theatrics in the past two decades. However, the real stage in Lahore saw only a crawling pace and plenty of bumps owing to lack of progressive intent and absence of infrastructure. Theatre in Lahore, as every where else, is clearly split into three major divisions: popular commercial theatre, contemporary amateur theatre and classic parallel theatre; yet none of the three took responsibility for the development of original theatre productions. Commercial theatre sunk to new lows with every passing year with poor scripts, plots from the early 1990s, non-existent sets and trashy humour from 2000. The last nail in the coffin was driven in hard by obscenity. Khalid Abbas Dar, a veteran artist and one of the founding members of the Lahore Theatre scene terms present-day theatre a Mini Night Club where nudity, liquor and crude humour rules. The activity happening inside the theatre halls can by no means be titled as theatre. Pointing out the meager resources at hand, he said, Even under ideal conditions only 0.05 per cent of the population can watch theatre in Lahore. It is a city of around 10 million people with 10 to 12 theatre halls of a maximum average capacity of 500. This sums up the state of infrastruc-

Stage-lights are dimming

ture on offer and is an easy measure of how interested our Arts Council and government are. The majority of these so-called theatre halls are mere wedding halls He said that the Arts Councils have been acting more like Cultural Police Stations rather than nurseries for talent and arts. For the past decade or so, the Rafi Pir Group too was noticed going into a shell and working more on theatre promotion rather than production. Contemporary amateur theatre has been a welcome addition to the theatre scene during the past two decades. But it too has been widely criticised of passive theatre, seeking the refuge of popular movie adaptations and age old themes instead of utilising their sponsored funds to produce original concepts, scripts and packaging. With hits like Moulin Rouge and Bombay Dreams to his credit, Shah Sharabeel has been associated with theatre for the past 25 years. Its simple, he says, No one is willing to help or assist you if you are looking to do quality theatre in Pakistan, yet all of them want their piece of the pie once they spot success. Answering criticism regarding adaptations, he said that theatre, in addition to all other factors, theatre left in Lahore. Although it deserves Kudos for keeping classical theatre alive, it too is charged with similar accusations of stagnancy. The reformist approach towards theatre in Lahore has been rekindled in Lahore by a name now well known among theatrical circles. Omair Rana has, for the past some years started a movement among different grammar schools where he conducts workshops every week. Training and encouraging the youth to work on and believe in original plots, scripts and sets, Omair stages hard worked theatrical plays every month. Im trying to do my bit, although I have very little room to play with considering the facilities and the arts councils eyeing me as a probable threat to their hegemony of nothingness rather than encouraging, Omair shared with us. Moving on, things are no different in Karachi either as theatre here too suffers. The city has a single auditorium where proper theatre can be staged. Acclaimed Performing Arts Icon and the founder of Tehrik-e-Niswan, a cultural action group, Sheema Kermani has been fighting the battle for the survival of aesthetics for the past 31 years. To be honest its theatre versus

should have a dominating feel-good factor. The dying audience of quality theatres needs to be shown the way back and adaptations and themes close to their minds is not a bad point to start off from, he reasoned. Ajoka can be identified as the most prominent, if not the only, parallel classical

everyone and everything else. From the general social state of affairs to the Non Objection Certificate from the local government right down to the facilities, its a daunting struggle to say the least, she said. One of the very few who still understand the invaluable role of street/ mobile theatre in building awareness through entertainment, Sheemas Tehrik-e-Niswan has kept this aspect of theatre alive through plays staged in the suburbs. The low rate of education merits more social awareness tools like mobile theatres with moral lessons to learn, but sadly it has not been exploited. Even the Royal Shakespeare Company is funded by the government whereas our rulers have shrugged

off all responsibility in this regard, she blasted. Defending the staging of adaptations and classics, she was of the view that under the current status-quo it is very important to draw the audience towards quality theatre and if the acquaintance factor of the adaptations or classic helps in doing so there is no harm, in fact this is the first step towards revival of actual theatre. In a nutshell, the past 20 years of theatre might appear as grim, yet, the past decade has seen some improvement. This effort needs to be sustained in order to breathe life into theatre and must be aided with reinforcements of public reception and well directed efforts of the arts councils.

Film industry needs rolling up

By Aijaz Gul
shamble. Cinema in Pakistan has undergone a revival of sorts and is on the brink of collapsing while the Indian movie invasion is being resented by a lot of corners.

ver the last twenty years, the Pakistani film industry has undergone a major change. It now stands in a

The film trade lost many of its precious assets after 1990 with the passing away of actors Mohammad Ali, Kamal, Yousuf Khan, directors Pervaiz Malik, Nazrul Islam, Javaid Fazil, composer Nisar Bazmi and cinematographer Nabi Ahmad. Meanwhile, the Kara Film Festival not only brought respect and distinction but also contributed to the close collaboration in the film culture between Pakistan and film capitals of the world in its own modest way but Kara too has had its own share of problems.

In the recent years, the box office and critical record of the film industry has not only left a lot to be desired but is utterly disappointing. Cinemas have been reduced from over 700 in 1977 to less than 150 in 2011. The number of films produced in the country has been reduced from 111 in 1977 to 12 Punjabi and Urdu films in 2010. Our youngest director is around sixty with heroes and heroines in their forties and that speaks volumes on the need for young talent. There is also an urgent need to bring in more new faces, new technicians and opt for distinguished writers for scripts and screenplays. In 2006 and 2008, Khuda Key Liye and Ramchand Pakistani were released respectively and Geos endeavor to revive Pakistani cinema promoted some films. Two Indian films Mughal-e-Azam and Taj Mahal made it to the cinemas in 2006 after a lapse of almost forty years. Most of us had seen Mughal-eAzam, including the computerised color version on cable, DVD, and VCD. As for Taj Mahal, there was nothing which could save this wreck and like the Indian audiences, film-

goers here too sank this boat on the first day, first show. These two minor irritants, however, did not halt the release of Indian films. In the last four years, over eighty Indian films have been imported and released. The film import could have been even better, had it not been the wide piracy of video, DVDs and illegal telecast on cable channels. The numbers of film studios have come down from 11 in Lahore and Karachi in the 70s to three in Lahore. This speaks volumes on the health of the film industry. Let the market set the trends. If there is a market of many of our Punjabi and selected Urdu films in India, our films should play and if there is a theatrical market of old or new Indian films here, they would play. Just one film Anmol Ghari from the old lot is not sufficient. There are over 400 prints of old Indian films ranging from Aan and Barsaat to Andaz and Deedar rotting with the distributors. As for the fear that Indian films would damage our film industry, the damage has already been done not by Indian films in cinemas but by the smuggled and uncensored video, VCD, DVD and illegal telecast on CD channels. Indian films are everywhere except where they ought to have been - in cinemas. A smooth and free film trade, and without the number game, for new and old films from both sides, could lease a new life to dwindling cinemas. The representatives of the film industry have, from time to time, met government officials and updated them on the problems of the film industry. The government has allowed the film trade to import equipment and machinery with minimum import duty of five per cent, in reality, adding GST, it all adds up to over 35 per cent. The industry wants many things from the government: restoration of National Film awards, film festivals, reduction in import duty on raw film, shooting at historical places without charges, cash for film production, setting up of a film academy, subtitling, digital sound laboratory and studios with latest film production equipment. The film industry is facing its worst crisis. Inflation and increasing incidents of terrorism, strikes, and processions has not helped things any better. But then Indians should also be importing our films from the previous years (particularly Punjabi films for their Northern Belt) and import duty on film equipment, cinema projection machinery and raw stock should be abolished. There is a possibility that with a more liberal policy on import of films, businessmen could once again go for constructing multiplexes. But the bottom-line is that script is the raw material for good films. Right now good scripts seem to be a rare commodity. Producers and directors will have to join hands to organise workshops and competitions for good scripts. In due course of time, the corporate sector could pitch in to go for financing film production, construction of new multiplexes and renovations in existing single screens. There is also a need to have new talent from television and the modeling world. The same heroes and heroines working in over half-adozen Urdu and Punjabi vengeance flicks every year are the best recipe for our ongoing stagnation. The writer is a film critic

The News Special Report, February 2011

64
2006
November 12

TWENTY YEARS OF THE NEWS 2011 WITNESS TO HISTORY

2006
November 15
s Al Jazeera launches its English language

2006
November 17
s Sony releases its new console, the Play

2006
November 22
s Flooding in southern Somalia causes

s A suicide bomber kills at least 35 people

and injures about 50 more at a police recruiting center in Baghdad

November 13
s A train crash near Cape Town, South

Africa, kills at least 27 people

news channel, Al Jazeera English s India and Pakistan agreed today to set up a panel to combat terrorism during the first peace talks between the countries in almost a year

station 3

November 19
s Gunmen abduct Iraqs Deputy Health

73 deaths. Up to 1.8 million people have been affected by the floods

November 24
s Israeli-Palestinian conflict: Israel and

Gone but not forgotten

The News has been lucky to have known some people who are no longer alive, but continue to live in our hearts and minds through their hard work and personalities
Kamal Habib
By Sheher Bano

Gul Hameed Bhatti:The legacy will live on

Palestinians have agreed to a ceasefire

Minister Ammar al-Saffar.

By Khalid Hussain

amal Habi b shuffled silently into eternity without causing anybody any bother on September 4, 1994. This was so much in character that, at a time meant for lamentation, we couldnt help but smile wistfully. He was a smiling, well-educated and scholastic personality who had become a legend in The News office, particularly the Supplements Section. There was hardly any supplement, irrespective of the topic, towards which Kamal Habib had not contributed.

Memories abound

He was decidedly old world and yet he had a mind that had journeyed far beyond the reach of many modernists. He was a rare combination of the value laden past and the exciting unknown future. His writings could never be dated because of this quality and despite being securely anchored in tradition he was willing and able to take swipes at a society and a people who had lost its sense of direction. For Kamal Habib, the past and the future were merely bookends. At The News, Kamal Habib blended in with the youth and enthusiasm that characterised this new organisation. He had an unobtrusive presence and yet he filled a very large space. He sprinkled affection and knowledge wherever he went and appeared totally at ease with the bohemian spirit of journalists at large.

Najma Hazir
By Lubna Jerar Naqvi

Hameed Zaman
By Mohsin S Jaffri

By Mohsin S Jaffri
aleem Omar celebrated poet, prolific kind journalist, human being, very methodical in his facts and figures, particular to the last detail, remained with The News from its very inception till the day he died. Kaleem Omar (KO) would carry large bundles of newspapers and assorted papers. On his way to his desk (a small cubical at the far corner from the entrance) he would point out the haphazard way that the office chairs were left (some he arranged himself),and unorganised desks. It was a routine that we became used to on the fourth floor. It was at Tapestry that Omars poetry found a favourable ground for reaching out a the wider audience. Kaleems poems had been a regular feature and his column Economy Watch created many readers who appreciated the depth and style of Kaleems writings. He was unique, especially his extraordinary memory and the ability to produce 6-7 articles within

2-3 days. Kaleem was a well read, well informed and had an expression that beautified most of his writings. He ranked well amongst the top 150 English poets of the world and was published by the Oxford University Press in 1975, under the title Wordfall. His poems also appear in an anthology titled Pieces of Eight. Omar became a journalist in 1982 with The Star and then came to The News, Karachi. He entered investigative journalism and became known for his investigative reporting, political and economic columns and articles on current affairs. (Kaleem Omar died of heart failure on 25 June, 2009 at the age of 72)

never worked w i t h N a j m a Hazir, the first editor of Us who died of cancer in June 1993. But I did get a chance to know her posthumously and will always regret that I never got to know her. She was one of those people who bless everyone who come in contact with her during her lifetime and even after death she manages to make an impression. Both Saman Jafri and Muneeza Kidwai had worked with her as their editor, and they never tired of talking about her. Najma loved people and she made everyone feel loved. And I could tell from their hilarious anecdotes that she was a fascinating and loveable person. Najma personified life itself, and made everyone around her aware of what happiness was all about. Najma Hazir is a legacy that will always stay with Us. It has been long since she succumbed to cancer. This disease triumphed in removing her from the physical world, but it couldnt erase her existence among those who knew her even after so many years after her death. Najma Hazir still remains a part of Us magazine just as she was when she launched the first issue in 1993.

The misunderstood Iqbal Jaffery

Khaak mein kiya sourtein houn-gi ke pinhan ho-gaein ameed Zaman (Zaman Bhai)was born in Rampur, India. He attended the Allahabad University and obtained a Masters degree in English literature. He enjoyed reading good books more than anything else and developed a sense of analytical approach when discussing Urdu or English literature. He took to drawing, sketching and painting for a while but gave it up because of the demand on his time while working in Radio Pakistan. After a long stretch in Radio Pakistan, he joined the daily Morning News and developed his expertise as an art critic. His articles on music, classical dance, stage play, cinema and media carried a deep sense of understanding of the aspects of arts and the immense changes that these had gone through over the times. As an art critic, he excelled among his contemporaries. His deep study of art and literature made it possible for him to evaluate some of the artwork happening in Pakistan with that of western trends. He commanded a deep respect of artists, artiste and artisans in Pakistan.

ven today, I distinctly remember my first day at The News. As I walked in, a bit apprehensive about my new surroundings, I tentatively stepped into the sports room. It was here that I first met Gul Hameed Bhatti, the then Sports Editor. I was instantly put at ease by the burly Bhatti saheb who took me under his wings since the very first day. He was my very first boss and what a boss! I couldnt have asked for a better one... each day proved to be a learning experience for me. And each day I grew fonder of him. The one thing we shared was our passion for sports. It was in between such animated sessions that Bhatti saheb would order a round of drinks followed by lunch and hence it became a routine for us to share our thoughts during lunch time. To those beyond the glass doors it seemed like

we were simply having a great time over tea and samaosas but those were the sessions where I and my colleagues learnt the most. It was here that he passed on all his knowledge and experience to us. When I joined The News, he was the one who taught me how to make even a minor beat like squash look exciting. He was an excellent team leader. As a cricket statistician his credentials were unmatched. He never really played any sport himself but it was his love for sports and especially for stats that turned him into a doyen of sports journalism in Pakistan. One of the biggest reasons why the sports pages of The News took virtually no time in becoming the best sports pages of Pakistan was Bhatti saheb himself. He had the vision and the technical know-how to ensure that this newly established newspaper would transform the way sports was covered in Pakistan. In fact, sports journalism was never the same again once Bhatti saheb at The News set the ball in motion.

Taneem Choudhry
By Sheher Bano

adam, Ill get your articles on Bangladesh fed in your folder on Sunday, so that when you come on Tuesday, you wont have any problem in making the supplement, these were the last words which echoed when I read the news of Taneem Chaudhrys (Marketing Executive of The News), drowning. Young, energetic and dy-

namic, Taneem became very popular in a short span of 8 months after joining The News marketing team. Hailing from a Bengali family and a Sagittarian by birth, Taneem was touchy, sensitive and a lively person to the core. While marketing seems rather a tough and stressful job to many, Taneem found a very refreshing break by composing poems. He alway expressed his love for Bangladesh, and co-incidently his last assignment was none other than the same favourite topic-a report on Bangladesh for which he did all the marketing before leaving for his eternal journey.

Remembering Zulekha
By Maheen Usmani

Now when I look back I can say for sure that I knew two different Gul Hameed Bhattis. Firstly the one whom I met on my first day at The News the jolly, affable boss who was the reason I never paid heed to other job offers. Even when he fought the long battle with cancer he never lost his wit. He was a changed man after the demise of his beloved wife Razia Bhatti. Although the laughter was still there, however, it did not have the ring of merriment the way it had always been. One could sense there was much pain hidden beneath that jovial veneer. He once confessed to me that the only reason why he managed to carry on were his kids Sara and Kamil who he doted on; as well as his passion for sports, cricket in particular. He could keep on talking about his kids for hours on end with a twinkle in his eye. The reason of his being was now his kids... and then of course his work that he threw himself in completely. Its been one year since Bhatti saheb left us. I still remember him during his last days in hospital but I would much remember the burly and jovial Bhatti saheb who had welcomed me on my first day at work. Life they say goes on... sure it does but it leaves some bitter traces in its wake. Bhatti saheb will always be an inspiring figure for us at The News. His legacy will live on.

She walks in beauty, like the night Of cloudless climes and starry skies; And all thats best of dark and bright Meet in her aspect and her eyes. nlocking the door to my bittersweet memories of Zulekha amidst Byrons evocative lines, my heart skips a beat. Despite the passage of years, there will always be a special place in my heart for my dear friend, zany colleague, biggest supporter and noisiest cheerleader. Spontaneous, gregarious, fun-loving and intelligent, Zuli always made time for people despite her frenetic schedule as a sub-editor and then a reporter at The News. An environmentalist to the core, Zulekha was very concerned about the extinction of the Houbara Bustard as oil rich potentates were being given the license to hunt them down and devour them for their aphrodisiac powers. She wrote extensively on the topic. Zulekha detested black polythene bags and insisted on her purchases being bagged in anything but those ugly things. Her crusading spirit led her to confront the trucks that would regularly lift sand from the beach. Initially, I would be horrified as she would challenge perplexed truck drivers at the beach, but her steely determination brooked no interference. Soon, I found myself joining the solitary fearless figure squaring up against the unscrupulous elements of our society. Zulekha wanted to become CNNs correspondent in Washington D.C and I have no doubt she would have outclassed Christiane Amanpour any day! On August 14th1993, Zulekha drowned while trying to save a young neighbour who had fallen into the raging sea. There was so much so much joie de vivre, so much talent, and so much passion in my sparkling and courageous friend. How I wish I could have grappled her to my soul with hoops of steel. But then as Omar Khayyam puts it so aptly: The Moving Finger writes; and, having writ, Moves on: nor all your Piety nor Wit Shall lure it back to cancel half a Line, Nor all your Tears wash out a Word of it.

Danish Naseem
By M Oonib Azam

he great Iqbal Jaffery was a misunderstood man. Most in our community remained at bay from him fearing he would snub one if tries to get closer to him. However, experience and observation taught me that the fear was totally baseless. Before getting a chance to work with Jaffery Saheb, I got an opportunity to get closer to him in the late eighties. I was working for Democrat Islamabad in its Karachi bureau located at the Bombay hotel building at the corner of I.I. Chundrigar Road. My office happened to be right next to Jaffery Sahebs office. He was kind enough to offer me to use his office facilities if there was a problem of any kind. I also had the privilege of having access to his

By Zarar Khan

well-stuffed refrigerator all the time. Iqbal Jaffery was very humble, kind, a good teacher. He was a professional par excellence and a very fine fatherly figure. He would help people in their private problems. He was a generous human being who helped some deserving people financially. I had the opportunity of seeing all this while I was working under his supervision at The News for about a decade. Jaffery Saheb was a straight-forward, outspoken man and a critic to those who did the odd things out. This got him his widely-known reputation of an angry and strict man. Although Jaffery Saheb seemed to be cold and tough on the outside, he possessed a genuinely humane personality.

anish Naseem, an energetic 27-years-old, joined The News in 2003 as an office boy. Due to his hard work, sincerity and dedication he was promoted to the position of a Terminal Operator. On November 1, 2010 he had a fatal heart attack on his way to work. His sudden death was an immense shock to The News team. He is well remembered by the colleagues who always found him to be a sweet and friendly person.

More Obituaries on page 72

By Asim Hussain

Syed Ahmad Shah Bokhari

n awesome staff member at The News was Syed Ahmad Shah Bokhari, popularly known as SA Bokhari. A senior sports correspondent of The News, he died of cardiac arrest inside the office on May 1, 2007, at the age of 72. A good hockey playerturned umpire, SA Bokhari was a cool and e a s y going fellow who was very comfortable with all the co-workers irrespective of their ages and status. Despite being senior to all of his colleagues, he never showed any reservation in mixing up with them. Sportsmen have the best spirit to live in life! he always said and well abided by this, working hard to provide for his family. He was always calm and collected as he worked on his stories or talked about different sporting events taking place around the world and in the country. Born in Amritser, India, in 1935 to a school head-master of a noted Syed family, SA Bokhari migrated to Pakistan with parents in 1947. He began his career in National Bank of Pakistan as junior clerk and retired as senior Audit officer after 27 years. He began his journalistic career in early 70s with The Sun, then moved to other leading English papers like The Muslim, The Nation, and joined The News Lahore in 1999. To his friends, SA Bokhari was known as a selfmade man who kept working multiple jobs throughout his life. For his five sons and one

daughter, SA Bokhari was a very hard working, loving and caring father who used to do three jobs simultaneously for a long time to cater to the needs of his family. However, SA Bokharis widow had some reservations regarding the care taken by the organisation her husband worked for. She rued the fact that the lift was non-functional on the fateful day and Bukhari had to climb four stories. This stressed his heart and led to cardiac arrest. She further said that due compensation should be given to his children as he died on the job.

ate examples from other countries and cultures to fit in the situation. He would never miss a chance to make witty comment on anything happening around in the office or on the media. He was loved for that quality and will always be missed by all his colleagues. For his four daughters and one son, he was a loving father, a trusted friend, a wise teacher, who had loved and guided them at every step of their lives. He did multiple jobs for providing the best livelihood to his children, teaching in different private institutions

Amin Malik
he News still remembers Professor Amin Malik, the Re-write Editor. A jolly and witty fellow, he always created a lively environment in the entire news room with his humour and innuendoes. His job made him the ultimate life saver for everyone in the newsroom looking for an appropriate word or phrase to fit in the right place in his story or the headline. Born in Lahore in October 1945 in a middle class family, Amin Malik had to work hard to achieve higher education. He worked for Pakistan Navy for four years after matriculation and then later on in Government Printing Press. Finally he succeeded in achieving masters in English from Government College Lahore and was appointed as lecturer of English at Government College Gujranwala. After serving for five years, he was transferred back to his hometown of Lahore in Government College Bhagwanpura. An avid reader of English literature, Prof Amin Malik had a penchant for writing and joined The Nation in late 80s as Quality Editor. He joined The News Lahore in 2000. He was a kind and witty fellow who loved to talk on any issue at hand and cite appropri-

ay back in the 90s, it was quite a sight to see a tall whitehaired man in his late 50s walking casually into the news room with a cigarette in hand, humming a popular old Indian song. The moment he stepped in, the news room became alive. As he passed by, everyone greeted him, some of those who are on the far corners even shouted greetings at him, and he replied to all of them with a broad smile and exchanged pleasantries. The man was Imtiaz Sipra, the Editor Sports in Lahore and among the pioneer team of The News. Sipra held many distinctions not only in journalism but in various sports. He could write with complete authority on all kinds of sport played and reported in Pakistani press. His command over language and variety of his expression in reporting a variety of indoor and outdoor games was simply enviable for even those who were honoured teachers of the English language. His proficiency in writing on every kind of sport played in the world was simply unquestionable. Besides sports, he frequently wrote comments and diaries for city pages and magazines on a variety of subjects like, history, culture, society, arts, books etc. Titles of his famous columns like Cricket Cooing, Lahore Lahore Aye, and Sipra Special were most liked by the readers of The News. However, his real asset was his friendly personality and jovial behaviour that won him friends from every age group. He kept smiling for most part of the day and one hardly saw him looking grim. When he was not smiling, he was either humming a song or sharing some joke with fellow workers. Sipra was a well traveled man and had interesting anecdotes to share that gained popularity over time. He often talked about his beloved wife whose tragic death in the mid-80s left him shocked as he was left alone to take care of his two daughters and a son. Adnan Sipra, his only son, is also a journalist who works for a foreign news agency. His daughter Ambreen Sipra works in an advertising agency. Imtiaz Sipra died on 3rd July, 2001 due to a massive cardiac arrest at his residence. By Asim Hussain

The sporty Sipra

in the evening and newspapers in the night. Abdullah said that his father worked hard and during this struggle he ignored his own health that caused him asthma and diabetes. Due to asthma Prof Amin Malik used to walk slowly. When the elevator was not working he had to climb the stairs, taking rest after every flight to adjust his breath. He suffered a cardiac attack on one such unfortunate day when the elevator was not working and died while being taken to the hospital.

Mohammad Najeeb
By Shahina Maqbool

A friend and a colleague

By Shahina Maqbool

The kind and generous Khalid Akhtar

Syed Qamar Abbas

ohammad Najeeb, former Editorin-Charge of the Rawalpindi edition of The News International, was a prominent senior journalist and a much-valued friend of the media community till he died of sudden cardiac arrest on January 22, 2009, at the age of 41 years. Najeeb started his journalistic career as a sub-editor with The News International in 1991. He was a popular figure in the newsroom and his ready wit and gentle demeanor endeared him to many. Najeeb remained the editor of News Network International (NNI), Pakistans first private news agency, for four years till 2000. He had since been writing on Indo-Pak issues, politics and peace for Indo-Asian News Service. He also worked on development issues and remained associated with TheNetwork for Consumer Protection for 18 months in 2002-2004. Throughout that career, Najeeb had mentors, starting with his schoolteacher David Wyllie, who forced him to write for the school magazine in grade 8; Habibur Rehman Sidiqui, who pushed him into a radio programme Science ki Duniya; and D. Shah Khan at The News who, according to Najeeb, taught him the first lesson in journalism in the following words: Tell people what you know and do not bullshit about what you dont know. Najeeb switched over from active media to media development, and firmed-up a media development organisation, trying to push a change in practices at the media ownership level on the one end of the spectrum, and capacitybuilding of working journalists on the other. He worked long hours, trying to introduce reform at the entry, policy and institutional levels. He would individually mobilize media persons and try to coax seniors to train the younger lot. He was tuned to the dynamics of media, and was one of the few people who were trying to give back to the profession. Najeeb was someone who was translating into action, what so many others merely say. Najeeb is survived by his wife and three sons Saad (12), Hassan (10) and Sheheryar (5).

ne of the most valued members of the pioneering team of The News, Syed Nadeem Hussain died of cardiac arrest in Toronto, Canada, on June 4, 2007. Nadeem started his career with The News in 1991 and was part of the team that launched the publication. Within a year of joining the newspaper, the then-editor Dr Maleeha Lodhi promoted him first as shift in-charge and later as night editor because of his sharp news sense. The urge to break free from the stressful, deadline-oriented routine compelled Nadeem to join another publication as a reporter three years later. His encyclopedic knowledge and grace of expression made him prominent within a couple of years as he wrote investigative news related to politics and development issues. As a political correspondent, Nadeem paid attention to the development of democratic institutions in Pakistan - especially the political parties. Once during the 1993 election campaign, he said if the political parties failed to democratise themselves, there is every possibility of the country facing another long haul of military dictatorship. Nadeem was a popular figure in the newsroom. He endeared himself to colleagues and friends for his affable disposition and sense of humour, among several other qualities of head and heart.

Rana Muhammad Khalid, Editor Jang Online

Syed Qamar Abbas

ana Muhammad Khalid, a senior journalist and the editor of Jang Online, passed away following a brief illness. Rana Muhammad Khalid, who stepped into journalism about 20 years ago, was an active journalist and an untiring worker of the movement for journalists rights. He leaves behind a widow, a son, and two daughters. At the time of his death he was working as Editor of the online edition of The News.

eteran journalist Khalid Akhtar, Editor Coordination and Production of The News, breathed his last at the PIMS hospital, Islamabad, on 23rd September, 2005. Khalid Akhtar has worked for The New Times (1973-1978), The Muslim (19781998). His last held position in The Muslim was Executive Editor. He joined Pakistan Observer in 1998 as Editor and remained there till 2001. He joined The News on April 11, 2001 as Editor Co-ordination and Production and held the same position till his death. Khalid Akhtar was a man of multiple qualities both as a human being and as a journalist. He was kind, generous and a thorough gentleman. His relatives, friends and juniors always found him ready to help them in their times of need. He helped many poor people to get employment. During the 21year association with the seasoned journalist, this scribe always found him helpful on personal matters. Similar is the experience of his other colleagues and friends. Khalid Akhtar had a lot of friends because of his receptive nature. He was an honest man and never used his clout as a journalist for his personal gains. He felt deeply for the poor in the society. He was also pained whenever he came to know about any incident of cruelty, sectarianism or terrorism in the country in particular and around the world in general. Khalid Akhtar represented the rare, diminishing class of senior journalists who believed in hard work, honesty and professionalism. He was very much accommodative and always preferred to solve problems of others. He, however, talked little about his own problems and sufferings. He was a teacher for many journalists, who are at present contributing to the profession. He was also a very good writer. In The Muslim he used to write a weekly column, Spectrum, which was widely read. He also wrote many comments in The News. His writings depicted his hold on both national and international affairs. He always highlighted just causes in his writings. Khalid Akhtar also used to write commentaries for Radio Pakistan. He had also written a book on Afghanistan but it remained unpublished.

The News Special Report, February 2011

66
2006
November 27

TWENTY YEARS OF THE NEWS 2011 WITNESS TO HISTORY

2006
November 28
s Nuclear envoys from North Korea, China

2006
December 1
s 2006 Asian Games are officially opened

2006
December 8
s Nintendo Wii is released in Europe

s Michael Grade, the Chairman of the

BBC, is hired as the new boss of its biggest rival ITV

and the United States meet to discuss North Koreas nuclear program

November 28
s Pope Benedict XVI arrives in Turkey at

November 30
s The 2006 Atlantic hurricane season

the start of a four day tour that has sparked protests

officially ends with a total of nine storms having formed

by Qatari emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani at the 50,000 seater Khalifa Sports Stadium in Doha, Qatar s Felipe Caldern becomes the President of Mexico

December 10
s Incumbent Igor Smirnov wins the

presidential elections in the selfdeclared state of Transnistria

The News: Fresh, youthful and aggressive, approach

Ques: Can you recall the difference The News made when it launched ? Ans: The emergence of The News in 1991 brought a fresh perspective. Its roots in the Jang Group gave The News an immediate edge. Since then indepth reporting and content are strong points that The News has built its reputation upon. Ques: How do you see the content, news reporting, and investigative reporting of The News compared to other English language newspapers in the country? Ans: Im a firm believer in the freedom of the press and The News has been a champion in this respect. Ques: The News introduced the concept of creative print advertising in Pakistan. Do you recall any campaign where a customised creative solution earned you and your brand extra value? Ans: The News and IAL jointly pioneered the concept of creative advertising in print with their campaign for P&G Pampers in Pakistan. It was a highly effective campaign for us and our prestigious client. Ques: How has the Jang Group in general and The News in particular made a difference in the lives of all the Pakistanis who want to be informed and updated about all the local and international happenings? Ans: The Jang group, along with The News, has been very successful in achieving their goal of bringing true and unbiased reporting to the general often than not there is hardly any meaningful follow up on these investigative reports beyond the first couple of weeks. I think this is true for the entire spectrum of Pakistani newspapers whether English or Urdu. Ques: How do you see economy of Pakistan ? Ans: The economy of Pakistan has been going through a tough time. However, it is heartening to see Pakistani youth help their flood affected brothers. Hopefully, they will lead us to better times. Ques: How would you summarise the change in media in last 10 years? Ans: I think media changed more in the last two years. This is a world dominated by social media and user generated content. I recall having seen a data point that women alone - not teenaged digital natives but in their mid 30s -constitute almost a million Facebook users from Pakistan. Ques: Your comments about the contribution of Jang group in the media environment of the country. Ans: With its daily newspapers, weekly magazines and online properties the outreach and contribution of the Jang Group is undeniable and its impact widespread. Ques: Your message for The News on completing 20 years of its existence? Ans: Warm congratulations. May The News continue to reach and celebrate many such momentous milestones in the future.

The News maintained impartial reporting

Ques: What is your take on Pakistans current economic situation? Ans: The economy is under severe crisis. But a bright future can be anticipated in education, communication and in the fields of telecommunication and IT. Ques: What are the current challenges being faced by our advertising industry? Ans: Mainly the uncertain financial status and declining trend of consumer and services industry which comprises of a major portion of the clientele of an advertising agency. Competition has also risen at the international level. Ques: The last 10 years have seen an enormous media growth with new TV channels and newspapers; what are the challenges and positives of this change? Ans: The options have increased both for agencies as well as for the clients. While the number of TV channels and newspapers has risen today, so has the responsibility of maintaining the standards. The role of an ad agency becomes more complicated as a result since it is the agency that must decide the right media options for its clients. Ques: With the electronic media going through rapid fragmentation, how much does prints extended capacity provides a better solution to your advertising needs? Ans: The electronic media being an effective mode of publicity does not impede the role of print media advertising in any way due to two major factors: firstly it serves as a good presentation to match, can ensure success no matter how tough the competition may be. Ques: How do you see the content, news reporting, and investigative reporting of The News as compared to other English language newspapers in the country? Ans: The News has maintained its principles of impartial reporting and carved a niche with its well-researched investigative stories and made it an obvious leader in the market. Ques: Jang Group and The News have been in the forefront in spreading general awareness about local/global current affairs. How do you think this has made a difference in life of an average Pakistani? Ans: The contribution of Jang Group in creating awareness about current affairs among common Pakistanis is commendable, so much so that it can now be considered the voice of the masses. Ques: Your comments about the contribution of Jang Group to Pakistans media environment? Ans: Jang Group has no doubt created an environment of healthy and positive competition in the field of journalism and media. Ques: Your message for The News on completing 20 years of its existence? Ans: May the 20 successful years of The News be the first of many more . And may it continue to push for solutions to the problems of the average Pakistani.

The News was the original challenger

Ques: What is your take on Pakistans economy? Which sectors/ industries will boom or decline? Ans: The prospects are good, but for the miracle to happen, we have to find a way of rising above the challenges of regional security situation, extremism and militancy. Ques: How do you see the advertising industry of? What are the challenges and positives and how do you foresee its future? Ans: The two trends that characterise our times are globalisation and modernisation. Ques: What are the challenges and positives of the proliferation of TV channels, newspapers, and radio? Ans: The proliferation of media outlets drives quality. Advertisers can take advantage of more differentiated targeting, resulting in more cost-effective communications. This helps their bottom line and whatever helps the clients bottom line is good for the communications industry. Ques: With electronic media going through rapid fragmentation, how much does prints extended captivity provide a better solution to your advertising needs? Ans: Print media has its own strength. I am not particularly unhappy with what you call fragmentation of broadcast and digital - I call it differentiation and I try to leverage it to optimise my clients spend. I dont see broadcast and digital supplanting print in our country in the future. In hindsight, The News was the original challenger - it created a precedent for later market entrants to follow. It also prompted soulsearching at the previously existing newspapers, which worked to the best interest of the consumers, the industry, and the nation. Ques: How do you see the content, news reporting, and investigative reporting of The News as compared to other English language newspapers in the country? Ans: The News is unique in that it has successfully fused its centrist positioning - probably the only English newspaper in our country to deserve that description - with progressive tendencies, aggressive reporting, and populist approach. Ques: Your comments about the contribution of Jang Group in the overall media environment of the country. Ans: Jang Group is doubtlessly the largest media group in our country. The groups populist approach and its tradition of aggressive reporting have together pretty much defined the paradigm for other players. That this paradigm is pro-people and not beholden to the government is largely to credit of Jang Group. Ques: Lastly, your message for The News on completing 20 years of its existence? Ans: Well done and keep up the good work. Only, remember, perfection is an ideal we must continue to pursue at all times.

Ruby Haider
CEO International Advertising Ltd (IAL)

Sohail Aziz
CEO Message Communications

Nadeem Akbar
Chairman and CEO of Midas Communications

uby Haider joined IAL/Saatchi & Saatchi in 1998, having most successfully served in a senior management position at the Public Affairs Department at Aga Khan University Hospital for six years. Ruby through her strategically sound ideas can connect with consumers across the socioeconomic strata and help achieve amazing results for the clients. She has an intuitive sense of tapping into the consumers psyche and a wonderful grasp of their needs, desires and aspirations. For Ruby, creativity lies in the ability to connect the seemingly unconnected.

ohail Aziz born in 1959, he shifted to Lahore after early education and graduated from the prestigious National College of Arts. With an interest in the field of Advertising and Communication from the very beginning, he started his own design house which gradually was converted into a fullfledged advertising agency by 2000.

public. The local and national news sections are relevant and effective. The international section is enlightening and broad based and gives a fairly wide perspective of international affairs and news. Ques: What is the biggest strength and weakness of The News? Ans: The biggest strength is the investigative reports. However, more

record and reference for a long period, and secondly the cost of publicity in newspapers is much lower as compared to that on TV channels. Ques: Do you recall the launch of The News in 1991? How do you think it changed the face of Pakistan newspaper industry? Ans: The launch of The News was warmly welcomed with open arms both by the readers as well as in the media industry and created a positive environment for a competition, The News has proved beyond doubt that thoroughness and impartiality in content, with an equally

adeem Akbars association with the advertising industry is a family affair. His father, Ghulam Akbar is a pioneer adman - although he is better known as a journalist and a newspaper owner. He founded Midas in 1981, which today is Pakistans largest indigenous advertising agency. Nadeem studied accountancy and did his Chartered Accountancy training with A F Ferguson & Co. He started his careers in the same field but turn of events later saw him entering the field of advertising and now after over a decade in advertising, he has absolutely no regrets.

Ques: Can you recall the difference The News made when it launched ? Ans: Yes, I recall being pleasantly surprised by the fresh look and feel of the first copy of The News International that I set my hands on back in the day. Its layout, its typography, and its nicely categorized bulk were all very welcome.

The News Special Report, February 2011

TWENTY YEARS OF THE NEWS 2011 WITNESS TO HISTORY

2006
December 17
s Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

67

2006
December 22
s About 60,000 people in Johor, Malaysia

2007
January 1
s Bulgaria and Romania officially join EU.

2007
January 4
s Nancy Pelosi is elected speaker of

offers to share Irans nuclear technology with neighboring countries

have been displaced by the 2006 Malaysian floods

December 19
s Chilean congress approves creation of

December 31
s Saddam Hussain executed

two new administrative regions

Bulgarian, Romanian, and Irish become official languages of the European Union, joining 20 other official languages s The Palestinian factional violence flares up again

the United States House of Representatives, and becomes the first woman to hold that post in the history of the United States of America

Only those who embrace The News investigative Jang Group has always set reporting has no parallel the benchmark in Pakistan change will survive
Ques: What are the challenges our advertising industry is facing today? Ans: Our industry is like Pakistanis cricket team. Looks very good but lacks on the delivery. The basic issue with the advertising industry is the dearth of good talent. Local creative media awards should be instituted to acknowledge local talent. Also training workshops should be conducted on a regular basis to create awareness on global media practices. Also with every passing year, its becoming harder and harder to manage the bottom line as fees and commissions are being cut, which suggests that the historical model of advertising is getting obsolete. Eventually, only those who realise and embrace the change will survive. Ques: From a paltry Rs. 3 billion in 2001, the national industry print advertising industry spending haves grown to Rs. 9 billion today. What do you credit this growth to? Ans: Well its a mix of organic growth, some very creative thinking from newspapers, clients and media agencies. I still remember when Polo was launched in Pakistan; The News had a hole on the front page establishing the unique shape of the product. When Nestle yogurt was launched, the actual stay fresh seal (USP of the brand) was pasted on the front page of The News.. I think it requires courage, creative thinking and willingness to do any creative campaigns in The News which you think added value to a brand? Ans: Many!Last year when we launched Telenor easypaisa, it was dubbed the biggest and most successful campaign of the year. Had we done regular print advertising, it wouldnt have yielded such results. The campaign got amazing feedback Ques: Jang Group and The News have been in the forefront in spreading awareness about current affairs. How has made a difference in the life of an average Pakistani? Ans: Significant! The common man on the road now has at least some opinion whether right or wrong about the current affairs. The Jang group has played a pivotal role in creating an environment that encourages debate and reasoning;, which is good and healthy for the society. Ques: The News is one of the largest newspapers in terms of revenue. What gives it the edge in attracting advertising? Ans: One can talk of reach and, CMP at length but one thing that separates The News is the can do attitude of its management. So good going guyskeep it up! Ques: Your comments about the contribution of Jang group in Pakistans media environment? Ans: Unparalleled! With every passing decade the Jang group has lived up to the expectations of the people and has set new benchmarks of quality and reporting. Ques: Can you recall the time when The News was launched and how would you summarisze your relationship with the publication The News since its inception? Ans: It is a historical fact that The News and BBCL started their exciting and challenging journey simultaneously in 1991. I have keenly followed the giant strides taken by The News over the course of two decades and it fills me with admiration that this illustrious national daily has successfully created a niche for itself among the newspaper readers. It is a testimony of its high stature that the news and stories which are published in The News are taken very seriously in the echelons of power and those who matter in the critical analysis. The News management always has had a caring attitude towards business associates. Time and again they have shown the high esteem in which they keep their clients and going that extra mile for the client to give them service that has helped them develop strong and longstanding relations with their business associates and the corporate world. I would like to applaud The News Management and its staff for all the hard work and courage that they have displayed in the face of adversity. Ques: In your views, what are the major merous pitfalls. The loss of some of its brave reporters in the line of duty is a case in point, but it goes the Groups credit that no amount of threats and arm-twisting has ever deterred them from following the righteous path. In my opinion, the sports coverage of The News is second to none and with the passage of time it has improved considerably. Jang Group successfully caters to the requirements of its diversified audience with creative and practicable solutions to the everyday needs. Ques: We have witnesses a major change in media scene in Pakistan in last 10 years; with this change how do you see the future of newspaper readership and advertising in this medium? Ans: The media environment has undergone a tremendous change during the last few years, but despite intense competition and the restrictions, the newspaper has not only managed to withstand all the challenges, but has also made rapid progress to establish a unique position. Ques: In the end, your message for The News on completing 20 years of its existence? Ans: On this momentous occasion of the 20th Anniversary, I would like extend my sincere wishes to the The News team and the entire Jang Group, and wish them success always. Ques: How did the launch of The News make a difference in the English newspaper category? Ans: It created healthy competition for the only other dedicated English newspaper at the time. The News was open in terms of its creative policies and proffered some great options. It formed a large dimension of advertising and a whole new space for creative expression. Ques: The News introduced creative advertising in Pakistan, do you recall any campaigns where The News customised creative solutions offered you and your brand extra value for money? Ans: Our campaign Jeet Lo Dil for the Samsung Cup. We branded the entire Sports Page of the News for two months during the 2004 India vs Pakistan Cricket matches held in Pakistan. It was done very innovatively and successfully. Ques: In your view, how has The Jang Group in general and The News, in particular, made a difference in the lives of all the Pakistanis who want to be informed and updated about all the local and intl news happenings? Ans: The Jang Group has always been innovative and a reporter of freedom of expression because of which it is the largest media group loved by millions; and has become the primary source of advertising in Pakistan. Ques: How do you see the advertising options when it comes to The cause it reaches the right readership. Ques: How has the media environment changed in last 10 years? Ans: Dramatically! We have seen a boom after boom. We started with private TV channels, and then came cable / satellite TV, private news channels, now FM radio. Very vibrant change and it is continuing. Ques: How do you see the future of newspapers and newspaper advertising with so many TV channels , Internet, OOH and radio also gaining a share? Ans: A quality newspaper will always do well as the education level of readers in the country will only grow more with which youll have more readers. As long as the content of the newspaper changes with the times, the newspaper will always remain an integral part of ones life. Ques: What is the future of advertising in Pakistan? Ans: I really cant say. Times are so uncertain. Ques: Your comments about the contribution of Jang group in the overall media environment of the country. Ans: The Jang Group has always been the primary media, vibrant and innovative. It has always set the benchmark in the media industry of Pakistan. Ques: Your message for The News on completing 20 years? Ans: I congratulate the whole team of The News on the brilliant success and pray for more success in the future. Good luck.

Sarwar Khan
MD of Maxus Pakistan Limited

Pervez Iqbal
CEO & Managing Director of BBCL

Imran Mir
CEO of Circuit DRAFTFCB

arwar Khan started his career with Lintas (now Lowe & Rauf) as a media planner in 1999. In 2004, Sarwar joined Mindshare Pakistan and later moved to Maxus Pakistan, which is a part of WPPs media arm, Group M.

something different that drives the change. The success that print has had over the last ten years is testimony to the fact that if we push the the boundaries, results will come. Ques: How do you see the content, news reporting, and investigative reporting of The News as compared to other English language newspapers in the country? Ans: Well The News is a trendsetter in many ways and has set very high benchmarks for others to follow. I have been an avid reader and the reporting that the newspaper does on different national and international issues is very thorough and insightful. Ques: The News introduced the concept of creative advertising in print in Pakistan. D; do you recall

ervez Iqbal is an illustrious and visionary entrepreneur with almost three decades of professional experience in the field of advertising and marketing. He played a key role in creating phenomenal success stories for brand building and pioneering event management services. He is Vice President PakistanJapan Cultural Association, Director Mind Sports Association of Pakistan and Secretary General Pakistan Hong Kong Business Forum. He also participates actively in the fund-raising activities of IBA Advisory Council.

mran Mir was born in Karachi in 1950 and graduated from the Central Institute of Arts and Crafts, Karachi, in 1971, going on to the Ontario College of Art Canada for his Masters. He returned to Pakistan in 1975 and has never looked back. Imran Mir is considered a Design Guru, renowned artist and pioneer graphic designer. Imran was also part of the team that launched The News in 1991 and now reminiscing, twenty years on, Imran says he is happy and proud to be a part of the newsprint revolution that was The News

strengths of The News and how The News has it lived up to its promise and expectations? Ans: I am extremely appreciative of the investigative reporting, which has absolutely no parallel in the history of Pakistans media industry, and in our intolerable society this sort of reporting does come with nu-

News? How effective is it and are you satisfied with the readership and value for money that you get against your advertising rupees? Ans: It is always open to customized options and freedom of improvement and modernization that excites us whenever we plan our campaigns, thereby making it an integral part of our advertising. The paper is very effective be-

The News Special Report, February 2011

68
2007
January 6
Comilla, Bangladesh

TWENTY YEARS OF THE NEWS 2011 WITNESS TO HISTORY

2007
January 9
s Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe

2007
January 10
s Sudan adopts a new currency; Sudanese

2007
January 12
s China and Russia veto a United States

s At least 40 people die in a bus crash in

January 8
s Russian oil supplies to Poland, Germany,

and Ukraine are cut as the RussiaBelarus energy dispute escalates

calls for closer international co-operation against a nuclear North Korea s Apple Inc CEO, Steve Jobs announces the iPhone

pound replaces the Sudanese dinar s Following the 2006 general election, Daniel Ortega becomes the new President of Nicaragua, replacing Enrique Bolaos

drafted United Nations Security Council resolution that would have urged the government of Myanmar to stop human rights abuse and the repression of political opposition

The contributions of The News are countless

Ques: Since its launchhow The News has made the difference in the English newspaper category? Ans: At the time of its luanch,The News was well received by readers of the English language category because it presented a very good alternative to the prevailing offering. Ques: How do you see the content, news reporting, and investigative reporting of The News? Ans: When youre making comparisons in the top end of any industry, generally, the differences tend to be more subjective rather than objective. In Pakistan, as with other parts of the world, newspapers have a definitive style of their own and their reporting and presentation follows this style. The News investigative reporting is one of the best. Ques: The News introduced the concept of creative advertising in newspapers in Pakistan. Do you recall any of your campaigns where The News offered you a customiszed creative solution for your money? Ans: Argus was one of the first, if not the first, agencies to place advertising that broke the rules of placement. We had placed an ad for Yellow Pages that was a triangular half page ad. It wouldnt have been possible without the support and enthusiasm of The News team. Ques: How Jang Group and The News have made a difference in the lives of Pakistanis ? Ans: The contributions ing, how do you see the future of newspapers in general and advertising in newspapers in particular? Ans: The electronic media, particularly the interactive media, is increasingly becoming popular for obvious reasons. However, print advertising carries its own value that will not diminish, at least not in the time to come. Ques: What is the future of advertising in Pakistan? Ans: The market is growing and so are the agencies. Clients and budgets have suffered from the recent recession but the mushrooming growth of agencies and design houses shows that the sector has potential. Ques: Your comments about the contribution of Jang Ggroup in the overall media environment of the country. Ans: Jang Group is a very significant part of the media environment of the country - I think that alone says a lot about the positive and invaluable contributions made by the group in the industry. Ques: Your message for The News on completing 20 years of its existence? Ans: On behalf of the Argus team, congratulations on completing 20 years of excellent newsmanship. As we look forward to another 20 years of excellence from The News, we are confident that the spirit with which the newspaper was launched will continue to be the guiding light for its people.

The News is a fresh alternative

Ques: How do you see the current economic situation in the country? Ans: Pakistan never had its own economy, its always borrowed economy. No one can really predict which sectors would grow or decline in the future with the state we are in. But, whoever survives these conditions would bear the fruits of tomorrow. Ques: How do you see the current challenges being faced by the advertising industry? Ans: I blame the forefathers of Advertising that they never invested in developing good advertising HR. They got involved in just grabing business, rather than making it a profession. The future is not bright for creative advertising industry. Unless, the media and the agencies come together to give a platform; maybe an advertising institute to groom the HR. Ques: What are the challenges and positives of the proliferation of so many TV channels, newspapers, and radio? Ans: In the first place, we shouldnt have so many newspapers and TV channels. It is not providing any benefit. It is chaotic. Clients are now looking for alternate media to reach their customers because of this clutter. Except for a few, not all clients can afford to make their presence felt in such a clutter. Ques: From a paltry 3 billion in 2001, national paper. However, since the media spend is declining the selection has to be on pure merit. Another important factor is change in the habits of the consumers. Now, the reader is not looking for news, the news reaches to him. Ques: Do you recall the time when The News was launched in 1991? How do you think The News has changed the face of Pakistan newspaper industry in general and English newspapers in particular? Ans: I do recall when The News was launched. It became famous for its basant events. Colour printing has always been and still is its weak point. Its magazines and specific sections were its strengths. Others are now offering much more than what The News is offering. Now, it needs to reorganise and come up with a different feel; which Jang Group is famous for. Ques: Do youy have a message for The News on completing 20 years? Ans: It turned 20 in a very difficult time. With the change in our societys media habits, it has to keep readers attached. There is a shift towards other options (not newspapers) for an English reader to find content of his choice. The News has always been a strategic partner and I expect it to come up with something new for retaining and adding readers, and advertisers for the next 20 years.

Jang Group is a torchbearer of media in Pakistan

Ques: Since its launch 20 years ago, how The News has brought a change in the Pakistans newspaper industry? Ans: Launching of The News in February 1991, was a smooth beginning as the inaugural issue, quite a voluminous one, was printed on glossy paper. It was well taken and regarded as a glamourous launch. Ques: How do you see the content, news reporting, and investigative reporting of The News over the years? Ans: At a time when English dailies were enjoying regional monopolies, the appearance of The News came as a good omen with quality of its reporting in all the beats of journalism, in general and investigative in particular. Ques: How has the Jang Group in general and The News in particular made a difference in the lives of all the Pakistanis who want to be informed and updated about all the local and international news happenings? Ans: Jang Group, beyond doubts, is the largest media group of Pakistan with a well decorated reputation for its wide circulation, quality of journalism and saddled with latest techniques in the art and sciences of mass communication, opinion building and change management in the socio-economic, cultural and advertising arenas. This strength of the group, naturally finds a media still has it place and value. Reading has no substitute. TV advertisements inspire children or teenagers more. Internet accessibility is limited and the users focus remains on the subject and not on the popping up ads. Radio is seldom tuned and OOH in this fast moving age and traffic flow often escapes attention. Newsprint still maintains its importance. Ques: What is the future of advertising in Pakistan? Ans: Advertising is one of the indicators of any nation`s economic condition. Unfortunately, advertising these days is under a fierce competition because of not so good economy. Ques: What is the contribution of Jang Group in the overall media environment of the country? Ans: Jang Group is the torch bearer of media in Pakistan and thus has a pivotal role in creating public awareness, and guiding & where necessary, checking the governments. Ques: Your message for The News on completing 20 years? Ans: The News has to its back, the largest print and electronic media group with an excellent history of positive courageous and corrective journalism. Keep it up for building the image of the country, well-being of its masses and steering it to a path of stable economy. My best wishes for a still better time for The News.

Maqsood Ansari CEO of Argus Advertising

Jamal Mubtasim CE, Velocity Marketing and Communications

Akbar Ali Managing Director, Mass Advertising (Pvt) Ltd

aqsood Ansari founded this agency 30 years ago and has been running the agency since then. Over time, Argus Advertising has grown from being a full service agency to include publishing, out of home advertising and other marketing related avenues.

of the Jang Group and The News as well as Geo are countless. Ques: What in your view is the biggest strength and weakness of The News? Ans: The strength of The News is the place it created for itself when it was launched but I fear that their hold on that position may be weakening. Ques: How has the media environment changed in last 20 years? Ans: Its a new world. Thats all that needs to be said! Ques: With so many TV channels and with Internet, OOH and radio also gaining their share of advertis-

amal Mubtasim started his career in 1982 when he joined United Advertisers, Karachi as media assistant and since then he is in advertising, a profession he truly loves. Hs passion got polished at Interflow. Velocity is the result of his years of experience. It was made possible, because he stayed with one profession and he is still loving it!

kbar Ali is the Managing Director of Mass Advertising (Pvt) Ltd which is one of the premier ad agencies in Pakistan in existence since 38 years.

industry print advertising spend has grown to 9 billion today. What do you credit this growth to? Ans: It was not a realistic growth. It happened due to the invasion of telecoms in this region. It is now on a decline. Ques: With electronic media going through rapid fragmentation, how much does prints extended captivity provide a better solution to your advertising needs? Ans: Print media helps you to reach your target audience as there is a clear identification of the reader of a certain news-

conspicuous reflection in The News as well. About Jang Group`s loyal contingent, it can be said that they are Stuck to their guns in Jang Ques: What in your view is the biggest strength and weakness of The News? Ans: Backing of the largest group is the strength that The News inherited and developed further through the efforts of its able and agile journalists and marketing team. Weakness comes with age; The News is a young publication still looking up front. Ques: How do you see the future of newspapers in general and advertising in newspapers in particular? Ans: Despite all sors of scientific discoveries and developments, print

The News Special Report, February 2011

72
2007
January 13

TWENTY YEARS OF THE NEWS 2011 WITNESS TO HISTORY

2007
January 15
s Barzan Ibrahim al-Tikriti, former Iraqi

2007
January 16
s Pakistani cobra helicopter gunships

2007
January 21
s Sharif Ahmed, a leader of the defeated

s Martial law is declared in Somalia s A major earthquake measuring approx

8.2 magnitude hit NW Pacific Ocean

January 15

In The Line Of Duty

Ecuador, replacing Alfredo Palacio

s Rafael Correa becomes President of

intelligence chief and half-brother of Saddam Hussein, and Awad Hamed alBandar, former chief judge of the Revolutionary Court, are executed by hanging in Iraq

destroy 3 suspected terrorist compounds in South Waziristan killing 8 people

January 18
s Two killed in the Jumeirah Lake Towers

fire in Dubai

Islamic Court Union, surrendered himself to Kenyan police. s U.S. election 2008: Bill Richardson, currently the Democratic Governor of New Mexico, announces his candidacy for president.

By Rahimullah Yusufzai

hared experiences over the last two decades are etched in the memories of all those who served at the Peshawar Bureau of The News International including the memory of Musa Khankhel, who was the district correspondent for both The News and Geo TV in Swat. He was brutally murdered in early 2009 by unknown people while covering the procession of the founder of the Tanzim Shariat-i-Mohammadi (TNSM) Maulana Sufi Mohammad, who at the time was travelling from Mingora to Matta as an ally of the government to restore peace in Swat. The killers executed the young Musa Khankhel after kidnapping him from Matta. He lost his life in the line of

duty. It was the first targeted killing of a journalist in Swat even though three other journalists had died in incidents of violence in the valley before him. Musa Khankhel used to tell his colleagues at The News International that he will be killed for his work as a journalist in Swat. He was right because there was no other reason or motive for his assassination. Being a fearless man and, at times, headstrong, he had made many enemies during the course of his journalistic

career. He was totally committed to journalism. For him it was a 24-hour job, ready to file a story or give a beeper to the television channel anytime anywhere. Musa Khankhel was advised to be careful about his security, though one knew it was futile because journalists cannot hide or keep bodyguards if they want to do a proper job. He was armed with a camera, mike and a pen only when gunmen seized him and shot him dead. As was to be expected, there has been no investigation of his murder. There are suspicions, but the killers havent been identified and no effort made to apprehend them. In the climate of fear that pervades the conflict areas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the adjacent tribal areas, it is risky even to point fingers at some individual or organization for a murder. Esa Khankhel replaced his brother Musa Khankhel as the correspondent

for both The News and Geo TV. Despite the tragedy, the family decided not to end its association with the media. Following is the list of journalists and other staff members who remained associated with The News in Peshawar . Most are familiar names in journalism and are known to readers, listeners and viewers. It is possible that a few names are missing from the list, but this would be an oversight and not something deliberate. Ibrahim Shinwari, Gul Karim, Syed Haider Shah, Behroz Khan, Nadeem Yaqoob, Haroon ur Rashid, Ismail Khan, Mohammad Ali Khan, Ghulam Dastageer, Javed Afridi, Amir Mohammad Khan, Abdullah Jan, Abdur Rahim Khan, Qaiser Afridi, Daud Khattak, Hasan Khan, Shabbir Hussain Imam, Kashmir Khan Afridi, Quraysh Khattak, Ayesha, Riffat Rani, Raza Khan.

Gone but not forgotten

By M Oonib Azam

Manzoor Ahmad
anzoor Ahmad was one of the earliest employees of The News. Born on May 21, 1954, he joined the publication on Decemb e r 2 0 , 1992. Initially he worked at the Admin Department as a typist. He was then made a store keeper of the Material Management De-

partment and was later moved to the Value Added Service Corporation. He died on May 6, 2008 at the age of 50. Ahmad was a trust worthy and loyal employee. He was very punctual and devoted toward his work. Furthermore, he was an affectionate and down to earth person.

Sheikh Muhammad Aslam Nana Gola

Sheikh Muhammad Aslam Nana Gola was working as Senior Sub-Editor in the Post Publication Cell. He joined the organisation on February 11, 1991. He was among the pioneering members of The News. His job was to check the quality of the content of The News. He used to directly report to Mir Shakil-ur-Rehman after analyzing the whole newspaper daily. He was highly soft spoken, co-operative and humble with all his colleagues. He was so devoted toward his work that he departed from this world while he was working in the office. He died in 2007. Services of such individuals for the organisation will always be praised and remembered.

Abdul Raziq Syed

Abdul Raziq Syed was among the pioneering members of The News team. He joined the organisation on August 28, 1 9 9 1 . Working as Senior SubEditor in the newsroom, he was a hardworking, down to earth person and a thorough gentleman. He was one of the most responsible and devoted employees of The News. His enthusiasm and passion for work inspired many among his colleagues and mates. In 1999, Raziq Syed sahib left for his final abode. He will be sorely missed by his colleagues and friends. .

Rafiq Jabir
Rafiq Jabir joined The News on November 5, 1990 few months before the launch of the paper. He used to work as an Editorial Consultant on the Business Desk. He was a leading economic and commerce reporter and analyst who wrote articles and features on various current economic issues. He excelled in stock market reporting and had very authentic opinion on the capital market. He was a diligent and amiable person who was liked by his colleagues. He died on November 12, 2006.

Muhammad Mateen
Muhammad Mateen was among the most senior staff of The N e w s . Working as a Steno/ Secretar y in the mar-

Khaurshid Alam

n 2010, The News lost Khurshid Alam, a Senior Sub-Editor on the National Desk, who died of heart failure. Khurshid Alam had joined The News in late 1990 and diligently worked for the newspaper till his death. All along, he stayed on the National Desk. Khurshid Alam was an experienced sub-editor, whose presence ensured quick and accurate copies. He handled his job meticulously and with great conscientiousness. But most of all, he is remembered for his good temperament. Whenever he landed in The Newsroom, he went to all colleagues present there, loudly greeted them and shook hands, infusing warmth and congeniality in the relationship. No matter how tense the situation was, with a smiling Khurshid Alam, tensions melted and the newsroom was enlivened by his presence. You will be sorely missed Khurshid Sahib. Abbas Rizvi

keting department, his proficiency in work was commendable. He possessed a quiet personality and always loved working diligently, without wasting time in any unconstructive activities or sitting idle. On September 16, 2007, this hardworking and sincere employee of The News left this world. He will always be remembered by the organisation for his honesty, passion and hard work.

Aziz Munshi
Aziz Munshi was one of the most mellifluous individuals of the organisation. He was highly devoted and sincere toward his work. He was the assistant marketing manager of The News London Desk. Around three years ago he died after a brief illness. His death was a great loss to the organisation.

Riffat Hussain Bukhari

Riffat Hussain Bukhari was the senior most driver of The News, who joined the organisation in 1992. He was a well mannered and educated person and h a d brought with him long experience of working in a well reputed organisation of Karachi. While on the driving wheel, he would extend due respect to The News staff traveling with him. It was due to this reason that despite working as driver, he was respected by every one in the organisation. He left for his final abode after a brief illness.

Syed Saqlain
Syed Saqlain was one of the most senior employees of Jang group. His period of service spanned well over more than twenty five years. He was the marketing manager of The News London desk. Due to his kind and humble nature he is still remembered by his colleagues and friends with love. The main feature of his personality was his beaming face. On January 4, 2009, this kind and sweet person left this mortal world.

S M Abdullah
S M Abdullah was another senior employee of The News, who was working here since 1997 as office boy and used to work in the office of President of GEO, Imran Aslam. He was a soft spoken, sympathetic and wellmannered worker. He died in 2010.

Dr Ashfaq Kadri
Dr Ashfaq Kadri started to work as the editor of business and economics supplements in the year 1993. Due to his ingenuity and hold on the subject of economics, he set a trend in economic and business sections of English news papers in the county and made it much more analytical and vibrant. He had a highly generous personality; who ever came in contact with him spoke highly, of him. In the year 1999 he fell seriously ill and couldnt survive and passed away.

The News Special Report, February 2011

TWENTY YEARS OF THE NEWS 2011 WITNESS TO HISTORY

2007
January 28
s YouTubes founder says people who

73

2007
January 29
s Japans oldest person, Yone Minagawa,

2007
January 30
s Windows Vista released by Microsoft

2007
February 3
s at least 135 people are killed and 226

upload their own videos to the site will get a share of the ad revenue s The Undertaker wins the Royal Rumble match earning a title shot at Wrestle Mania 23

114, has become the worlds oldest living person s Azim Isabekov becomes Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan, replacing Felix Kulov

February 2
s Chinese President Hu Jintao signs a

injured in a truck bombing in Baghdad

February 4
s UK authorities incinerate more than

series of economic deals with Sudan, which China has protected from UN sanctions

50,000 turkeys as they are working to contain the bird flu

Nobody in Karachi whistles anymore

By Rumana Husain

as bad as it is today. In their study The case of Karachi, Pakistan, co-authors Arif Hasan and Masooma Mohib observe that the state did not develop policies that provided support to the private

remember reading, some years ago in The News, Kaleem Omars insightful review Nobody in Karachi whistles anymore. The title had a bitter-sweet taste. Bitter, as it reminded me of my conversations with an ex-colleague who maintained that people in Karachi are a morbid bunch who just dont laugh heartily, or smile at strangers. And sweet, as the writer reminisced about the good old days, when one often used to hear people whistling a jaunty tune as they cycled home at night after a movie. There is no doubt that the Karachi in which I grew up the Karachi of the fifties, sixties and also the seventies - was very different from the beleaguered city that our two children grew up in. However, come to think of it, what has really changed in the last twenty years? Insecurity and the prevalence of fear has been a steady constant - from the mid-eighties until the mid-nineties, and somewhat similar to the present. The fight for the control of Karachi had started and kidnappings, political assassinations, blasts, attacks, torture cells and stockpiling of automatic weapons were the order of the day. There were numerous incidents in which our family came face to face with ugly situations, enough to turn me into a paranoid mother who couldnt let the children cycle around the block, let alone move around in the city on their own, or take public transport. North Nazimabad, where we lived then, boasted good planning, wide streets and boulevards. Nevertheless, we often felt trapped, as there was frequently trouble all around this area. Likewise, millions of people living in the Federal B Area, Nazimabad, and Liaquatabad suffered a tortuous, insecure existence. And all this while people in the PECHS, Defence and some other areas

lived oblivious to our suffering. Our children attended school in the Saddar area, while my husband and I worked across the city from our home. Getting out in the mornings, on the days when it was at all possible, was relatively smooth. But getting back each day was an ordeal: planning a relatively safe route, circumventing the troubled areas and also beating the curfew shut-down time. There was the constant fear of finding the road blocked, or getting caught amidst burning tyres or, worse, in the cross-fire. Burning vehicles, mobs on the streets, police and rangers personnel brandishing their weapons, bullet-pockmarked apartment blocks on our various routes...were familiar features that contributed to our daily trauma. No wonder we became over-protective, hyper-vigilant parents! Come June 2002, and I experienced a bombing real close. This was the powerful car-bomb set off just outside the U.S. Consulate building on Abdullah Haroon Road which killed t w e l v e p a s s e r s b y, wounded more than twenty people and damaged more than fifteen vehicles. I was inside the Consulate building to collect my visa for a forthcoming visit to the US as an invitee of the International Visitors Program. Immediately after the earth-shattering explosion, as the lights went off and we were all thrown onto the floor by the impact of the blast, I had wondered aloud if it was an earthquake. As we recovered from a somewhat dizzied state, with shattered glass all over the place, someone remarked how, as a Karachi person, I could think of an earthquake and not a bomb. 9/11 had come and gone the previous year, the world had changed, and several bomb blasts had already occurred in Karachi. Continuously ruptured by violence, Karachi has cultivated an intimate relationship with terror that grows stronger each day. Violence has specific

implications on the way in which the city is shaped, and in the way it continues to grow. Alex Marshall, a freelance journalist, writes, To build better cities, we must understand and control the forces that shape them so that we may direct them in specific ways in order to fulfill planned outcomes. He identifies transportation as the most obvious, as it literally and physically determines the form that a city takes. The type of transportation infrastructure determines

the size, placement, scale, distribution and density of the other components of the city fabric. Residential areas, commercial and business districts, recreation spaces are all determined by their accessibility and their proximity to each other

and it is the mode and the means of transportation of the city that determines this and moulds the life of its citizens. The public transport system of Karachi has always been inadequate, but it has never been

sector in transport, nor did it have the finances to build an effective public sector owned transportation system. Besides the suburban resi-

dential areas developed in the fifties and sixties such as Nazimabad, North Nazimabad and North Karachi to the north, and the Federal B Area and Gulshan adjacent to these to the east, other large areas such as Gulistan-e-Johar have come up. Korangi, extending eastward to Landhi, has grown substantially, and so has Malir, which has been the land of orchards and vegetable gardens. The presence and contribution of large numbers of people of different backgrounds makes Karachi arguably Pakistans most cosmopolitan city, the only real microcosm of the whole country. These people retain their distinct lifestyle characteristics, although they have begun to blend in and have borrowed from each other. In the process, they have begun to forge a new identity as citizens of this city which is,

first and foremost a business centre, a busy market place. The market has also benefited from Islamisation. This can be traced back to the dramatic swing that took place between the early seventies and early eighties, when the Kalashnikov became a household word. It took a new turn in the nineties due to the Farhat Hashmi phenomenon appealing to the upper and middleclass women. These women first started to cover their heads. Then some of them donned a burqa. But it did not mean they had to settle for a long black gown-like cover. Trendy and fashionable styles of burqa became the rage and are now embellished with embroidery, beads, sequins, colourful stones and what have you. In the trendy boutiques they can cost a tidy sum.
Continued on page 75

Times dont change, men do

Continued from page 61

with its wings extending to Mehmoodabad and PAF Chapter. Unfortunately,70% of the work of this flyover was completed and 30% was still left when my tenure ended. Altogether 35 flyovers and underpasses were built in a short period of four years. In the public health arena, I undertook the expansion of Abbabsi Shaheed Hospital, which had the capacity to cater only 220 outpatients before I became a Mayor. Today it has the resources and the capacity to accommodate 5500 patients daily, free of cost. The facilities include the installation of 28 ventilators, four new Cardiac Hospitals and the largest dental clinic with 100 dental chairs. Altogether, 158 new health facilities were opened for the public. While making flyovers and freeways, I tried my best not to overlook the needs of the people living in the suburbs, in the islands of Baba, Bhit, Sualehabad and Shamspir, within the municipal boundary of Karachi. People have lived there for the past 300 years without clean drinking water. We provided water to 60,000 families, living in these islands. With a holistic approach towards development, I managed to spent Rs 32 billion on 194 water and sewerage plants. We also constructed 110 new projects in rural areas including 5 new dams, 356 Parks, 75 CNG buses a network of 316 roads,116 pedestrian bridges, 35 playground and sports facilities, 2 new snorkels, 17 fire tenders, in Karachi. To manage the

traffic system I constructed the one and only parking plaza in the history of Pakistan, high tech Command and Control Centers were also established, 1339 complain management system in CDGK was launched, 225 bus stops and an intercity bus terminals was also introduced during that short span of time. As part of the health and environment program 1.3 million trees were planted and 38 mechanical sweeping machines were imported to maintain the hygiene of the city It was my earnest desire to bring a paradigm shift in the existing, ailing system of education. For this, I started multiple ventures with public-private partnership in education and completed 451 other educational projects. What hurt me the most, was the fact that no one ever owned Karachi, even Karachiites themselves. I launched I own Karachi campaign in order to create ownership for the city. We involved people from all walks of life especially students and introduced internship programs in schools and colleges. Today, Karachi has turned into a labyrinth of underpasses, flyovers, bridges and freeways. Overseas Pakistanis who visit after a long time, sometimes cant identify it with the Karachi they had left a few years back. At this moment in time, Karachi needs people to carry on with the process of growth and development. It is not only in need of change but people who are agents of change. The writer is exNazim Karachi

The News Special Report, February 2011

74
2007
February 17

TWENTY YEARS OF THE NEWS 2011 WITNESS TO HISTORY

2007
February 23
s Pakistan successfully tests a new

2007
March 6
s Two suicide bombers in a crowd of

2007
March 9
s President Pervez Musharraf suspends

s Singer Britney Spears controversially

shaves her head s At least 66 people die in bomb blasts on the Samjhauta Express travelling from India to Pakistan

version of its Shaheen II missile capable of carrying nuclear warheads

Muslim pilgrims in Al Hillah kill at least 115 people and wound 150

CJ Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry on charges of misuse of authority

March 1
s A human case of bird flu is confirmed in

March 7
s British House of Commons votes to

March 11
s President of France Jacques Chirac

China

make the upper chamber, the House of Lords, 100% elected

announces that he will not be seeking a third term

Bowled over

that moment was a squash player. I got a visa in a couple of hours. The next evening I was at the Zurich airpor t looking for a train to Schlieren, a suburb in Zurich where the Vitis Tennis and Squash Club was the venue for the Super Series Finals. Eyes bloodshot due to lack of sleep and constant travelling, I reached the club after sundown, without prior hotel bookings. Thankfully, I met Jahangir Khan who was pleasantly surprised to see me there. He told me that he had already won his first match and that Jansher was about to begin his opening

By Khalid Hussain

s a kid, I had a lot of dreams. But most of them were about growing up and becoming an astronaut and seeing the whole world from a whole new perspective. I did manage to see the best part of the world, from a lot of different perspectives but not as an astronaut. I grew up to become a sports journalist. I joined The News at the tender age of 17 and fell in love with the fledgling newspaper that changed the way news was reported in Pakistan. Perhaps the biggest change the paper brought about was the way how sports were covered in our country. I was a part of that change. Before The News came out, sports was never on the main course for newspapers. Most of them just dished out a few columns worth of space for sports even though games like cricket and hockey have always been followed passionately in our country. But The News didnt believe in meting out a step-motherly treatment to sports. Its indepth sports pages which were adorned with colourful photos and extensive news from Pakistan and around the world were a pleasant surprise for readers. Within a short span of time, the papers sports pages became one of its stronger points and twenty years later they still are regarded as the best in the country. I joined The News as a sports reporter just weeks after it was launched. I still vividly remember my first day at office, being welcomed by the late Gul Hameed Bhatti, who was the Sports Editor then. Then there were Fareshteh Gati, Rishad Mehmood, Maheen Usmani and

a few others who formed the sports team of The News. On my first day, I was assigned to cover a horse-racing event. I had never been on a race course before and from that day onwards I knew my life would never be the same again. Since then, Ive traveled to all continents of the world except for Antarctica (I hope the ICC launches a cricket on ice tournament there soon!) covering sporting events like the Olympic Games, Crickets World Cup, hockey tournaments, British Open squash and Davis Cup tennis. They say the next best thing to being a sportsman is a sportswriter. So I became one. Now I was paid to see what people pay to see and then get to write about it! Those were still the glory days of Pa k i s t a n sports. Imran Khan was at the helm of the cricket team which in a few years time would go on to win the World Cup. The hockey team was also getting ready for a comeback while Jahangir Khan and Jansher Khan were winning title after titles on the international squash circuit. In 1992, Pakistani sports were on a high as Imrans Tigers won the World Cup Down Under. Later, Pakistan won the Hockey World Cup in Sydney and Mohammad Yousuf clinched the amateur snooker world title in South Africa. With Jansher being the World Open champion, in 1994

West Indies cricket legend Viv Richards (left) gives batting tips to Khalid Hussain (right) in Kingston, Jamaica on the sidelines of the 2007 World Cup Pakistan were world champions in four different games - cricket, hockey, squash and snooker. Initially, my major beat was squash and my first international assignment, out of Pakistan, was the Super Series Finals in Zurich. That was back in 1993 and I was barely out of my teens. It all happened really fast. Initially, the trip was called off because of s o m e sponsorship problem and I felt almost heartbroken. Ive been covering sports for almost three years and each time a trip came my way it was cancelled for one reason or the other. I was a bit angry too. I dont know what happened but the next day I got a call from office and I was going to Switzerland. It was just a day before the championship began so I rushed to the Swiss Consulate which was at that time located next to the Swiss Air office at the Metropole. Thankfully the person at the helm of visa affairs at game soon. He introduced me to the organisers who managed to find a decent motel which I could afford on my meager allowance. It turned out to be a memorable trip. Though Jahangir limped out of the tournament his last international appearance - because of an injury, Jansher went on to win it. I sent back home a lot of stories, some of which were carried on the front page of The News. It was still the early nineties and I did my stories on a typewriter and had to fax them home. Quite tedious, I must say. When I returned home, Bhatti Saheb and Fareshteh were very appreciative of my work. Abbas Nasir called to tell me that I wrote well while Quatrina Hosain said that she used to look forward to my stories firstly because she loved squash and secondly to see whether any of them was good enough for the outer pages. I believe that my debut as an international sports journalist was a success. Just months later, I was sent to cover the 1994 British Open that was played in Wembley, London. Jansher won the title. During those two trips, I became friends with Jansher. He was the world champion at that time and quite an enigma. You could either love him or hate him. Jansher believed himself to be Pakistans best sportsman.

He had his reasons. Jansher is one of the most successful squash players ever with a record eight World Open titles. He was the world number one for a record ten years. But he didnt like the fact that even an ordinary member of the national cricket team was more famous in Pakistan than him. He would never miss an opportunity to make fun of the cricketers. During a flight to London back in the nineties, when Waqar Younis was at the peak of his career, Jansher walked out of his first-class seat to talk to his coach in economy class. He was told that Waqar was also traveling on the plane. Jansher stopped near the fast bowler and said Waqar its so bad that the PIA people give you a economy class ticket and then make you sit near the loo! Jansher then just walked away without listening to what Waqar had to say about it. Uss (Waqar) key shakal dekhnay wali thi! Jansher later told me. Once when we were having tea in Jahangir Khans office at the PIA Squash Complex, Jansher asked Moin Khan - then the Pakistan captain - whether he was a batsman or a bowler! Jahangir told him that Moin was a wicketkeeper. Whats that? Jansher asked Moin, who didnt take too kindly to the comment. Later Jansher told me that he knew Moin but was just pulling his leg. Yeh saray cricketers apnay aap ko bohat samajhtay hain, he said. Also in 1994, I went to Singapore to cover Pakistans Davis Cup match which we won 5-0 against the host nation. Later, I started covering hockey regularly and was lucky enough to cover the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney. No sporting event can match the Sydney Games. They were just out of this world. The city sizzled so did the people making the Games one big party a party of a lifetime! I met with a number of sporting celebrities but the one meeting I would never forget was with the legendary Mohammad Ali. After that I returned to Australia in 2003 to cover a hockey double-header in Perth and Sydney and then again to report on what turned out to be our cricket teams disastrous tour in 2009-10 under Mohammad Yousuf. After the Sydney Olympics, I covered various hockey events including the 2003 Champions trophy in Colgone and the Olympic Qualifiers in Madrid in 2004. During the middle of the tournament, I found myself covering the Madrid bombings that killed almost 200 and left 1,800

injured. The incident took place just a kilometer away from where I was staying in the Spanish capital. But the tournament went on and Pakistan qualified for the 2004 Games. A few months later, I arrived in Athens for the Olympics. The atmosphere was great in the Greek capital but Pakistans hockey team flopped and crashed out of the title race. So, for me Athens was simply incredible. With a VIP pass in my pocket, I chatted and dined with international celebrities. I had my first taste of royalty at the majestic Olympic Hockey Centre when on a pleasant August evening, Pakistan played against Spain in what was seen as a potentially explosive encounter. The match turned out to be a huge disappointment: Pakistanis were blanked out 4-0 by the Spaniards. As the match progressed, I chatted with this elegant Spanish couple sitting next to me. They were both friendly and looked vaguely familiar. We talked about hockey and the two seemed pretty happy with the way their team played the match. They left just before the match ended to catch some other Olympic action and a few minutes later a volunteer came to me and asked, Did you know who they were? I dont know. Probably some big shots from Spain, said I. They were the Crown

final between Amir Khan, the British-born youngster of Pakistani origin, and Cuban star Mario Kindelan. In 2006, I started covering cricket extensively and spent three months in England with the Pakistan team. I was at The Oval when Inzamam-ul-Haq and his players refused to return to the field after tea on the fourth day. They were protesting against umpire Darrell Hairs decision to penalize them for alleged ball-tampering. Pakistan were on the verge of what have been their first Test win on that tour but the match was forfeited and awarded to England. Pakistan was later cleared following an

The News Sport Desk Prince and Princess of Spain, she told me. Wow! I should have known. They seemed familiar because I had seen their pictures splashed in Spanish newspapers when I had travelled to Madrid to cover the Olympic qualifiers earlier that year. Then Prince Felipe and Princess Letizia were about to be married at that time. The IOC guest pass had its perks. Later, sitting next to the legendary American boxer Evander Holyfield, I went on to watch that memorable Olympic ICC probe but the damage was done. That year, Mohammad Yousuf piled up the runs and finally broke Viv Richards longstanding record of most runs scored in a calendar year at Karachis National Stadium. In 2007, I went to the Caribbean to cover the World Cup. It turned out to be a major disaster as Pakistan crashed out at the first hurdle after falling against minnows Ireland. But that news was overshadowed by the death of their coach - Bob Woolmer - the next day.

Woolmer was found lying unconscious in his room at the Pegasus in Kingston and was later declared dead at the hospital. Again in 2007, I traveled all over India as Pakistan played a full series against their arch-rivals under the captaincy of Shoaib Malik. Pakistan lost both the one-day and Test series. I was in England for the 2009 ICC World Twenty20 Championship. Ive seldom felt prouder of being a Pakistani than I did during what was easily one of our finest hours as a nation. It was at Lords on that bright June afternoon that I almost wept with joy as Younis Khan lifted the World Twenty20 trophy with a sea of green swaying to the tune of Dil Dil, Pakistan at the home of cricket. It was an amazing spectacle. Thousands of Pakistani fans, young and old, boys and girls, dancing, singing, crying, hugging the people they knew and even those they didnt. Everybody was just ecstatic. It was certainly one of the high points of my career as a sports journalist. I missed the moment when Imran Khan lifted the 1992 World Cup trophy at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. I was one of the unfortunate ones who covered Pakistans misadventure in the 2007 World Cup and, once the Greenshirts were out of the tournament, had to stay behind in Jamaica to cover Bob Woolmers murder investigations. But all of that was behind me. A few yards away from me were Younis and his men, holding and admiring a well-deserved trophy most doubted they could win. Around them was a sea of roaring green, erupting with pure joy. It was a moment made in heaven! But things can really change within a span of a year. In the summer of 2010, I was back in England and this time it was the spot-fixing scandal involving three of Pakistans leading cricketers - Salman Butt, Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif. As a prepare to leave for Sri Lanka to cover the 2011 World Cup, I wonder whats going to happen in the tournament that run from February 19-April 2 with India and Bangladesh being the other two co-hosts. Ill be following Pakistan and thats one team that can never be predictable. We have done badly in the last two Cups in 2003 and 2007 and cannot afford another failure. For the sake of Pakistan, I hope I will only be sending good news from there! The author is Editor Sports, The News-Karachi

The value of print media to continue

Ques: What are the current challenges and positives of the advertising industry and how do you foresee its future? Ans: The advertising business has a bright future due to economic growth but it has not been organised on scientific lines. Induction of qualified young talent along with ethical business practices are required to set it on the path of development and progress. Ques: What challenges and positives have the new TV channels and newspapers brought about? Ans: The increasing number of TV channels and newspapers is challenging the traditional approach. The future lies in regionalism. We will witness strong local media groups. That will make the job of the advertisers more challenging and will require strong awareness of regional dynamics. Ques: The national print advertising industry has grown from Rs 3 billion in 2001 to Rs 9 billion today. What do you credit this growth to? Ans: The growth of the advertising industry is not proportional to the economic growth. If you subtract telecoms and beverages, we will have a different picture. Medium and small clients have not grasped the importance of media management and advertising yet. Ques: Since The News was launched back in 1991 how do you think The News has changed the face of Pakistani newspaper industry? Ans: The News was supposed to be an English translation of Jang but with lot of conviction, I must admit that it has its own standing among newspapers particularly on is-

Jang group is the catalyst of growth in media

Ques: How do you look at the advertising industry of Pakistan and what challenges do you see cominmg up in the future? Ans: We need more professionals and better human resource to run the show and provide better communication solutions for their clients. TV is still the most effective medium to reach the public. Adopting a nonconventional approach is my tip to the print media. Ques: Your views about the major strengths of The News and how do you see the content, news reporting, and investigative reporting of The News as compared to other newspapers in the country? Ans: Content of The News has a lot to offer to people from all walks of life and when good content is combined with aggressive marketing team, as is case with The News, it becomes a huge strength. Also, with names like Ansar Abbasi, Rahimullah Yusufzai and Babar Cheema, the content and investigative stories of The News put it ahead of the competition. Que: How The News has made a difference in the life of an average Pakistani? Ans: The News is turning into an opinion maker and its investigative reporting and national issues are taken as serious business. Ques: How do you see the contributions made by the Jang Group in the expansion of media in Pakistan? Ans: Jang Group is the

Smart marketing is Advertising needs the key to success are versatile

Ques: In last 10 years we have witnessed an enormous media growth in the country with number of new TV channels and newspapers that has completely changed the media scene; what are the challenges and positives that have come up with this change? Ans: It is a great responsibility now to select from the quantity and quality of electronic and print media options for your clients but again selecting the best alternative and creatively offering strategic segmented placements to keep cost effective is important. The greatest challenge is to utilise time and space in this huge clutter smartly by applying the most appropriate communication tool for your client. Ques: From a paltry 3 billion in 2001, national industry print advertising spending has grown to 9 billion today. What do you credit this growth to? Ans: Of course the new entrants in the telecom sector, banking industry and some national and multinational FMCGs have contributed largely to this growth. Also an increase in the number of newspapers and channels has complimented this growth further. Ques: With electronic media going through rapid fragmentation, how much does prints extended capacity provides a better solution to your advertising needs? Ans: I feel that this fragmentation or division was inevitable- the media explosion and opening of so many new channels had to create a chaos and confusion. While we need to understand that all this is very new to us, my take is now that it has happened. The teething period shall soon Ques: Do you recall when The News was launched and how it has made a difference? Ans: The News has always been a credible source of information, mass awareness, and education. It is also shaped up to be A Voice of Jobs and a Canvass of Advertisements. Ques: How do you see the content, news reporting, and investigative reporting of The News as compared to other English language newspapers in the country? Ans: The News has deep roots in our soil. It speaks the language of Pakistan. Its investigative reporting stands out. Ques: What are the current challenges faced by our advertising industry? Ans: Pakistan today is badly hit with inflation and recession. Effective demand, speaking in terms of economics, has reached to its lowest. When there is a low demand, industries would produce less and consequently will show a scarce presence in media and advertising. When advertising agencies wont get opportunities to exercise their creativity, they would not grow further. Summing up, all I can say is that if you put a big full stop to competition; you will witness widespread decline. Ques: Print advertising spending has witnessed a multifold growth in 10 years. What do you credit this growth to? Ans: Except client budget growth, I give credit to new newspapers and new clients. Quantity has never been a reason for success. It is the quality that makes a big difference. Ques: How have the Jang Group and The News made a difference in life of an average Pakistani?

Brig (retd) Zubair Rehan

CEO of Creative Junction (Pvt) Limited

Rana Rauf CEO of Golden Thoughts Communication

Chaudhry Saeed Akbar Zahid

CEO of Adreach Advertising

fter a successful career in the Army that spanned over a period of 32-years, Brig Zubair joined the advertising business as the Resident Director of MPL Lahore and now fully enjoys working in this field

M Yahya Khan Sadozai

CEO of Enhancerz Communications

sues of national importance. Ques: How do you see the content, news reporting, and investigative reporting of The News compared to other English language newspapers? Ans. The News investigative reporting has an exceptional standard and it has been able to spread awareness amongst the masses. Que: What is the contribution of Jang group in Pakistans media environment? Ans: The Jang Group is a pioneer in the media industry. While it has made significant contribution to further the national and business causes, there is an impending need to patronise and educate the next generation of media persons. Que: Your message for The News on completing 20 years? Ans: I wish to extend this worthy association to the next 200 years. May my great grandsons congratulate you on your bicentenary celebrations.

aving the academic knowledge of advertising and publicity Design (MAP) and practical knowledge of marketing and sales, M Yahya Khan Sadozai started his career as an internee in October 2003 when he joined Evernew Concepts Islamabad and since then advertising has remained his first love.

ana Rauf belongs to Faisalabad. Rauf, secured a job with Orient McCann Erickson in Lahore, immediately after his graduation from the University of Punjab in the early nineties. Since then, he has enjoyed everyday in the field of advertising.

largest media group in the country and has become choice of the masses because of its significant presence in newspapers, TV and online media. Jang group has been the catalyst in the development of media in the country and has done a very important job of bringing unbiased information and news to the people of Pakistan. Ques: Your message to The News on its 20th anniversary? Ans: The News has to continue the job of being the most reliable newspaper to bring information to the people and keep making a difference in the lives of the citizens of Pakistan. Congratulation and Best of Luck .

be over and only the best will remain on the scene. Ques: Since its inception in 1991, how The News has changed the face of Pakistan newspaper industry in general and English newspapers in particular? Ans: In 1991 I was graduating from the University of Punjab. The News was a trendsetter then and gradually with its magazines and quality content gave a whole new concept to the newspaper industry. It is by all means at par with any international quality publication. Ques: How do you see the content, news reporting, and investigative reporting of The News as compared to other English language newspapers in the country? Ans: Excellent content, reliable news reporting,
Continued on page 75

h Akbar describes himself as a down to earth representative of mankind. Ch Akbar is a self made person and remembers his fathers lesson of positivity breeds positivity. He has been associated with the educational sector but having been blessed with a curious mind and a passion to do more, Ch Akbar started his own business. He terms his advertising experience simply GREAT.

Ans: The Jang Group, through its investigative reporting, is doing a marvelous job. People rely on this source for information. It is playing a very important role in strengthening democratic institutions and framing mindset. Ques: What gives The News an edge in terms of attracting advertising? Ans: There are four areas in which The News has excelled: 1) High Circulation 2) Friendly Behaviour 3) Creative Style 4) Affordable rates Ques: Your message for The News on completing 20 years of its existence. Ans: I wish The News more success in the coming years. Honour, dignity and integrity are what I wish for the team.

The News Special Report, February 2011

TWENTY YEARS OF THE NEWS 2011 WITNESS TO HISTORY

2007
March 19
s Airbus 380 makes publicity flight with

75

2007
March 25
s Armenian Prime Minister Andranik

2007
April 1
s Former United States Secretary of Health

2007
April 16
s Virginia Tech massacre: The deadliest

Lufthansa to New York and Chicago

Margaryan dies of a heart attack

March 20
s At least 27 people are killed in a

March 25
s More than ninety people are burnt to

and Human Services Tommy Thompson announces his candidacy for president

April 1
s Zach Johnson wins golfs 2007 Masters

landslide in northern Pakistan following days of heavy rain

death after a fire following a petrol spill in Kaduna State, Nigeria

mass shooting in modern American history. The gunman, Seung-Hui Cho, shoots 32 people to death and injures 23 others before committing suicide

Tournament with a score of 289

Of homeless dogs and home sick diplomats!

robbed it of the right to be called Islamabad the beautiful. At best, we may call it Islamabad the troubled. A generation of retired babus, politicians, journalists, and other professionals have settled down permanently. The city is expanding in area, population and even in what has been its most glaring deficiency-culture! A melting pot of sorts is beginning to shape up Islamabads identity. Food is getting better, markets remain open till late while literary and cultural activities are improving. But the most drastic change has been in the dynamics of power and money. Power is Islamabad was designed as a faade for diplomats who were impressed by its picturesque hiking trails, suburban lakes and scenic Margalla views. It was a grand graveyard of all things bureaucratic- as quiet as Washingtons Arlington cemetery and twice as dead. Politicians and businessmen came here to get things done, given that politics was generally centred in Lahore and business in Karachi. It was said that the local kaala peela loog lived a few kilometres away in Pakistan and only homeless dogs, home sick diplomats and happy drunkards were found here on weekends and holidays. Much has changed since then. Old timers are appalled at the currently emerging cityscape where un-aesthetic monstrosities called high rises are visible, spoiling the once beautiful skyline. Then there are the zigzagging flyovers and depressing underpasses that fail to control traffic jams. Another big eye sore is the replacement of vast stretches of once-upon-a-time green turf with concrete. Half of the city has become a no-go area. Police pickets and sandbag bunkers dot the city and have now concentrated in an organised oligarchy of sorts. Its more like a cabal of people who call the shots no matter which political party may be in power. Call them wheeler-dealers, commission mafia or movers and shakers, this informal club of power brokers is behind every lucrative deal, license, exemption, quota, allotment, transfer and posting. New entrants in the city cannot prosper if they do not become part of what is the permanent establishment of Islamabad-whether they are bureaucrats, businessmen, politicians or pen-pushers. There is a typical group of 500 important fixers that you will find in every function, seminar or party. They transcend party affiliations, ideology or even basic values. Initially, the power brokers were confined to generals, politicians and bureaucrats. The privileged club is now dominated by property agents, NGO bigwigs, media barons, outright criminals. One does not even have to name the shady characters that actually run this country. A criminal turned real estate tycoon who also delves into media rubs shoulders with the mightiest in the Presidency; an owner of a five star hotel chain who is known to invite just the right combination of guests- At the end, the businessman strikes the deal, the bureaucrat facilitates it, the journalists gets the story with a positive angle, the diplomat lends a foreign shoulder and the general ensures that no eyebrows get raised in Rawalpindi. Then there is an illegal bookie who throws a birthday bash that includes the criminal mafia, police high-ups, staff officers to many generals, politicians and of course journalists, not mentioning a bevy of beautiful guests from Russia and elsewhere-now why would we act the party pooper and report it, you tell me. A businessman who has been given the additional charge of running the CDA is known for throwing the biggest new-year bash Amongst the invitees are proclaimed offenders named in mega deals, television bimbos, dirty diplomats and of course the cream of politicians and bureaucrats. Million dollar deals are known to be decided at his table over gambling. Last but not the least is this small time politician with big time ambitions. The fellow has never been elected even as a local councillor but has everybody believing that he is the eyes and the ears of the agencies. His own postal address says Rawalpindi but his clout definitely resides in Islamabad. Many a prime minister is forced to make a pilgrimage to his home tucked amongst others on a non-descript winding road. There may just be 20 or thirty such lairs where the fate of governments is decided. Epitaphs are ready for the outgoing and tailor made sherwanis ready for the newcomers. Hail to this dark world of Islamabad. It is a city which befriends everyone but if you are looking for a friend then it would be better for you to learn the famous quote originally meant for Washington but serves Islamabad equally well: If you want to have a friend in the capital, get a dog! Get one soon! The author is a special correspondent for The News

By Amir Mateen
slamabad has undergone a remarkable change over the last twenty years, not in a good way though. The small laid-back town that Islamabad once was is now only a nostalgic longing. Back then, everybody seemed to know everybody; today, you dont want to know anybody. It used to be a quiet, sleepy town that seemed to have timed its shut down with dusk. Night life was an alien concept as only a few cigarette outlets were found open after midnight. In culinary terms, it was a city without a middle class. You could eat out late at the one five star hotel in town or at dhabbas in Aabpara. The few late nighters like us young hacks (yeah, even we were young once), were known to its sundry populace, particularly the local police. Often the police walas gracefully escorted some of the merry makers amongst us to their homes, lest they cause trouble by venturing into wrong places (A few journalist friends were known for forgetting the way to their homes in their induced happy moods)

Nobody in Karachi
Continued from page 73

Smart marketing is the key

Continued from page 74

Starting from Clifton, Defence, KDA, PECHS and North Nazimabad, this trend has now spread to places like Landhi and Lyari where women have started wearing such burqas; while almost every other man in the city now has a beard. Gang wars in the Lyari area have become commonplace in the last decade. There are drug addicts and drug pushers, and there are frequent street fights with sophisticated weapons, making life for the common people not just miserable, but downright dangerous. The high-income areas of the city have gradually become isolated from the rest of Karachi, as all kinds of new facilities, such as shopping centres, cinemas, clubs, international food chains and private educational institutions are mostly situated in these areas. Many residents of these areas are therefore unconnected with the rest of the city. Armed guards protect large houses hidden behind high walls, where only a very few family members reside, their children having moved abroad. This ghetto mentality is not

new, but the last twenty years has seen an increase, not only in a class divide but also an ethnic divide, particularly in the underprivileged areas of the city. My father, mother and wife, even my brothers can barely speak any Urdu as they have no interaction with any other people but the Pushtospeaking inhabitants in the area where we live, says our Pakhtun driver. It is quite possible that the violence in Karachi is driven by a complex mix of pressures, including political, religious and ethnic, aggravated by economic deprivation and mafia clout. Danger stalks every corner, and various freedoms are now restricted. There are many questions that will remain unanswered and a good deal that is best left unsaid. In this environment of fear, what chance is there that you will hear the happy whistling of someone cycling his way thome in the dark of the night? The writer is an artiste and has authored Karachiwala, a book that carries character sketches of diverse Karachiites

authentic and articulated journalistic views, un-biased and transparent investigative reporting style can be termed as the back bone and an open challenge on the face of other English language news papers of the country. I mean you cant compare the variety and versatility of The News with other newspapers. Ques: How Jang Group and The News has made a difference in life of an average Pakistani? Ans: An average Pakistani would relate to the Jang Group and The News because of the content and news value as they have been serving the readers with genuine commitment and a long lasting promise of being there when needed. Ques: How The News has an edge in terms of attracting advertising? Ans: In my views the edge over its competitors in terms of attracting advertisements is not only in its Reach/Flexibility/Creative options or CPM these are yes, very attractive features but far more important reasons are embedded in

the human resource selection, strategic planning, credibility and reliability of the Jang Group. Ques: Your comments about the contribution of Jang Group in the overall media environment of the country. Ans: Man does not plan to fail, he just fails to plan. The pioneers of the Jang Group and the planners of today are no doubt farsighted. They are the true entrepreneurs of this industry and business. Being philanthropists by nature and contributors by heart they have infused great Jazba and talent into media during all these years. It has positioned itself as the best in the business by creating an environment of challenge and change. Ques: Your message for The News on completing 20 years of its existence? Ans: Kudos to The News on completing 20 years of its existence. My message will be to keep spreading the seeds of healthy competition and upholding the objective of national interest. After all the Jang group is all about the people who believe in it.

The News Special Report, February 2011

76
2007
April 17

TWENTY YEARS OF THE NEWS 2011 WITNESS TO HISTORY

2007
April 27
s The U.S. Pentagon says that the CIA has

2007
May 5
s Five people are killed in attacks by

2007
May 12
s Karachi riots, over 50 people killed in

s Olympic Council of Asia chooses South

Korea to host 2014 Asian Games

April 20
s India and the Peoples Republic of

arrested a senior al-Qaeda operative, Abdul Hadi al Iraqi, and transferred him to the Guantanamo Bay detention centre

Islamic rebels in the south of Thailand

May 6
s Tens of thousands of Pakistanis greet

China resume talks to resolve border disputes

suspended Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry in Lahore

Karachi and above 100 injured, on the arrival of Chief Justice of Pakistan; Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry in Karachi city

The dividing line

the neglected population is empowered to decide its own ationalists warn of fate and given rights on its a grave threat to own resources, the prevailing circumstances the federawont witness tion if Isany improvelamabad ment. fails to control the everBalochisincreasing gap between tan, the the haves and the haveprovince, nots. which on one Though there is a difhand seems ference of opinion tremendously among nationalists from rich in natural Balochistan, Sindh, Punresources, dejab and KhyberPakhtunkhwa over for- Sardar Akhtar Mengal picts an altogether different mation of new provinces, yet, they see eye-to- picture when it comes to its eye over the fact that unless people, particularly those liv-

By Faizan Bangash

Balochistan and the centre in formulation of polices wasnt something new but during the last decade, mainly between 1999 and 2008, the situation worsened for the people. The ing in rural areas. Massive displacement of killing of Nawab Akber Khan Bugti, unpopular people, excessive military action and use of power in the arrests and exile of form of military several leaders trigoperation, target gered tension in killing of national Balochistan whose leaders, poverty, people, according unemployment, igto some nationalnorance and sevists, were living a eral other evils life worse than aniform a very grim mals.Former CM picture of a the Balochistan and largest province of President BalochisPakistan which tan National Party covers nearly part Shahzain Bugti (BNP) Sardar of the country 40 per cent of the country in Akhter Mengal, who remained in captivity during Musharraf terms of area. The conflict between era, while talking to The News

from Dubai, stated the situa- political workers but even the tion in Balochistan , is even leadership wasnt feeling secure, Mengal worse than the era of said. Musharraf. Senator Hasil To a question reBazinjo, a central lated to the efforts of leader of the Nathe present governtional Party of ment to address the Balochistan grievances of while talking to Balochs, Akhter MenThe News supgal said the much ported the solutrumpeted Balochistion of all the tan Package is nothgrievances of ing but an eye wash Balochistan as no good had been Gohar Ayub through demowitnessed in these three years of the PPP govern- cratic means. He added that rather than ment. We boycotted the 2008 dividing the province into new polls just because the atmo- administrative units, it would sphere was not conducive for be better to improve the condipolitical activities in the trou- tion of existing federational bled province. However in units (provinces). Senator Dr Abdul Hayee 2011, the situation deteriorated further when not only the Baloch (Retd), a central leader

of National Party who hails stopped now and if any one from district Bolan (Khichi) had any misconception regardwhile talking to The News also ing his popularity he must see lamented that the province reality in the form of the elecwas slipping out of our hands tion results in the next polls. He went on to say that Hazand there wasnt any room for ara had always been a further mistakes. Shahzain Bugti, grandson province in past whether it was of slain Baloch leader Nawab the era of Ahmed Shah Abdali Akber Khan Bugti and central in 1748 or that Ranjeet Singh. He said there were seven leader of Jamhoori Watan provinces in India in Party (JWP) stated the past, now their that the time for number had inverbal assurances creased to 29 and was over now and movement is also government going on for othneeded to show ers. He said if this concrete steps. method of empowHe added that ering the people during last six could be adopted years, Dera Bugti in India, why not has turned into a in Pakistan. He no go area and added that the other provinces movement for Hazshould play their Hasil Bizinjo ara province is role in pleading the cases of the affected area. He purely a democratic move demanded immediate with- which was not meant to split drawal of military forces from the federation. Like Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, there. Besides, the Nationalists the movements for separate from Sindh unanimously provinces is also gaining voiced for the due rights to the strength in Punjab, the largest province which had been gen- province comprising a populaerating maximum revenue for tion nearly 90 million. Most of the political leaders the country for decades. A glance at the interior part have now publicly started deSindh, comprising the districts manding new provinces, with of Sanghar, Nawabshah, prime focus over the area of Sukkar, Badin, Larkana, Khair- Southern Punjab, which at prepur and many others, also re- sent is the most highly popuflects a bitter fact about its lated belt of Punjab with more population, majority of which than 10 districts out of 36. Punjab, at present seems to does not even have access to be divided into three parts inthe basic facilities of life. The recent flood in which cluding north (comprising the millions of people became area of Potohar), central (comhomeless and bore huge losses prising the areas including Lahore, Sheikhura, Sialot, has added to the misery. Narowal, GujranHowever, a wala) and Southgrim aspect related ern Punjab (comwith the province prising Pakpattan, was various voices Multan, Lodhran, which express a BaBahalpur, complete no confihawalnagar, Dera dence of opGhazi Khan, Rapressed nations janpur, Layyah, over the current Muzaffargarh, system which acRahim Yar Khan). cording to them is The demand based on vast disfor the division of crimination. Like Dr Qadir Magsi Punjab, owing to Baloch nationalists, they also want the right on the prevailing sense of deprivation among the people of their own resources. Dr Qadir Magsi, a main- this most populated area has stream national leader hailing also provided ample justificafrom Sindh and head of Sindh tion to the leaders of this belt Taraqqi Pasand Party (Sindh who are now quite vocal in deProgressive Movement) manding a separate province stressed the need for empow- for this part. This was the most-affected erment of the parliament which would result in the em- belt of Punjab in the recent flood which added to the woes powerment of masses. Opposing the idea of divi- of people there whose represion of provinces, he said it sentatives, even including wouldnt serve the interest of Makdhoom Ahmed Mehmood, the country and rather in- an ally of PML-N in Punjab had crease the burden on the gov- been lamenting that nothing was done for the population ernment. Magsi, who had been a during the time of need. On the other hand, some vocal advocate for rights of Sindhis for over three decades leaders are also voicing constated that the discriminatory cern for the restoration of the system had played havoc with province of Bahawalpur and a Sindh and voiced for the true close confidant of former presrepresentation of people in ident Pervez Musharraf, Senator Ali Durrani is which they could the key camwell exercise their paigner of this rights. He stated movement. things can only be Talking to The controlled when News, Durrani said due rights are Bahwalpur was degiven to the peoprived of its idenple. tity and it needs to Chairman be restored as a Sindh National province. Front Mumtaz Ali Durrani, who is Bhutto, another heading the Mutnational leader from Sindh and for- Baba Hyder Zaman tahida Bahawalpur Mahaz, a movement mer chief minister who during his tenure declared for the restoration of the area Sindhi as the official language as province stated that this revoiced for autonomy in its gional grievance needs to be truest sense to his province. addressed and the media However, he did not favour the should play a role in it. Barrister Taj Mohammed idea of formation of new Langah, head of Pakistan provinces. Criticising the present gov- Saraeki party and one of the piernment, Mumtaz Bhutto oneers of the movement for a stated the incumbent adminis- separate province for the peotration had pushed the country ple living in the Saraeki belt of on the verge of a disaster and Punjab said it is a fact that Pununity was needed among the jab is unmanageable for the ranks of nation to save the chief minister who spends 260 days in Lahore but never bothcountry. Baba Hyder Zaman Khan, ers to spend any time in Southhead of a movement for a sep- ern Punjab. Langah also stated arate province for the people that in the 18th and 19th of Hazara, stated no force Amendments, no attention was could stop Hazarities from paid towards this issue solely because establishment was not winning their right now. He said the division of Khy- willing to empower the people. ber-Pakhtunkhwa had become He said that more than 60 per the need of the hour and this cent people of Punjab were movement can be a tremen- waiting for autonomy. The nationalists from all dous success in future. He said democracy can only prove parts of the country congratubeneficial for people when its lated The News on its 20th true benefits reach the people. birthday and termed the newsHe also predicted that not only paper a document which gave a the Kyber-Pakhtunkhwa, but new dimension to English print also Punjab will divide into media in Pakistan. Nevertheless, the nationalthree or four parts. Without it, sense of deprivation will con- ists, particularly from Balochistinue to prevail among the tan and Sindh have also suggested that The News, which people, he said. Expressing similar views, already possessed the largest another key advocate for a network than any other media separate province for the peo- in print could also play a very ple of Hazara, former federal significant role in highlighting minister Gohar Ayub Khan the problems of people living in said this caravan could not be remote areas of the country.

The News Special Report, February 2011

TWENTY YEARS OF THE NEWS 2011 WITNESS TO HISTORY

2007
May 16
s Tony Blair, the Prime Minister of the

77

2007
May 17
s Trains from North and South Korea

2007
May 29
s President George W Bush nominates

2007
June 8
s At least 14 people are killed in two bomb

United Kingdom, meets with the President of the United States George W. Bush for the final time before his departure from politics

cross the 38th Parallel in a test-run agreed by both governments. This is the first time that trains have crossed the Demilitarized Zone since 1953

former deputy secretary of state Robert Zoellick as President of the World Bank s Bashar al-Assad is re-elected as President of Syria in an election in which he was the only candidate

The News in Lahore the heavyweights speak...

By Amer Malik
he vital organs of the society believe that The News has created a niche for itself and made tremendous strides towards making a real difference. While expressing their views about The News completing twenty years, the medical, legal and intellectual elite as well as bureaucratic and human rights circles here in the Heart of Pakistan paid rich tributes to the organisation.

all people who matter. She said that The News has all the ingredients including current news, articles, analysis, impartial and balanced editorials and opinions that form real newspaper. H a m i d Khan, a veteran constitutional lawyer who was on the forefront in the lawyers movement, said that The News has played vital role in the success of the movement and towards resolving the judicial crisis. The paper has helped a lot in bringing to light the issues of corruption within the government and the judiciary that ultimately led to suo moto notice taken by the Supreme Court of Pakistan. He said that being a flagbearer of independent media in Pakistan, The News had shown immense courage in publishing the most critical of views against all odds, which other newspapers avoided. He said that The News, during the tenure of former Editor Maleeha Lodhi, had published his article written in context of the judicial crisis of Justice Sajjad Ali Shah in 1998, which other newspapers shied away from. He said that The News was a very good addition to the scene of English print media in Pakistan with the Pakistan Times and Muslim being the trend-setters in English journalism. He also observed that The News critical approach had invited the wrath of the successive governments. But then, he said, if media will not then who will expose the corruption and wrong policies of the ruling governments. We hope that The News would continue to play a constructive role in the development of the country and better-

ment of its people. Dr Aijaz Anwar, Professor of Fine Arts retired from National College of Arts, said that the News had played a tremendous role in the promotion of Lahores history, culture, architecture, art, music and so many other forms of art. However, he advised the organisation to enhance pictorial coverage of all that Lahores has to offer; A picture is worth a thousand words, he quoted a famous proverb. He also demanded that the organisation hire the services of a seasoned cartoonist, especially in Lahore, for using illustrations as a satire on the society. Nayyar Ali Dada, a renowned architect, said that The News has made a major contribution not only to journalism but also to the reformation of society. Ever since its publication, it has literally dominated the scene and achieved greater heights with every passing day. The News has changed the form of newspapers in Pakistan into a smart visual outfit backed up by substance and accurate reporting. I hope it moves further in future, he added. Khawaja Ahmad Hassan, former Mayor of Data Gunj Bukhsh Town, Lahore, said that The News knew the pulse of the people and served as a guide for the governments at thr local, provincial and national levels. It has rapidly created a niche for itself and is now a source of in-

formation for the elite (rather, the ruling elite) and intelligentsia of the country. However, he advised that the editorial should adopt a more focused approach and come up with more exclusive stories with regard to City and other social sectors that deal with a cross-section of society. Roshanae Zafar, a prominent human rights activist, said that The News represented the freedom of right to information vis--vis human rights. It has brought news and information on the frontline and created a sense of awareness among the public. We recognise the role of media as part of human rights. However, she said that the media, as a whole, should portray a moderate face to society as we had had enough of extremist views. She emphasised the need to discuss and debate sensitive issues such as gender discrimination, domestic violence, honour killing, etc, in a responsible way so that people became conscious of the human rights in the country. Probably, she said, we dont report human rights issues as sensitively as we should. Professor Dr Javed Akram, Principal of the Allama Iqbal Medical College/Jinnah Hospital, Lahore, said, We look upon The News as a reliable source of information as it enlightened us about the problems and presented their solutions. It is a most respected newspaper

Tasneem Noorani, a highly-respected retired bureaucrat who has served on several key posts in the federal and Punjab governments, said that The News had been leading the way for investigative journalism in both Urdu and English newspapers. However, he advised caution in the treatment of investigative reports because any loose handling of such stuff would derail good initiatives. There is a need to separate personal opinions from investigative reports, he said, while quoting an example of the LNG scandal that seemed to be an organised campaign. Justice ( r e t d ) Fakhar-unN i s a Khokhar of Lahore High Court congratulated the organisation on completing twenty years saying, You talk about any news and it is there in The News. She said that the paper is widely read in all intellectual circles by dignitaries and

amongst the medical community and the credit goes to its team, he said, adding that the reporters and analysts presented their reports/analysis without getting influenced by anybody. However, he observed that almost 90 percent of the news, reports, and articles were written on current issues in health sector, but sadly very little was written on prevention, which was a recipe for healthier nation and healthy Pakistan. At least thirty to forty percent space should be given to news and articles on preventive aspect of diseases, he said, adding that prevention was most effective tool to stay healthy than any other intervention or allocation of hefty budgets for the treatment of the diseases. Dr Tahir Ali J a v e d , MPA/Parliamentary Leader of Unification Group and f o r m e r Health Minister, Punjab, said that The News has played a commendable role during relief and rehabilitation work after the devastating earthquake in 2005. It played a pivotal role in creating awareness and motivated the public to a massive humanitarian response to the natural disaster that had struck the country. He said that the newspaper was a source of guidance that highlighted problems in the health sector and that as a result, the Punjab Emergency Ambulance Service (Rescue 1122), two medical universities in the public sector, Boards of Management (BoMs) and emergency blocks in teaching hospitals were established in Punjab. He said that The News plays the role of a watchdog, which keeps the government on its

toes all the time. It has always presented balanced news and analyses that do not go unnoticed and that has made all the difference. Lieutenant General ( r e t d ) Muhammad Akram, Vice Chancellor of the University of Engineering and Technology (UET), Lahore, said that The News presents balanced news and views, which are essential ingredients of a standard newspaper. It always gives ample space and coverage to the education sector and therefore it contributed a lot towards the promotion of literacy and education in the country. There is always room for improvement, he said in response to a question about his suggestion for bringing improvement in the content and coverage of the happenings. Mian Imran Masood, former Punjab Education Minister, called The News a partner of the Punjab government, and said that it had been instrumental in bringing education reforms in the province. It has always presented independent and balanced stories, research articles, opinions and articles. It has done a tremendous social service as the point of view of the people goes across. Therefore, The News is a symbol of responsible journalism. He, however, said that the journalists, who were doing a very responsible job, should be careful about giving loose statements and personal views in their stories.

Exposing corruption bravely

June 14
s Golfs US Open begins at Oakmont

explosions in Qurna near Basra in Iraq

Country Club in Oakmont, Pennsylvania

By S M Zafar

he News started 20 years ago in Lahore, a city well known for its prepartition magazines and newspapers including the prestigious Civil Military Gazette and Pakistan Times. As The News enters its 21st year, this occasion is a matter of satisfaction and celebration for the executive and staff of The News, as well as its readers. The News today is being published from three cities in Pakistan and has attained the status of being the New York Times of Pakistan because of its editorials. I specially read The News, in addition to other newspapers, for its investigative reports, which is a relatively new field in Pakistan. The relentless crusade by The News against corruption is heartening. The super storm of corruption that has engulfed Pakistan has uprooted our values. Exposing corruption is a courageous feat and in the era of WikiLeaks, it is doable. At this moment, I feel it is imperative to recommend to the Board of Governors of The News to pay special attention to their investigative journalists and to stand by them in case of pressure and danger. Article wise, the emphasis of The News has been on politics and current affairs in Pakistan and overseas. However, I

The News and its investigative bureau shall earn the gratitude of the nation if its able to help in turning the tide in the years to come
feel that education has not received adequate space in the paper. Our educational system is suffering due to adhocism and the recent amendment in the Constitution by which the responsibility of education has been transferred to the provinces requires special attention. There is a need for a national debate to correct the fault, which I feel can be provided by the News. Lastly, I wish The News and its staff many successful years to come and hope that we all live in a prosperous and corruption free Pakistan.

The News Special Report, February 2011

78
2007
June 23

TWENTY YEARS OF THE NEWS 2011 WITNESS TO HISTORY

2007
July 22
s Khurshid Kasuri, Foreign Minister of

2007
August 4
s NASAs Phoenix spaceship is launched s A natural gas pipeline between Turkey

2007
September 2
s Sudan postpones a census that is a

s Torrential rains in Pakistan, including

the city of Karachi, kill 230 people

June 29
s Apple releases the iPhone to great

fanfare

Pakistan warns the United States that it would be completely counterproductive to launch a strike against Al Qaeda and Taliban positions in the tribal areas of Pakistan

and Greece is completed allowing gas to be sent from the Middle East to Europe

crucial for the success of two national elections

September 5
s Apple released a new selection of iPods,

Where freedom of thought reigns supreme

By Imran Khan

Witnessing the The News changed a lot spectacle as it unfolds

creating an iPod touch

n the auspicious occasion marking the 20th Anniversary of The News, I would like to extend warm felicitations to everyone associated with this esteemed newspaper of Pakistan. The past two decades have been quite eventful, seminal and full of trials and tribulations both for the country and its most popular newspaper. Governments of all hues and persuasions, civilian or military, brought myriad pressures to bear on this prime publication to further their vested agendas of curbing free flow of information, infringing immutable rights of freedom of thought and expression and to pulverise the journalistic independence of this esteemed newspaper. Ever since its inception, The News, has exhibited remarkable tenacity in face of administrative, propagandistic hostility from various quarters to boldly uphold the banner of patriotic fervor, to highlight vital issues of grave political and social importance. The equanimity with which The News has met adversities throughout its life span has won it unqualified respect and unflagging support of all the well meaning and empowered segments of the nation. The way the nation, spearheaded by the rejuvenated civil society, rallied around this flagship publication during the trying times of Musharafs rule would go down in our history as a glowing chapter of national cohesion and journalistic excellence. The way this esteemed newspaper withstood the tyranny unleashed upon it by the Nawaz Sharif led civilian government in 1999, serves as a beacon of hope, optimism and pride for the rest of the journalistic and media fraternity the world over. The News has carried out a stellar job of exposing the skeletons in the cupboard of those in power, and the

way sordid tales of corruption, nepotism, incompetence and fecklessness have been brought out in the open, has not only helped foster a culture of public accountability but also has placed scruples on the untrammeled whims of forces of darkness. All this fearlessness has irked and vexed the powers to no end and The News continues to bear the brunt of State sponsored excesses in various forms and manifestations. Rulers, military or civil, have tried their level best to make inroads into through the walls of journalistic independence, fearless reporting, and thorough investigations but The News has proved itself to be an impregnable fortress of independent and vibrant media. Who can forget or understate the valiant support extended by The News to the glorious lawyers movement, which culminated in the dismantling of a dictatorial rule. The courageous campaign of national enlightenment which underpinned the seminal lawyers movement for the restoration of the judiciary helped create awareness among the nation about the lamentable conduct of the rulers and its adverse ramifications for the future of the country. The fearless, thorough, minute to minute and extensive coverage of critical events like Karachi burnt in the fire of blood on May 12, 2007; immola-

tion of lawyers in their chambers at Karachi. An informed electorate is the most viable and effective vehicle of lasting and substantive change; The News has been instrumental in bringing about an information revolution in Pakistan. If on the one hand The News has highlighted the darker aspects of our society, it has showcased and glorified sterling feats of human fortitude and spirit of sacrifice exhibited by the monumentally tenacious people of Pakistan in the aftermath of monstrous calamities like the earthquake of 2005 and floods of 2010. In times of national tragedies, I bear personal witness, the remarkable depth of pride and generosity we as a nation are capable of offering in crunch situations, The News, has left no stone unturned in adding an extra fillip to this inherent power of our people. Last but the not the least, on a personal level, my association with this newspaper has been a long standing one. This newspaper heaped plaudits on me as a sportsman and highlighted my achievements in a wonderful manner. It helped in mobilising public support and goodwill among the masses for Shaukat Khanum Hospital. As a politician, I have been accorded fair space and coverage by it. I have had the pleasure and honor of writing in the esteemed pages of this prime publication on a number of occasions and on a range of topics. My long standing affiliation with the Jang group is based on hallowed values of mutual respect, independence of thought and expression and an unremitting commitment towards our country-Pakistan. I wish The News every success and firmly believe that it will continue to wage the crusade as fearlessly as ever. The writer is a former cricketer and the chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf

By Dr Mubashir Hasan

By Altaf Hussain
am pleased to know that The News has completed 20 successful years of publication. I still recall the day when The News with its glossy front page hit the stalls and soon created a space for itself in the English media. Time has passed quickly. The News not only set new standards in English Journalism in the country but explored new grounds as well. There was no concept of investigative journalism before The News came on the scene. Newspapers were publishing bland stories lacking substance and colours of life. A lot of things changed with the coming of The News. Being the leader of one the growing political parties of the country, I have to keep myself abreast of the political undercurrents and changing public opinion in the country. I have no hesitation in saying that The News offers substantial insight into the political and economic problems in the country. Not only this but the thought provoking analysis and op-eds try to give solutions to the many problems that the country faces. It is said that the will of the people is the supreme law. What could be a better way to know about the will of the people and their desires through professional journalism, free from the taints of partiality and prejudice? I am sure that The News will continue to grow in the coming days and will explore new grounds in investigative and professional journalism. I hope that it will continue to espouse the cause of the people of Pakistan by publishing truth and nothing by truth without any fear or pressure. The writer is the founder and leader of Muttahida Quami Movement

he willful breaking up of the Pakistani state was and continues to be the highest possible geopolitical drama and The News gives us a ringside seat to witness and be part of a tragic spectacle. The view, a fascinating one, in terms of the march of history of a society carrying on with the business of living, without a state to the detriment and at a huge cost to its polity. Dozens are killed, scores kidnapped, hundreds looted with impunity every day. In order to exist, the farmer continues to plough the field, bring his produce to the market, the shopkeeper lives on buying from the market for sale to his customers and the citizen has to go to work to be able to buy food and other necessities from bazaar. Leaving their homes in the morning, they all take a chance of returning home in the evening after the days labour. The state is just not there to ensure the safety and security of the millions and millions of citizens except a handful of the high ups in the government and they too can be none too sure after the gruesome murder of Governor of Punjab, Salman Taseer. The state of Pakistan is supposed, if it were there, to protect the life, property and dignity of 17 million weak, poor and oppressed citizens and to dispense justice among them but the state is conspicuous by its absence. The police generally assumed to be protector of citizens is in dire need of protection itself. No one is there to protect the interests of women and children and ethnic and religious minorities. No one is there to ensure the supply essential services such as water, electricity, fuel, health care and

education at affordable prices. All the basic evidence for the nonexistence of the Pakistani state stares us in the face. The steel frame work of governance (the state) built by the British in the first two decades after 1857 had started deteriorating with the victory of general of Indian army Horatio Herbert Kitchener over the governor general Lord George Nathanial Curzon in 1905. The rapidly deteriorating governance in British India linked with the demands for independence ultimately forced the British government to quit the sub-continent in 1947. After independence Pakistani generals with the mindset of Kitchener resumed the process where the British generals had left it. The secession of East Pakistan, the execution of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and the fundamentalism of General Ziaul Haq were its principal features. Following the crash of Ziaul Haqs plane in 1988, the generals manipulated the governments of Prime ministers Benazir Bhutto and Mian Nawaz Sharif. The process culminated in the years of General Pervez Musharraf and his civil successors. With the prime objective of loot and plunder of national wealth, Benazir Bhutto, Nawaz Sharif and their military patrons, decided to sell government

owned assets to private hands at dirt cheap prices. It was done in the name of introducing the capitalist mode of production disregarding the basic requirement of capitalism of observing the rule of law irrespective of how exploitative and oppressive the law might be for the masses as a whole. To achieve their nefarious ends, those who had the authority subjected the higher judiciary to tremendous evil pressures until it revolted in 2007 and was rescued through the heroic fight put up by the legal community. Trillions were made in these sales by salaried government servants and their political bosses opening wide the floodgates of corruption in the country. Corruption only means that what is the due of the state treasury goes to the pockets of those who exercise authority in the name of the state and thus act as the state. The News has told the story of corruption in Pakistan exposing in a major way the land scams, drug scams, banking scams, transportation scams, the scams in awarding high value contracts for the supply of goods and services, in appointing high officials to man posts in the financial institutions, the Steel Mill, the railways, the regulatory bodies and many other institutions. With courage and determination The News has narrated in detail the defiance of the orders of the Supreme Court by the executive. It has done so by maintaining a remarkable News Eleven, a team of hard working and courageous investigating journalists which has rendered yeomen service to the people of Pakistan especially during the last ten years. The writer is Punjab President of PPP (SB )and exfinanace minister in Z A Bhuttos cabinet

The News Special Report, February 2011

TWENTY YEARS OF THE NEWS 2011 WITNESS TO HISTORY

2007
October 18
s After 8 years in exile, Benazir Bhutto

81

2007
November 3
s Pervez Musharraf declared emergency

2008
January 1
s Cyprus and Malta adopt Euro currency

2008
February 17
s Kosovo declares independence from

returns to her homeland Pakistan. The same night, suicide attackers blow themselves up near Bhuttos convoy, killing over 100 in the cheering crowd, including 20 police officers. Bhutto escaped uninjured

rule across Pakistan

December 27
s Former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir

January 13
s Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd

Serbia, becoming the seventh country to emerge from the dissolution of the former Yugoslavia

Bhutto is assassinated by a suicide bomber

makes historic apology to Indigenous Australians and the Stolen Generations

February 18
s General Elections held in Pakistan

Sketching up a storm
By Akhtar Shah
I remember joining The News in the spring of 1994 as an Editorial Cartoonist n a newspaper, cartoons hold a role that is similar to that of a court jester. Highlight and raise issues of great importance but in a lighter,

The funnies
By Masood Hasan
here are many amongst us who claim that the worst thing you can do is to start your day with the newspaper because all it contains is bad news from one end to another. Such people maintain that other than news of killings, murders, abductions, graft, corruption, scams, mismanagement, illgovernance, lies, deceit, falsehood and hypocrisy the newspapers offer nothing else. I think such silly notions should be exterminated forthwith because were it not for the daily newspapers such as the one you are reading, life in Pakistan would be pretty awful. After all when you consider it, the daily newspaper is not such a big thing after all yet look at the entertainment thats packed inside it like grinning sardines in a happy can? And on this anniversary of The News - I have no clue how old it is because surely it has reached an age like that of a woman where asking for this information would be considered insulting, there can be no better tribute than to take a quick look at why this could be funnier than Art Buchwald on his best day. Take the photographs alone. Who can rightly look at a picture of Maulana Fazlur Rehman - no not drinking a can of diesel, but simply looking pious with that famous napkin tossed across his shoulder - and not curl up laughing his head off? Firstly he looks like Falstaff out of a Shakespeare comedy except old Falstaff was a trifle sharper. Secondly, it is a feat of modern printing that he

came a nuclear power or the Kargil war, or 9/11, all events are accommodated. There were also occasions when I sketched after serious events and tried to come out with drawings that highlighted the issue, be it Benazir Bhuttos killing or the Lal Masjid incident. However, the best times are when the political situations provide me with ample material to play around. Never am I short on comic relief thanks to our politicians. Over the years, I have tried to create the maximum num-

can fit inside seven or eight columns. Amazing. Thirdly, you cannot view his celestial look and not wonder what he had for breakfast or should it be breakfasts? In terms of sheer volume, the good man deserves to be the president, prime minister and chief-ofstaff all sort of rolled into one. If there is no such thing, the wily, slimy, crawly, creepy serpent of Jeddah who has done to our constitution what termites do to wood and been paid in millions to do just that, can be called and asked

Quite a few times, I was asked by foreign diplomats to give them the original drawings as souvenirs and often prime ministers have called cabinet meetings to discuss my cartoons. Furthermore, the feedback I got from the readers ranged from encouragement to death threats. However, all this encouraged me to work harder than ever. Over the years that I have worked with The News, many people have come and gone but the essence of the organisation has remained the same. As we reach the 20 year mark, I am feeling sad and happy, for it has been an eventful journey, one that I am proud to be a part of.

On its 20th anniversary, Masood Hasan who has written for this paper from just about the time it started, has this hilarious take on The News to share with us
to come out with an Islamic and legal solution. The man who can make rabbits appear out of Malik Rehmans hairdo surely can pin a nifty number on the manly breast of the good Maulana and prove to us all that, in spite of having a two member party in the national assembly (the maulana and his shoulder cloth), power wielding is a piece of suji ka halwa for the man who has diddling down to a fine art. There are many who give joy and bring a smile to the happy people of this land. There is the Interior Minister whose exterior is more dazzling than his interior. Armed

fun tone. My job required me to do pen sketches based on what I see around me, political and social upheavals, be it the day when Pakistan be-

ber of cartoons based on important events. Hopefully it will give The News readers an idea of the term referred to in the print media as rough draft of history. It also throws light on the history of our newspaper which grew into the largest circulated daily of Pakistan in such a short period of time.

The writer is a cartoonist at The News, Islamabad.

with a hairdo that was last spotted whilst Lionel Ritchie sang Hello he adorns every newspaper with his flashing smile, dazzlingly blinding shiny suits - Pakistans answer to the solar eclipse, and lies through his teeth while maintaining a steady smile. No easy matter that, take it from me. As he runs from side to side catching people whom he has not been able to catch since he materialised out of the woodwork, he is a newspapers dream because not only does he bring laughter into our lives but proves that if you started out as a briefcase carrier you can still become the voice of liberation from terror for not one or two countries but the whole world. Without Czar Malik most newspapers would just fold up and slither away into the night. And when he thunders to cowering journalists, the culprits will be brought to book, he is clever enough never to tell you the name of the book. The man is an inspiration to this nation though some say it is expiration and only newspapers can truly let us get close to what drives him. And these are but two! When we add the top three stars, the hundreds of extras and the thousands of minions who all run the shop now offering a grand clearance sale 365 days of the year, you have the greatest comedy show on earth. Suffice then to add that only here would you be able to spot a depressingly large show of beards carrying banners against the Vatican with one declaring most poetically, We condemn the Pop. The Vatican reports that the Pop has not slept since he was shown this picture. And then there are the reporting gems. Visitors at Lahore Airport in for a surprise with a thud, when translated
Continued on page 95

Missing Tal Matol

he hilarious and thoughtprovoking shows Such Gup and Tal Matol he scripted made Shoaib Hashmi a legend in the field of satirical television drama, although by profession he was an economics teacher, back in the 1970s and 80s. It was Salman Shahid, popularly known as the gainda, as

part of the Such Gup and Tal Matol teams who suggested getting Mr Hashmi to write a newspaper column. Shoaib Hashmi didnt need much convincing to start writing a column in The Frontier Post. Initially he would write by hand and get someone to type it for him, and deliver the type-written sheets to the office (thats how I remember it). But soon enough, he began familiarising himself with the intricacies of a home computer and started to type his columns and email them over. He moved the column over to The News on Sunday when the weekly paper was launched in 1994. In all these years, he never missed a deadline or a column until he had a stroke a little over a year ago that has tragically deprived him of the power to write or speak. His pithy little column with its wonderful insights into Lahori life and the workings of a whimsical, intelligent and thoughtful mind are much missed. BS

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ger challenge than PSO, but it will inshallah be a leading energy provider in the country. We would also like to become the major marketing company in Pakistan. Ques: Where does BYCO stand in the market compared to other competitors? Ans: At this point, we are at number 6 of 12 oil-marketing companies in Pakistan. Over the last year and a half has grown over 200% growth in volumes and over 300% in revenues. Revenues from the marketing side of the business rose from Rs 6.7 billion to over 27 billion in one year which is quite remarkable. Our marketshare went from 0.7 to 2.7%. Number of stations when I moved to BYCO were 32 or 33 now we have 175. We are working as a full fledge marketing company. We have lubricant business, we have LPG business, we are supplying to power plants, we are supplying to export business, bunkering business, marine business, retailing business etc, and it is all because of our organic growth. During this period, we rebranded ourselves. We were Bosicar before, we are BYCO now and we have done it all very successfully. Ques: We have seen oil aleem Siddiqui is a veteran of the oil industry with three decades of experience. He is primarily a chemical engineer and, before coming to BYCO, he was heading PSO where he spent eight years and was a major contributor towards making it a proper commercial organisation rather than a typical government company. Before that he also spent almost 2 decades in Caltex.

Jang Group is doing a commendable job

Ques: How was the switch from PSO, which is a market leader to BYCO a comparatively new company? Ans: It was a challenge. I am basically a private sector man and was working for Caltex in Australia at that time. I went to PSO was because Shaukat Mirza (late) was there and the objective was to reform PSO through the privatisation process. BYCO is a big-

Kalim A Siddiqui President Petroleum Marketing Business at BYCO Oil Pakistan Ltd

going to $140/ barrel then coming down to $33/barrel and then climbing to $100/barrel, why such a big price variation? Ans: Global demand for energy is increasing while oil reserves are depleting. OPEC has been trying to work out a reasonable level and now that we are at $100/barrel, I think there wont be any major change. Ques: How has Jang Group helped you in acheiving your communciations objectives? Ans: Jang Group has always been very supportive and

I have had a very good association with them. They are the biggest media group in the country and have been doing a commandable job keeping the people of our country informed about happenings around the globe. Ques: Your message on 20th anniversary of The News? Ans: I would like to congratulate the team behind The News and appreciate the courageous role they have played; despite hardships they have continued their job and done it remarkably well.

Newspapersthen and now

By Lubna Jerar Naqvi
ife before the boom of the electronic media, telecommunication and internet was simple, more focused and well easy. For most people the day didnt start until they had read the newspaper headlines at the least, or pored over the paper from cover to cover. On days when the newspaper didnt come out, you heard them lament and whine because that generation was addicted to reading. Well, they had the time and comfort to do so. Reading in general was a favourite pastime for many, as is surfing the net today. And yes people lived a comfortable life without being bombarded with constant breaking news, text messages and emails, twitter, Facebook and all. You knew where your friends and family were with constant updates on social websites like today, and it didnt bother you if you didnt know whether Ali was taking a shower, or Fatima was bored, or Saira was drinking coffee, or Sohail was jumping of a cliff. The minute to minute, nay second to second update was necessary, there was a sense of privacy which was respected by others. The pleasures of reading a newspaper The morning doesnt begin without your usual cup of tea and newspaper. Well, at least it didnt a decade ago. Many people didnt consider their day complete if they didnt read the morning newspaper with their tea. Seven years ago the electronic media crept into Pakistan and there was a media boom in the country, coupled with the boom of the internet and telecommunication, and presto people had news at their finger tips all the time 24/7. But even this couldnt stop people from por-

ing over the newspaper savouring its written word. One would think with 24 hour television, the newspaper would lose its novelty. But even that didnt happen. On the contrary the two mediums worked in collaboration with one another; with the channels benefiting from the long, tedious research work of the newspapers for stories, as the latter did from the former. Print Vs Electronic What can we say even in this day of television reports, internet and telecommunications, the written hard copy

integral part of many peoples day. Reading a news item, a feature, the comic strip and your zodiac is not the same until you read it in a paper. Of course, you can get the same things on the net, especially epapers but it isnt the same. The print medias work is more tedious and has to be more responsible. Primarily because the print word can be looked up for verification whereas live reports on television usually get away with more than is allowed in the print word, mainly because of the shortage of time as every-

of news is still more effective and more in demand. Why do you think the television personalities clamour to get their byline printed in the newspaper? The reason for this is probably because the print word is longer lasting than electronic papers and other medium. At the onset of the elec, tronic boom (TV net and cellular phones), people said this was the end of the print media, that the latter had shrunken in size and priority. If this was true, Pakistan would not have seen an increase in newspapers and magazines. All over the world, the news paper is an

one wants to current and the first one to divulge the information. Take the example of reporters, those belonging to the print media have to verify the facts they provide, and are grilled by their editors before the news is allowed to be printed. On the other hand, the electronic medias reporter doesnt have this luxury, and has to provide on the spot news sometimes not even getting time to properly verify it. E-paper, ebook eeek! With the advent of the epaper & ebook getting access to at least to a newspaper has become relatively easy. With the e-paper one can read most

papers and that too from all over the world. Now with a click of a button (provided you have power and a good net connectivity) you can read newspapers that could never lay your hands on like Lusaka Chronicles, Azania Times or Chicken Diq Tribune. Isnt that just great? Or not.mainly because most newspaper readers I know usually stick to their brand of newspapers. Making them change their newspaper is a difficult task, which is probably why new newspapers usually copy the format of the one readers are familiar with. Take the newspapers that came after Jang, most of them copied Jang to every last detail so that the reader would stay in a familiar comfort zone and not balk at first glimpse. Similarly, for bookworms, the pleasure of reading a book cover to cover is one of the greatest things in the world. Ask any book reader and you will be told that the smell of a new book is as invigorating as the smell of new money. Buying books may be on the decline in Pakistan, but people actually read abroad. Even the ebook hasnt been able to replace the ol book. Sure the ebook is much more efficient and handy, but it is also more expensive and techno but most book readers will agree with me that thumbing through the pages of a book sure beats the flat screen of an ebook. A regular book or newspaper is more personal, but to the next new generation I guess newspapers will be an obsolete thing and the nearest theyll ever get to the printed newspaper would be the scanned images of these in archives. But you know what a hot cup of a steamy, well brewed tea does not seem the same with your epapers and ebooks.

Digital age the death knell for print media?

By Hussain Dada
he advent of television and the twentyfour hour news cycle for many kick started the decline in newspaper circulation. However, the pace of decline has witnessed a phenomenal acceleration in readership; with publishers and

editors pointing the accusatory finger in the direction of technology and the World Wide Web. With most of the content available online most often for free why would a reader go through the (now-viewed as) cumbersome process of purchasing and handling oversized sheets of paper. While newspapers managed

to withstand the initial challenges posed by the broadcast media, the advent and rise of the internet has provided them with excessive ammunition to shoot down any hopes of a revival in the most traditional source of news. To the utmost chagrin of publishers, editors and journalists alike, these pundits stand vindicated, as the web has now replaced newspapers as the primary source of news and analysis for the majority of the population. This is an irreversible trend, which will only be exacerbated with the techsavvy younger generation taking the place of their predecessors who were converts to the technological revolution. But the declining fortunes of print arent solely because of the advent of new technologies. Complacency on part of the print industry hubris of sorts is a major reason. Combined with a certain sense of arrogance in being the sole source of credible news, publishers and editors didnt feel the need to adapt or embrace the rising tide of web-based journalism. The realisation only came with dwindling revenues, particularly when news-portal slashed their profits from ad revenues. This resulted in almost all leading newspapers and publications running helter-skelter to establish a web presence of their own. By then, certain market leaders had already been established, like the Drudge Report, but it wasnt too late. There was hope that with their established names and extensive outreach, newspapers would be able to assert their superiority in the web arena as well. However, smaller publications and local newspapers, without the resources or the network of the publishing behemoths, began to fall by the wayside. And this, for many, was the death knell for print industry altogether, as it was oft-quoted that newspapers

werent even opened before they were sent for recycling. Shaken to the core by the swift change in trends, the newspaper industry bowed to the inevitable; keeping apace with the digital age. The everevolving scenario forced newspaper owners to face the odious question: that they were in the business of news and not publishing. And it was this acceptance, no matter how reluctant, that many considered the death knell for newspaper industry. Retrenchment, cost-cutting and decreased content followed, as newspapers tried to stay afloat even if they were

mostly functioning under the break-even point, but this only diminished their reputation and endangered losing out on existing readership that they had worked so hard to gain and retain. This is the dilemma that publishing houses now face, as they enter the new decade. How to ensure maintenance of standards readers associate with them without jeopardising the financial aspect of their business? However, the scenario is not as bleak for the newspaper industry as the proponents of doom and gloom would lead readers to believe. While downloading of PDF documents have increased in millions on a monthly basis and there has been an equally steep decline in newspaper circulation and readership, there are quite a few choices and avenues in front of those at the helm of newspapers. It depends in what direction they want to steer the ship, considered by many to be a sinking one that will soon run out of salvage value even.
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The new face of Lahore

By Ali Raza

ahoreEmerging skyscrapers, modern architecture, widened roads, vanishing gardens and open spaces changing into concrete have altered the traditional look of the provincial capital during the last twenty years, which was once known for its parks and greenery. Underpasses, flyovers and modern malls are new additions that bring it to the category of a mega city. Urban development and planning is emerging as a big challenge for the government. Broken roads, scattered solid waste, encroachments, lack of public transport and other important infrastructure are some key issues being faced by the citizens. Rising pollution, uncovered sewer drains and lines, contaminated drinking water, easy availability of adulterated edibles, poor collection of solid and hospital waste are also some of the major issues being faced by the residents of Lahore. New residential colonies, expansions of DHA and construction of Lahore Ring Road are some recent features of the city as well. Establishment of multinational organisations and huge wholesale stores have transformed the market trends of the city. Coffee shops and restaurants have emerged as much visited spots of the city. With all these expansions and modern architecture comes the problems of traffic mess, narrowing of roads, unavailability of proper parking facilities, lack of proper public facilities like public toilets and bus stops etc. Improvement in the existing public transport system will also help in bringing down air pollution in the city. There was no shortage of grounds in Lahore till the late 1980s. Almost every locality had a ground in the neighbourhood or open spaces where youngsters used to play and many stalwarts of the world of sports were groomed. The University Ground, Wahdat Colony Ground, Dungi Ground Gulberg etc. Two main grounds, which

were once a hub of outdoor sports especially cricket for the Lahoris have vanished and now there stand multi storey buildings of Punjab Assembly and MPA Hostel. A ground named the Scout Ground in Railway Colony was turned into apartments. The Waris Road ground, which was also very important for the residents of Mozang and where world class cricketers like Wasim Akram had played and honed his skills, is also in a state of disarray. Unfortunately, the ground is being used mostly for marriage functions instead of sports and social activities, at present. Likewise, the Mochi Gate ground was also used for youth to play cricket and other games until a few years back but it is also not being used to for sports and any other related activity. Many other test cricketers who have made a name for themselves used to practice in this ground, located in the heart of city. Along with widespread construction, comes the problem of following construction rules. One can easily find serious infringement in construction rules both in residential as well as commercial sectors across the city. Different civil society organisations are aggressively demanding the need for improved urban planning in the country and claim that lack of proper urban planning and development is directly affecting every Pakistani. In Lahore, planners have already compromised over basic infra structure like buildings, roads, services and basic amenities like power, water and sewerage. All these facilities need an immediate reevaluation. Easy provision of adulterated edibles and beverages is also causing serious effects on the health of the citizens. CDGLs food department, which is responsible for controlling adulteration, is acting as a silent spectator and no major crackdown on hotels, restaurants, wholesalers or retailers has been launched in recent past. However, small drives were launched time to time, which were least appreciated by the Lahoris. Light and heavy industrial units have been set up in

various city localities like Misri Shah, Baghbanpura, Moghalpura, Daroghewala, Bhagat Pura, Chah Miran, Shadbagh and other localities along the Bund Road and GT Road. These industries include Steel Foundries, Steel Re-rolling Mills, Brick Kilns, Steel Furnaces, Scrap Yards, Plastic Recycling Industry, Marble Grind-

ing, Furniture making and several other kinds of cottage industries. All these industries are contributing to various forms of pollution especially air, noise, vibration and heat. Besides the residential areas, a significant number of industrial and commercial ventures are operating around historical monuments like Shalimar Garden, Lahore

Fort and Badshahi Mosque. It would be pertinent to mention here that the environment department of CDGL has already served notices to many of these ventures but to no avail. A fairly large number of industrial units of manufacturing motor oil have been established in Badami Bagh while the Rim Market along the historical Lahore Fort is still a serious threat to the biggest archeological site of the city. Likewise, the Kot Lakhpat Industrial Area is also surrounded by residential

colonies and the effect on the health of its residents is not difficult to imagine. Brandreth Road has become the hub of

mechanical spare parts while localities like Rehman Gallian, Landa Bazaar, Prem Gallian, Adda Crown have changed into

the manufacturing areas. Gulshan-e-Ravi, a purely residential locality of the city, is also rapidly changing into a cottage industry zone. Residents of Lahore want the concerned authorities to pay immediate attention to their problems. They also demand that measures should be taken to improve their living facilities besides imposing a ban on further expansion of the city.
The writer is Senior Staff Reporter, The News Lahore

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The News Special Report, February 2011

Universal healthcare for women remains a far-fetched dream

By Sheher Bano

akistan is among those countries of the world where maternal and perinatal mortality is very high. The country where there is only one doctor for 1918 patients and one hospital bed for 1547 persons, and where the total government budget spending is only 0.6% , of the total GDP the high maternal mortality is not a matter of surprise. According to gynaecologist Dr Nighat Shah, in Pakistan one mother dies every 20 minutes, 15 suffer from disability, and 17 babies die following pregnancy and delivery-related complications and lack of newborn care. In UNDPs Gender related Development Index (GDI) 2000, Pakistan ranks 135 out of 174 countries of the world. In the same index, the figures for poor health status of women pose a very bleak picture. Some 30,000 women die each year due to complications of pregnancy, and 10 times more women develop life-long, pregnancy-related disability. The situation is worse in rural areas. The maternal mortality ratio (MMR) in predominantly rural Balochistan is 800 maternal deaths to 100,000 live births, compared to the national average of 500 per 100,000. The women health remains a neglected sector in Pakistan since decades. Maternal mortality rate (MMR) remains simply alarming even today as it was almost two decades ago. While 60,000 women would die each year twenty years ago, according to the recent figures of National Institute of Population Studies (NIPS), the MMR in Pakistan is 500/100,000 women. The major causes for MMR are the three delays, knows as 3Ds, which are delay in deciding to seek medical care, delay in reaching medical facility and delay in receiving quality care at the medical facility. In Pakistan, whether it is urban or rural setting, all these delays contribute to the

death of mothers. With these figures, Pakistan is only better off than India (MMR: 540) and Afghanistan where MMR is more than 600. However, having a look at countries like Iran where the figure is only 76/100,000, there is lot need to be done in Pakistan. Similarly, about 890,000 unsafe induced abortions occur annually while around 200,000 women suffer from post-abortion complications each year. An estimated 197,000 women are treated annually for complications resulting from unsafe in-

first birthday. High fertility, with an average of six children per woman, has resulted in high population growth of three percent per annum. Women, girls and infants most often die of common communicable diseases such as tuberculosis, diarrhoea, pneumonia and tetanus, which could have been easily prevented and treated. According to prominent gynaecologist, Dr Shershah Syed nothing concrete has been done for the women, especially the poor ones, except for the lip service in the last two decades. However,

duced abortion, in public health facilities. For Pakistan as a whole, the estimated abortion ratio is 20 abortions per 100 births, ranging from a low of 18 per 100 births in Punjab province to a high of 26 per 100 births in NWFP Put dif. ferently, nationally about one in six pregnancies are terminated by abortion. Around one million abortions are done, 30-40% of which are done due to unskilled workers in the backstreet clinics. The death and disability of women have serious socioeconomic repercussions in any society; the death of a mother seriously affects the children. The issue of neonatal health is equally alarming. According to GDI 2000 In Pakistan about 25 percent of children are born with low birth weight due to maternal problems. Ten percent of children do not reach their

on a positive note awareness has increased and lot of funding has poured in, through international funding agencies. In terms of diseases, incidents of cervical and ovarian cancers have increased over the years, yet treatment facilities have not improved. For example, a new vaccine for cervical cancer is available now. This vaccine which is given to a girl at the age of one year can minimises or almost eliminate the chances of cervical cancer in the later age. This vaccine which is given in three doses and costs Rs 4500, remains beyond the reach of poor women. Besides due to illiteracy and lack of awareness such a therapy has not become very common in Pakistan. Same is the case with breast cancer which takes the life of 80,000 women annually. While according to GDI

2000: Approximately one in every 9 Pakistani women is likely to suffer from breast cancer which is one of the highest incidence rates in Asia. If diagnosed early, breast cancer can be treated easily before it proves fatal for the women. Unfortunately, the screening facilities for the breast cancer, which are so important for early diagnosis, are not easily available in Pakistan. The few facilities which are available at the moment hardly leave any room for privacy. Malnutrition is a major issue in Pakistan which affects more women than men. More girls than boys die between the ages of 1 and 4; in fact the female mortality rate here is 12 percent higher than for boys, says the GDI 2000. On an average for one male, five females suffer from Osteoporosis, a disease of bones, which paralyses the life of many women. Again this disease can easily be diagnosed and treated by giving calcium therapy which unfortunately is not available to women. Dairy products which are major sources of calcium are simply out of reach of the poor women and children, specially the girl child. Women are also at a higher risk of contracting HIV-AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) because of male dominance in sex relations and lack of access to information. The government of Pakistan has initiated many prgrammes for reducing MMR in the country including National Programme for Family Planning and primary health care, women health project, RH project, National Nutritional Programme, Maternal and Neonatal Health Cell, etc but no improvement could be seen in the fate of the women during the past two decades or so. However, as Pakistan also needs to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) targets with respect to health of mother by 2015, the present
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TWENTY YEARS OF THE NEWS 2011 WITNESS TO HISTORY

Complied by Meena Ahmed
vocates for global education too. She is a staunch supporter of empowering youth. Christiane Amanpour Amanpour, one of the worlds most honoured broadcast journalists, was CNNs Chief International Correspondent for more than two decades and is now an anchor of ABC News. She is also said to be the worlds highest-paid correspondent. Time magazine has called her the most influential foreign correspondent after Edward R Murrow. Bapsi Sidhwa Sidhwa is an award winning Pakistani novelist striving hard to bring womens issues of the Indian subcontinent into notice. For her noteworthy work she is also a recipient of the Sitara-i-Imtiaz, the highest national honour in the arts. Sidhwa was also on the advisory committee to the former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto on Womens Development. Sherry Rehman As a journalist, Rehman has been practicing the profession or almost two decades, contributing to national and international newspapers and newsmagazines. She has also served as a member of the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE). In 2002, Sherry Rehman was the first Pakistani to be recognised with an award for independent journalism by the UK House of Lords in its Muslim World Awards Ceremony. With her efforts for the civilians, Rehman is the panel of the Lady Dufferin Foundation Trust, which is the largest non-profit provider of women and childrens subsidised health-care provider. Musharaf Hai ome produced noise, some raised a voice, yet all made some difference, bringing in prominent changes and altering the course of world history. We celebrate some of the prominent women of the past two decades who, one way or the other, brought changes in numerous lives and influenced the entire world through their services.

Not just a mans world anymore

Hai started her career in 1983 after graduating from the London School of Economics (LSE) and Boston University. Among the other notable achievements of Hai, one stands out among others as she convinced LOreal Paris investing in Pakistan. In 2004, Hai, Chairman of Unilever - Pakistan has made it to Fortune Magazine, ranking 46 of the 50 most powerful women in business. Hai is a recipient of the Presidential Performance Award Sitara-i-Imtiaz. Dr Shamshad Akhtar Dr Shamshad Akhtar assumed office as the Governor of State Bank of Pakistan in 2006 and became the first ever woman to hold the position since its establishment in 1948. Dr Akhtar began her career in the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in 1990 and rose to several senior positions. Before joining the ADB, Dr. Akhtar worked for 10 years as an economist in the World Banks Resident Mission in Pakistan. Diana, Princess of Wales After having marriage with Prince Charles, Diana, as Princess of Wales won the million hearts across the 16 Commonwealth realms. The Princess also received recognition for her charity work and for her support of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines. Moreover, from 1989, she was the president of Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children. Her interest in supporting and helping young people led to the establishment of the Diana Memorial Award too. In 2002, the princess ranked third in the 100 Greatest Britons poll, outranking the Queen. Mukhtaran Mai A gang rape survivour, Mai started the Mukhtaran Mai Womens Welfare Organisation to help, support and educate Pakistani women. She is now an outspoken advocate for womens rights. Sonia Gandhi

85

Hillary Clinton Hillary Rodham Clinton is the 67th United States Secretary of State. Clinton played a great role in advocating the creation of the State Childrens Health Insurance Program, the Adoption and Safe Families Act, and the Foster Care Independence Act. In 2010, she has been named the most admired woman by Americans for the ninth straight time and the 15th overall. Condoleezza Rice Rice was the first AfricanAmerican woman Secretary of State and was also President George Bush Jrs National Security Advisor, making her the first woman and first African-American to serve that position. In 2004 and 2005, she was ranked as the most powerful woman in the world by Forbes magazine. Queen Rania As a global figure and one of the worlds most powerful women, Queen Rania of Jordan has not only worked on a variety of causes at home but also internationally. Her work focuses on education for Jordanian children. Overseas, she ad-

Asma Jahangir Renowned human rights activist and lawyer, Asma Jahangir became the first female elected president of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA). Also she was the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief from 2004 to 2010. She has spent her career defending the human, women, minorities and children rights in Pakistan. In 1980, Jahangir, along with others, established the first law firm formed by women in Pakistan. In 1982, Jahangir earned an epithet little heroine for her audacity. Oprah Winfrey Winfrey has been ranked the richest African-American of the 20th century and the greatest black philanthropist in American history. The power of Winfreys opinions and endorsement to influence public opinion has been immensely great. Benazir Bhutto Bhutto is the first woman to be elected to leadership of a post-colonial Muslim nation - and not just once but twice. She headed the secular, liberal Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) from exile for years, but returned to Pakistan in 2007 to contest for the countrys premiership the third time.

The widow of former Prime Minister of India, Rajiv Gandhi, the Italian-born President of the Indian National Congress became the longest serving President in September 2010. Gandhi was ranked as the ninth most powerful person on the planet by Forbes Magazine. Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom Elizabeth Alexandra the Mary, Queen of 16 sovereign countries, Head of the Commonwealth, and Supreme Governor of the Church of England is the elder daughter of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. She became the Queen at the age of 25, and has reigned through more than five decades of vast social change and development in the region. Mother Teresa For more than four decades Mother Teresa devoted her life to the poor, sick, orphaned, and dying, while guiding the Missionaries of Charitys expansion, first throughout India and then in other countries. In 1979, she won the Nobel Peace Prize, whereas, the Indian Government honoured her with the highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna, in 1980 for her humanitarian efforts. On her 100th birth anniversary the Indian Govt issued a special five Rupee coin, the amount she first entered in India with. Begum Khaleda Zia A former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, became the first woman premier to rule for 10 years in the countrys

history and second in the Muslim world after Benazir Bhutto to head the democratic Muslim state. The Forbes magazine has ranked Zia 33 in its list of the 100 Most Powerful Women in the world. During her first term she privatised the industries to handle the economy while encouraging the private invest-

ment also enhanced the educational sector. These were some of the influential women in history that have brought a bang in several lives and will be always be known eternally for their accomplishment and noteworthy feat! Until the earth keeps revolving, until

the sun rises in the East, and yet until the million souls dare live for others, some figures will continue to serve the mankind as long as they exist on the planet and thus this list will keep on growing in multiples. The writer is Sub-editor, The News

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2008
May 6

TWENTY YEARS OF THE NEWS 2011 WITNESS TO HISTORY

2008
June 27
s Bill Gates steps down as Chairman of

2008
August 8
s 2008 Summer Olympics start at the

2008
August 26
s Terrorist attacks in Mumbai, India: Ten

s Chaitn Volcano erupts in Chile,

forcing the evacuation of more than 4,500 people

Microsoft Corporation to work full time for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Beijing National Stadium

May 13
s Ministers PML(N) resign from the

July 3
s NASA discovery of water in Mercurys

August 18
s President of Pakistan Pervez Musharaf

coordinated attacks kill 164 and injure more than 250 people

December 18
s India successfully test-fires

Government of Pakistan

atmosphere by MESSENGER probe

resigned due to pressure from opposition

supersonic cruise missile BrahMos

Universal healthcare...
Continued from page 84

efforts need to be enhanced. In this connection the Goal 1: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger), Goal 4: Reduce child mortality rate and Goal 5: Improve maternal health are specially worth mentioning. In the past some programmes were initiated by the government to redress gender imbalances. The SAP was launched in 1992-1993 to accelerate improvement in the social indicators. The other major initiative was the Prime Ministers program of lady health workers (LHWs). Under this community-based program, 26,584 LHWs in rural areas and 11,967 LHWs in urban areas were recruited to provide basic healthcare including family planning to women at the grassroots level. Other initiatives included village-based family planning workers and extended immunisation programs, nutritional and child survival, cancer treatment, and increased involvement of media in health education. Many experts see the recently signed 18th amendment, as a hope for womens health as the said amendment besides strengthening provincial autonomy has handed over control of key public sector services, including health, to the countrys four provinces. While speaking to media about the

amendment Mian Raza Rabbani, chairman of the 18th amendment committee said: One of the basic benefits of devolution of health down to the provinces is stricter control, as smaller units are better managed, and there will be increased control when provincial capitals, rather than Islamabad, look over p r o grammes. According to WHO Pakistan needs to enhance its budget from its present 0.6% to 2.6% of its total GDP. Pakistan presently is spending Rs 45 billion on h e a l t h which makes 74% of the total allocation while its partners provide 11 billion rupees which make 21% of the total amount. Even if this money is used rightly on improving the health status of women, many promises can be fulfiled and many targets can be met. However, all we need is the political will to provide universal healthcare to women. In the words of former President of Federation of International Gynaecologists and Obstetricians (FIGO), Dr Fatah Ali of Egypt: Its not that we dont care for women, we know that they should be cared. Its just that the whole society has not decided yet to save women. So we will have to wait till our own society decides to save the women.

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Ownership of a different sort

By Saadia Khalid

s this a Newspaper for men only? My answer would definitely be No. Not just because I am a part of The News team but because there simply isnt any other newspaper that provides such exclusive coverage on women and related subjects. Needless to say the City and fashion pages have taken a lead too. The latest update on fashion industry, the sumptuous cooking recipes, make up tips and trendy accessories were much awaited features for women like me and still is when these have become a regular feature of the paper.

The colourful page with loads of entertainment has been termed best of all by a woman working in an NGO during an informal meeting. The result of the survey came as a surprise to me, and I assume it would be for my colleagues too that the single column feature whats on holds the most attraction for women. Having said that, I dont mean to disappoint the men folk that it has nothing for them. The News caters to its male readers as well but it is a given fact that the number of females exceeds that of males in our newsroom. The News was the first ever newspaper that has ever introduced a col-

umn containing information regarding events of the day. For women it is basically the information about the dress or jewellry exhibitions that matters most to them. I have actually come across many women

who mark the events on the paper and make it a point to attend it. This is not all, musical evenings are also mentioned in them. But it would not be fair if I say that these are the only two popular fea-

tures of The News. Keeping in view the psyche of women and their interest in other womens lives, my colleague does an amazing job in the women beat. The News has been a trend setter in highlighting issues concerning women, which were never discussed before. Whether its about a couple being accused of Karo Kari or a woman being subjected to violence The News would go to any extent to provide detailed picture of the incident. Health issues which needed attention and were never discussed in public like breast cancer and Osteoporosis were brought to light. It would not be exaggeration to say that the interest of women in the newspaper could be determined from the fact that whenever there is an appeal for help published in it, it is mostly the women who respond to it and donate generously. It was only a few months back that I had written a story of a woman diagnosed with cancer who needed Rs 25000 immediately for her treatment. I simply published the facts based on her medical reports and doctors recommendation. The first call that I received was from an old lady who wanted to help her and the last call that I received was also from a lady. It would be hard for readers to believe that she managed to collect Rs 60,000 which was enough for her second round of treatment. More interestingly, it is the women who call us the most to give feedback. We get appreciation and criticism as well from our readers. Sometimes they give us suggestion to improve a story and sometimes they correct some facts. A few days ago, I was sitting with a lady professor who was criticising the way of reporting in The News and the very next moment she rather surprised me by saying that the only newspaper she prefers to read is The News. Her revelation brought a smile to my face which was not because of her contradictory statement but because of a sense of pride for being associated with this prestigious organisation. And it was not for the first time that I have experienced such feelings. There have been countless moments, when my association with The News has been an immeasurable source

of pride and gratification. People usually think that reporters of The News are super humans, capable of doing anything in the world. They mistakenly assume that we could help in their long-due promotion; in the admission of their children in the university of their choice irrespective of

their grades, in getting their documents back from ITP without paying a single penny, in getting jobs and more importantly we could give a huge display to their stories. This undue pressure and nagging, at times results in anger and frustration. But there are times when I enjoy this attention and

reputation too, even though it is superficial. Whenever people contact me with such requests, I smile at their simplicity. Had I been that influential, I would have definitely given myself a raise. The writer is Staff Reporter, The News Rawalpindi/Islamabad

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TWENTY YEARS OF THE NEWS 2011 WITNESS TO HISTORY

versity, I revealed my plans to my family. What came next was quite expected - resistance and criticism from the homefolk. I have been associated with The News for almost eight eventful years now but the objections made back then still echo in my mind till today. Clearly, criticism is what one expects when a woman from a traditional family steps out to work. I was no different. This profession doesnt have the right environment for women, remarked one of my cousins; The work routine is not suitable for a female, commented another. The women of my family had their own way of trying to prevent me from carrying on with my plans. You ultimately have to get married, they further expressed their apprehension in these words, No one will marry a girl from a profession that involves extensive interaction with men. As the debate got more intense, some went to the extent of quoting Islam as not in favour of women who work. Others thought I would be setting a bad precedence for other younger girls in the family. The criticism was endless. Such was the family mindset that I struggled with in my bid to follow my dreams. I was quite apprehensive when I arrived at The News for my first day of work and still wasnt sure if I had made the right decision. But now, having worked with The News for eight years, there is not a single day that I regret and proudly say that it was the best decision that I have ever taken. Joining The News became the turning point of my life. The environment at The News has always been a fine and unique blend of support and encouragement that was always forthcoming from seniors like the revered Dr Maleeha Lodhi, Nasir Zaidi, Amir Qureshi, Anwar Iqbal and a long list others who I am thoroughly grateful to. It wouldnt be an exaggeration to say that the kind of freedom, respect and support enjoyed by every female staff member at The News is exceptional and something that is embedded in the papers culture. It has never changed with the progression of editors, all of whom ensured to preserve it. I remember to this day when Dr Maleeha, as a reaction to a complaint from a female staff member who was getting crank calls, stepped out of her office to warn everyone. She stood right in the middle of the newsroom and announced in her authoritative tone, that the person found guilty would find the doors of The News shut to him forever. Muhammad Malick, the current editor, has maintained the same culture: When it comes to discipline, there is no compromise. Everyone could hear him loud and clear when he spoke to the President of the National Press Club to take strict action against those involved in a defamation campaign against one of his female staff reporters. When I joined the desk as a trainee, no one ever pointed out my mistakes to me. Every day, my folder used to be full of reporters copies and I, with my poor typing speed, used to spend hours editing them. The only instruction was to put the most important points in the first paragraph of the story. Whenever I approached my immediate boss, City Editor Amir Qureshi, to find out if he was satisfied with my work, he would always remark, All is fine Myra. It was entirely up to me to read the newspaper the next morning and compare the changes made in the final version of the story. And believe me there used be many. On the other hand, you also find yourself continuously under observation. Occasional but comprehensive comment by some senior colleagues about a small aspect of your overall work says it all. There are some people who never comment at all but convey a subtle message that they are the ones most informed. There was a time when I was the only woman on the desk but it made no difference in the work environment. I never felt threatened in any condition, whether it was working till late or joining protests against the threats of closure The News faced during Nawaz Sharifs tenure. Even today, the reporters room in Islamabad Bureau is very small but it is always full of life and offers a warm welcome to female reporters. It is that connection of trust that never fades away. As soon as you enter the room, reporters start seeking your opinion about current issues and immediately drag you into a long discussion. It is as if they wait for you to share your story of the day so they can bombard you with ideas or tell you to view the story with an entirely different perspective. Sometimes they even leave you confused about what to write and what not to. They challenge your opinion and let you challenge theirs. Yes, I am proud to have taken up journalism as a career. The News has not only made me a professional journalist but it actually has taught me to live with pride and purpose. The writer is Staff Reporter, The News Rawalpindi/ Islamabad

A woman in journalism - the decision I never regretted

By Myra Imran

aking up journalism as a career wasnt easy for me. Shortly after graduating from the Quaid-i-Azam Uni-

The News Special Report, February 2011

TWENTY YEARS OF THE NEWS 2011 WITNESS TO HISTORY

2008
August 26
s Russia unilaterally recognises the

93

2008
September 3
s Lehman Brothers files for Chapter 11

2008
October 3
s US President Bush signs revised

2008
December 06
s Riots spread across Greece after a

independence of Georgian breakaway republics Abkhazia and South Ossetia

bankruptcy protection, laying the catalyst for the Global financial crisis

Emergency Economic Stabilisation Act

September 3
s Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani of

September 20
s A suicide truck bomb explosion destroys

October 17
s UN General Assembly elects Turkey,

15-year-old boy is shot dead by a special guard of the Greek Police

December 21
s Gwadar port, Pakistan becomes fully

Pakistan survives an assassination attempt near Islamabad

the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad, Pakistan, killing at least 60 and injuring 266

Austria, Japan, Uganda, and Mexico to two-year terms on the Security Council

operational

Best athletes of the last twenty years!

Compiled by Umaid Wasim
here have been a number of players who have come and gone over the last twenty years. Of them, some have glittered more than the rest. But there is little doubt that selecting the top few during the last twenty years was an arduous task. In no particular order, whatsoever, here are the top twenty athletes who have dazzled in the last two decades.

ranked player always seems to be in fighting form for Wimbledon, where she has won three titles over the past five years. Annika Sorenstam In 2005 the 5-foot-6 Swede won forty-three of the hundred and four events she entered for a staggering 42.7 winning percentage. (Golf World referred to this torrid run as Sorenstams Koufax years.) Sorenstam finished first on the money list five years in a row and won eight of her ten majors in the last decade. She decided to retire in 2008.

lower than third, and in 04 set the F1 single-season mark of 13 wins. In 2006 he announced his retirement to make a comeback last year. Jansher Khan There is little question that during the early 1990s there was no greater force in mens squash than Jansher Khan. The Peshawar-born athlete won the World Open a record eight times, and the British Open, a staggering six times. He completely dominated the sport with his last World Open crown coming in 1996 before officially announcing his retirement in 2001. He won a total of 99 professional titles and was ranked the World No. 1 for over six years, Sohail Abbas The champion exponent of that dreaded dragflick! Sohail Abbas is the world record holder for the highest number of goals (313) in the world of hockey since his debut in 1998. When he takes his stance at the edge of the opponents goal, ready to unleash the terror that is his drag-flick, you know that the board is going to sound sooner rather than later, as many defenders have discovered. A supremely gifted player, Sohail guided Pakistan to Asian Games gold in the Chinese city of Guangzhou. Pete Sampras Pistol Pete practically owned Wimbledon, winning it seven times, and was all but impossible to beat on grass. He also dominated the American Open for several years. Tremendous power and athleticism made him a fearsome opponent. For six consecutive years from 1993 to 1998, Sampras finished the year at No 1, an Open-era record. He spent 286 weeks in the top spot, a record which still stands despite a recent assault by Roger Federer. His only weakness was clay. He tried his best to win the French Open but could make the semifinal only once. Had he won he would have undoubtedly been the greatest ever. David Beckham David Beckham is a leading English footballer whose popularity extends beyond the field and into international c e l e b r i t y. Beckham was already a crowdpleasing star for Manchester United when he married Spice Girls star Victoria Adams in July of 1999 and they became one of Britains most famous couples. He is the first celebrity footballer and one of the reasons for the glamorising of the sport. As a player Beckham is particularly known for his free kick expertise and spectacular longrange shots. After spells at Manchester United and Real Madrid, Becks decided to venture into Hollywood and moved to the US with LA Galaxy in 2007. Monica Seles This Hungarian, born in Yugoslavia, and now a US citizen is truly an inter national sports star. Arriving on the scene while Steffi Graf was still tearing up courts across the world, she looked to be the next big female superstar in the sport. After being stabbed in the back during a 1993 tournament in Hamburg by a deranged fan, Seles did not play professional tennis for over two years. She managed to win one more Grand Slam title (Australian Open) giving her nine for her career.

Sachin Tendulkar Arguably one of the best batsmen of all time, Tendulkar, who made his debut in 1989, is the leading runscorer and century-maker in both Tests and One-day Internationals. Over the last twenty years, he has become one of the most recognised faces of the sport which is played mostly by the Commonwealth nations. Tiger Woods Probably the best athlete of this generation, Woods, who turned professional in 1996, has racked up 14 majors in a glittering career. Golfs most towering presence over the last decade, according to Forbes, he is the first athlete to earn a billion dollars in winnings and endorsements, although his public image has taken a huge hit with a flood of revelations about his infidelity. Roger Federer Since his first ATP win, in 2001, Federer blew past Pete Sampras to become arguably the greatest tennis player of all time, winning 15 Grand Slam singles titles and making 21 major finals appearances (both records). He was No 1 in the world for a record 237 consecutive weeks before Rafael Nadal dethroned him in 2008. In the last decade, he has won 15 of 40 Grand Slams (37.5 percent). And since his first (Wimbledon, 2003) he took home the title in 58 percent. Imran Khan The Great Khan was one of the fiercest, most lion-hearted tearaways in world cricket. With Sarfraz Nawaz, who taught him the mysteries of reverse swing, he gave Pakistan the muscle to beat anybody, anywhere. He could bat a bit too, which left him jostling with Ian Botham, Kapil Dev and Richard Hadlee for the title of top all-rounders. But Imrans trump card was his captaincy. As with most Pakistan captains, he led dictatorially but marshalled his teammates into a cohesive force and, in 1992, into World Cup winners for the countrys first cricketing glory. Lance Armstrong The most dominating athlete in the history of cycling, Armstrong beat cancer and won the Tour de France seven consecutive times from 1999 to 2005. Dogged by doping accusations that were never proven, the relentlessly driven Armstrong retired after 2005, but his thirst for competition lured him back. Michael Schumacher Schumacher started it off right, with a Formula One World Championship, his first with Ferrari, in 2000. His unprecedented five Formula One championships in a row (2000-04) made him arguably Europes most famous athlete. In 2002, he won 11 of 17 races and never finished

Dara Torres The 42-yearold Floridians antiaging secret may lie in the pool, where she continues to defy age. In 2000, she came back from retirement aged 33 and reached the podium five times at the Sydney Games (twice for gold). She retired and came back after an 8-year sabbatical aged 40 and 15 months after childbirth to win gold in the 100-meter freestyle at the US Nationals and three silver medals in Beijing.

Marta There are few players lovelier than this 24-year-old Brazilian or as prodigious. The forward led her national team to silver medals in the Athens and Beijing Games and has been awarded FIFAs Womens World Player of the Year five times (2006-10). At the 2007 Womens World Cup, where Brazil defeated the US to finish second, she won the Golden Ball as best player and the Golden Boot as top scorer.

Venus Williams Few opened the last decade with a bigger bang than Venus, who won four of her seven career Grand Slam singles titles in 2000 and 2001 while racking up a 35-match winning streak that remains the longest of the decade. Though a spate of injuries has forced the 29-year-old player to cededominion of the Womens Tennis Association (WTA) tour to her younger sisiter, the words sixth-

Serena Williams Twenty-nine year old Serena Williams has won twelve of her thirteen Grand Slam singles titles and two Olympic gold medals in doubles (with her sister Venus). Ranked world number one by the WTA fives fimes(2002 -2009), she boasts the most powerful game in modern tennis, and she is best when the stakes are highest. Throw in the nearly $29 million in prize money most of it earned in the aught and its an improbable haul for a woman who was schooled in the game along with Venus by their father.

Steffi Graf The German teenaged tennis player unseated Mart i n a Navratilova and remains one of the top female tennis players of all time. She dominated the game like no other before or since. She won against the most talented opponents using her incredible baseline power. Her 22 singles Grand Slam titles are the second most ever, and if she hadnt opted to retire when she did, there can be little doubt shed hold the number 1 spot. Simply put the most dominant female athlete ever. The writer is Sub-editor, The News

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2009
January 3

TWENTY YEARS OF THE NEWS 2011 WITNESS TO HISTORY

2009
January 20
s Barack Obama, sworn in as the 44th

2009
March 3
s Sri Lankan cricket team attacked by

2009
May 25
s North Korea allegedly tests its second

s Israeli ground forces invade Gaza

January 3
s Pakistan confirms that Ajmal Amir, the

President of the US, becoming the United States first African-American president

terrorists on the way to Gaddafi Stadium Lahore for Test match against Pakistan

nuclear device

last surviving participant in the 2008 terrorist attacks on Mumbai, India, is a Pakistani citizen

February 7
s Bushfires in Victoria- 173 dead in worst

May 19
s Sri Lanka announces victory against the

June 21
s Pakistan wins Twenty20 World Cup

against Sri Lanka

natural disaster in Australian history

Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam

Digital age the death knell for print media?

Continued from page 82

Publishers and editors need to accept that they can no longer afford to be complacent. The competition is strong and more voluminous than faced by any other industry in the history of business. However, it is the sheer volume of information out on the web that gives newspaper its distinct advantage. Publishers need to decide whether they will allow search engines to provide access to their online editions for free or charge a subscription. In this, publishers need to present a united platform. If three newspapers are offering their online versions for free, while seven others are only sharing a snippet without subscription, then those seven stand to lose. Also, sooner rather than later, the reader will realise that the multiple sources of information and news accessible for free does not offer the same quality as that which comes at a price. A choice has to be made between web-traffic and the future of their industry; for newspapers can feed off the revenues from their online version. Blogs, too, are a necessary introduction that has been incorporated. But can publishers go a step forward and print them in their newspapers as well? It is decisions like these a willingness to be proactive and take risks that will determine & define the future of the traditional newspaper. And this most traditional of source has numerous benefits. Compared to the voluminous nature of content cluttering the web, newspapers choice of news, and established standards of presentation & layout offers readers a comfort zone than only the most established

of web portals can offer. Think about this: how many personal e-mails do you receive per month? Hundreds, maybe. How many do you print out and put up on your soft-board? Compare that to a letter that you receive from a loved one. Or if even a single of us can cherish an e-book signed by the author if that ever becomes possible? While the analogy is slightly far-fetched, but the point being made is that newspapers offer something personal and tangible. For those whose names appear in the by-line, it can have the same charm as that of a personalised letter. Newspapers now need to discover the secret recipe or cook one up that makes the reader want to cut-out a piece of the paper and cherish it in the same manner. Innovation is the name of the game and inter-activity is where the cheat codes lie. The generation that is passing us by where the ones who grew up with the feel of the newspapers rumpled papers whether to swat flies or to go through them while soaking in the sun as the evening went by. They have resisted the avalanche of web-based news, staying true to their traditions and roots; but publishers shouldnt expect the same generosity from the generation that fraternises on social networks and does online farming. Unless they devise a way to attract the techies, there is a distinct possibility that the publishing industry will finally vindicate the proponents of doom and gloom. The writer is freelance journalist and is currently working as a development consultant

The News Special Report, February 2011

TWENTY YEARS OF THE NEWS 2011 WITNESS TO HISTORY

2009
September 29
s 8.0 magnitude earthquake near the

95

2009
October 28
s Peshawar bombing kills 117 while

2010
January 4
s The Burj Khalifa, the worlds tallest

2010
January 28
s Five murderers of President Sheikh

Samoan Islands causes a tsunami

wounding 213

building is officially opened.

October 25
s Baghdad bombings kill 155 and

December 28
s 43 people die in a suicide bombing in

January 12
s Earthquake occurs in Haiti killing

wound at least 721

Karachi, Pakistan, where Shia Muslims were observing the Day of Ashura

230,000 and destroying the majority of the capital Port-au-Prince

Mujibur Rahman of Bangladesh: Lt Col Syed Faruq Rahman, Lt Col Sultan Shahriar Rashid Khan, Major AKM Mohiuddin Ahmed, Major Bazlul Huda and Lt Col Mohiuddin Ahmed hanged

A matter of change
Dr Nasreen Hussain
Reformers have often discussed and proposed how fundamental changes can be brought about in educational institutions. However, they have suggested those steps without understanding what such deep changes entail for the learners, teachers, and administrators. They have also contemplated what the changes should be and how to bring about these changes, but on the question of when, their eyes start rolling. Budget cuts are proposed while the mismanagement of public resources and helplessness is indicated and ultimately what and how become redundant. The National Education Policy 2009 states clearly that it is a what and why document only and puts forth an array of non implementable proposals. So who implements reforms to bring about changes in institution improvement? Is it the teachers, leaders, politicians or the governments? A growing number of evidence suggests that teachers and leaders are the two most significant factors in improving learner achievement. The Wallace Foundation (2002) suggested that there are virtually no documented instances of schools [institutions] being turned around without strong leaders. Its clear that leadership undoubtedly is a catalyst to teaching institutions improvement, therefore, the environment of the learners, teachers and leaders should be one in which the only constant element would be change. The role of the leaders has slowly but gradually shifted from managing institutions to instructional leaders, who specialise not only in teaching, but

also spearhead development plans as well as tools and formats for documentation and record-keeping. Effective and strong leaders have a vision. They develop and support teachers, and strengthen institutions milieu. They also share and distribute leadership roles among teachers and other staff, particularly to re-enforce and enhance instructional leadership capacity. As a result, a number of countries are creating career pathways for teachers, including formally recognising teacher leader positions as well as assigning additional leadership responsibilities. Special efforts are also being made to develop and support leaders to be effective in todays increasingly complex educational environment to strengthen capacities to improve curriculum and instruction and create a base for shared leadership, collaboration and high expectations for all learners. This rosy scenario does not exist everywhere. Pakistan acknowledges the fact that the education sector has a very weak infrastructure and it is next to impossible to prepare potential leaders as it is not deemed necessary and takes time away from other responsibilities. A little bit of this and a little bit of that and a lot of nothing is what we seem to believe in.

This mindset has to change and it is for the teachers and the leaders, rightly so referred to as agents of change, to bring about a revolution rather than leave it to the whims and fancy of the higher ups. So what is the way out? Continuous professional development is the only answer, which has been at the core of all policy discussions, but has never been implemented seriously. To start with, competitive and intellectual leadership and management preparation programs at diploma and masters level should be designed and implemented across the nation to respond to the local needs of schools, colleges and universities. This should be followed by setting up leadership standards across the board, integrating theory and practice, providing internships for authentic work exposure, and a rigorous system of follow-up to ensure implementation of pedagogy by creating partnership between schools and universities. There have been countless hit and run mishaps and many lessons have been learnt in the process. As educationists we should firmly believe in commasnot full-stops. Lets bring about professional change in ourselves and give the learning establishments one more chance.

The funnies
Continued from page 81

back from Latin, alluded to many flights arriving at the airport and visitors having a rough time getting through to receive their loved ones. The same report opened with Meeters and Greeters had a rude shock, meaning that Greeters - those who go to airports and greet and Meeters who dont greet but meet, had a bad time. The same paper years ago reporting on the weather forecast said that the outlook was fartly cloudy, and once quoted an official on the floods by writing that the flood situation is highly fluid. It was also my favourite paper that reported police finding a

body in a gunny bag in about a dozen pieces and the police official when questioned concluded that it was a case of foul play. The paper that once described Jemima Khan in the context of Imran Khan as her wife, and her mother as her mother-in-law, saw nothing wrong in calling Imrans sons, her children. Genders and their use obviously have not arrived. Newspapers are a joy and if you understand that those who report or write for them first write the story in their head in Urdu and then translate it into English. I can understand that after my pick-me-up cuppa tea, the laughs are in that large paper which continues to shed off ink onto my hands!!
The writer contributes satire to The News

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Of poets and poetry...

By Zaib Azkaar Hussain
he literary scene in Pakistan has undergone a subtle change in the last two decades, especially when it comes to poetry and prose. A large number of poetry collections were published. However, with the exception of a few, most were weak and had nothing new to offer. In some cases, the poets challenged the past style of the expression of feelings and even rejected traditional formats of poetry. These poets tried to pro-

TWENTY YEARS OF THE NEWS 2011 WITNESS TO HISTORY

mote prose poetry or blank verse, but later presented their works in the formats rejected earlier by them. Interestingly, the poetry they created to prove their skills seemed weak in terms of the impact it created and in the usage of language as well. However, the ones that had something new to offer are the ones that need to be appreciated. In terms of presentation and creativity as well as good diction and impressive metaphors, these poets came up with unique work. Nevertheless, there were poets who kept up creating blank verse and enriched prose poetry by capturing rather strange feelings which exhibited their skills all the more. Besides their constant work showed they were more serious in championing the cause of promotion of blank verse and other forms of poetry such as Hamd, Naat, Marsia, Haiku, Geet, Rubaiy, Salasi and other art forms in literature. A number of books and collections appeared, but a very few book could be considered up to the mark. In many cases the poets followed the trends set by veteran Urdu classic poets like Josh Malihabadi, Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Sahir Ludhyanavi, Nasir Kazmi, Ustad Daman, Amrita Preetum and others and in humorous poetry Zameer Jaffery and Dilawar Figar influenced youths. According to critics, those who enriched different forms of poetry in Urdu and produced a memorable impact on poetry included Mohsin Ahsan, Mohsin Naqvi, Qamar Sahiri, Ada Jaffery, Aziz Hamid Madni, Razi Akhtar Shauq, Akhtar Hussain Jaffery, Ibne Insha, Dr Wazir Agha, Nigar Sehbai, Dr Anees Nagi, Hakeem Raghib Muradabadi, Parveen Fana Syed, Aasi Karnali. Those who are still creating more impressive and creative poetry included Nida Fazili, Himayat Ali Shaer, Gulzar, Naseer Turrabi, Kishwar Naheed, Amjad Islam Amjad, Feheeda Riaz, Shabi Farooqui, Khawaja Razi Haider, Mazhar Jameel, Professor Enayat Ali Khan, Meraj Jami and others. These seniors have influenced youth a great deal. Another trend which emerged a few years back is that many poets started writing short stories and autobiographies highlighting their skills as prose writers. Besides, many of the writers have started writing critical essays and columns that are expected to help readers to understand their poetic works in the light of their critical views and thoughts. Ahmed Faraz is regarded as a true visionary poet whose romantic poetry deviated from past romantic approaches in Urdu poetry. In recent years, many renowned poets have produced their books, where they depict their experiences of life with a creative touch. Besides, many books have been published that include the interviews of these poets and review their work. Noon Meem Rashid or Nazar Muhammad Rashid was a poet who influenced those poets who desired to create Nazms in Urdu. He was a trend-setting poet of Urdu poetry. In yet another trend in poetry, the poets have not been able to convey their new and thoughts due to technical flaws in the language. For Farhat Abbas Shah, it was highlighted that he appeared to be a zood-go poet and gave around 51 collections but his poetry could not gain ground among the serious critics and serious students of literature. In view of some critics, Saadullah Shahs poetry was a part of trend set by Shahs and nothing come out of it at a later stage. Wasi Shah is also a name that critics put in this category.A poet Ahmed Zahid, who died at a very young age, produced some notable contributions to poetry. There was a time when Qamar Jameel, Mubarak Ahmed, Ubaidullah Aleem, Saleem
Continued on page 97

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TWENTY YEARS OF THE NEWS 2011 WITNESS TO HISTORY

97

A bold stance for objectivity

By Tahir Hasan Khan
I remember joining The News a few months before the publication began and, after a passage of twenty years, I am still with the paper. I was offered many lucrative opportunities but I to stayed here because of the free and liberal atmosphere and great team. Many of my colleagues and friends who left the organisation often remember the good old days spent in this newspaper and quite a few of them have joined back. I was a youngster when I joined and now enjoy a senior position in the profession. During the last 20 years, I have worked with many editors and learned a lot. A large number of journalists who are now working in other well reputed media organisations were trained here and call this place an academy. There is no denying the fact that The News had set many new trends in journalism. At the time of its launch were very few English newspapers in the country with a traditionally old style of printing. The News revolutionaised the whole concept of newspaper production which earned immense popularity among the population. Modern technology and style created new history in the Pakistani print media and most publications are now following those trends. The News also has the credit of introducing Free Market of Idea in the country and provided opportunities to every person, group and community to express themselves. Various issues including human rights and women and minority issues were also highlighted during the last two decades. However, the most important service of The News was the promotion of Indo-Pak relations. A campaign launched for the improvement of the relation between two neighbouring countries was a tough job but it provided the right direction to the country and nation. Education, health and social issues were also highlighted during last two decades. Its magazines were very popular and set trends. The newspaper played a major role in not only lawyers movement but also exposing corruption, nepotism and bad governance in the country. The News also introduced new ways of printing exclusive and breaking news and now many upcoming newspapers are following suite. The articles on the Op-Ed pages besides being highly informative reflect the opinion of every section of society. It was The News that exposed the worst human rights violation during the operation clean up in Karachi in 1992, 1994 and 1999. Its courageous reporting exposed incidents like Tando Bhawal in which the law enforcement agency killed innocent people by declaring them dacoits. Further investigation confirmed that the victims were innocent and the army officers, involved in this incident, were convicted through military court. I had the privilege of working with a veteran journalist like late Iqbal Jaffery, who was the team leader of city reporters at that time. It was early days of the newspaper when Nawaz Sharif was the Prime Minister and late Jam Sadiq Ali was the Chief Minister of Sindh. MQM was the coalition partner of the government that comprised MQM, PPP dissidents, Ghulam Mustafa Jatoi and some independent candidates. It was the time when Benazir Bhutto was facing some cases in the court and Asif Ali Zardari was in prison. Late Jam Sadiq was angry with The News for exposing the corruption of his government and I was scared because he had warned me personally at a gathering. Iqbal Jaffery who was the close friend of Jam Sadiq defended his team members. It was his support that saved me. The political crisis deepened in Sindh when MQM and then Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif started developing differences. Late Jam Sadiq was opposed to a crackdown operation in Karachi and Hyderabad but after his death Chief Minister Syed Muzaffar Hussain Shah had to give in. MQM quit the government and its leadership went into hiding. Later on MQM was divided into two groups with one group headed by Afaq Khan who named his new party Mohajir Qaumi Movement. The law and order situation was worsening. A large number of youths were killed in extra judicial killings and scores of citizens were arrested. It was The News that exposed the worst human right violations committed by the law enforcement agencies. Last but not the least, the credit of two

decades achievements of this newspaper goes to Mir Shakilur-Rahman. The News is now on top because of the vision of the Editor-in-Chief who encouraged the team to change the trends in journalism. The writer is a senior journalist working for The News

Of poets
Continued from page 96

Ahmed and Iftikhar Jalib patronised young poets of their times and later several poets emerged as good poets. Those who continually compromised on the production of prose poetry include Sara Shagufta and Zeeshan Sahil (who died at a young age) and those kept up creating prose poetry included Ahsan Saleem, Azra Abbas and Anwar Sinroy. According to a writer, Muhammad Aminuddin, some Urdu magazines titled Duniazad, Aaj and Symbol left no stone unturned to promote blank verse while presenting good translations from English literature that encouraged young poets. A collection of poetry titled Koi Tasveer To Pathar Se Nikle by Afsar Minhas has attracted many critics and lovers of literature. The latest poetry collections by Shahnawaz Farooqui, Sarwar Javed and Ajmal Siraj have been considered a good example of poetry depicting modern sensibility. Regardless of the debate that women were being exploited in the male-dominated society, a study of a collection of contemporary poets of Pakistan titled Mukhatib by Saira Ghulam Nabi shows that it was the work that spoke volumes regarding the poetic skills and talents of a person in poetry. She yet agrees to the suggestions that political conditions of the country, class set up, lack of opportunities and rather discouragement of creative work (on the part of different forces) and curtailment of rights of freedom expression in different regimes has ultimately caused negative influence on the poetry and poets as well. The collection covered many poets. Senior poet and critic Jamal Naqvi, published a collection of poetry titled Panj Rang which experiences five art forms of poetry Ghazal, Poem, Mahya, Rubaiy and Haiku. He also presented the translations from Urdu into English, Japanese, Sindhi, Russian and other languages. Tishna Barelavi, Sail Azad and Karan Singh who assisted him in these translations term the work wonderful. The writer is a senior journalist at The News

The News Special Report, February 2011

98
2010
February 24

TWENTY YEARS OF THE NEWS 2011 WITNESS TO HISTORY

2010
April 14
s Icelandic Volcano Eyjafjallajkull begins

2010
Aug 19
s Operation Iraqi Freedom ends, with the

2011
Jan 2
s Drone killed al-Qaeda leader who owned

s Sachin Tendulkar scored the first

double century in One Day International cricket

erupting from the top crater in the centre of the glacier

last of the United States brigade combat teams crossing the border to Kuwait

Benazirs murder

February 27
s Central Chile is hit with an 8.8

May 1
s Car bomb fails to go off in Times

Oct 13
s Mining accident in Copiap, Chile

Jan3
s Muttahida Qaumi Movement, quits the

magnitude earthquake

Square, New York City

comes to end as all 33miners rescued

government leaving it with a minority in parliament

No news without The News!

By Asim Yaseen
n Pakistan, there is no news without The News! This might seem like a pompous statement on our part but that is not the case. Rather, this is the unanimous opinion shared by politicians. Talking with this scribe, Senator Tariq Azeem said, A politicians breakfast is not complete without The News. The paper has become an es-

Mian Nawaz Sharif

sential part of our lives. Rather, without The News, life is a like a body without soul. The News started its journey twenty years ago when political polarisation was at its peak. Over the years, it has earned the reputation of being a trend setter with its in-depth coverage and unbiased opinions. While the readers welcomed this step, many a times the paper was victimsed by the governments of the day. PML (N) chief Mian

Muhammad Nawaz Sharif described The News as a balanced paper that gained popularity among the people due to its balanced approach. The News has been high lighting the issues of the people. This is the main reason it is the most popular English language daily in Pakistan. Through its investigative reporting and positive criticism, the targets of good governance could be achieved. I personally believe that independent news analysis and facts based reports were beneficial for the government to get the target of good governance, he said. I am an advocate of good governance. The analyses that appeared in The News were and

Fauzia Wahab News was tilted towards the right wing, adding, It should stay away from this. Senator Tariq Azeem, who had served as Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting as well as Information Secretary of the PML-Q commented, No news in Pakistan is complete without The News. The paper gives balanced news report and the quality of material published is great. Ever since its first edition was printed, it has been giving a complete picture of the political horizons. He admitted that any newspaper that takes a bold stance and present facts is not liked by the government of the day. The News is respected by the readers because it dares to take a stance on issues and stick to its guns, he added. Sharing a similar view, ANPs Senator Haji Adeel said that the paper was factual and critical and yet had some juice. A reader of The News for the last 20 years, Haji said, The way the Jang Group and particularly The News started a campaign against corruption is praise worthy. As a result plenty

started focusing on corruption in the society. Praising the publication, he was not hesitant in voicing his opinion and said, A balance approach should be followed while writing on any particular party. Sometimes it seems that the criticism was made on one side ignoring the other side. He was also of the view that the smaller provinces generally were ignored generally in the media and importance was given to the leaders of Punjab and Karachi. Mostly negative news about the smaller provinces is projected but the positive news is not highlighted, he added.

Haji Adeel Amir Jamaat-e-Islami Syed Manawar Hussain was of the view that The News was a trendsetter in the investigative

reporting. The News and Jang Group played an active role in the judicial movement and this cannot be ignored. The News has also played a role in keeping the ideology of Pakistan alive. He suggested continuing with the policy of the accountability of the rulers so that the targets of real democracy and justice could be achieved. The News has to play a role in making Pakistan a sovereign state and help in creating an independent society, he said as a parting shot. The writer is Senior Staff Reporter, The News Rawalpindi/Islamabad

Tariq Azeem are factual and have nothing personal. We can differ with what appears in the paper but at the same time we were given the opportunity was always provided us to present our point of view and this approach is positive. I do feel that if the governments take the criticism constructively, then they will be able to strengthen the State and the democratic system, Sharif said. He credited The News and Jang Group for playing a major role in the independence of judiciary and removing dictatorship from the country, adding, It has set a trend in the world! Spicy! is what Fauzia Wahab quipped when this scribe asked for her opinion about The News. PPPs information secretary said that the paper carried crisp stories and highlighted all aspects of the society. In the opinion pages, neutrality is maintained but a partial approach is visible in the letters to the editor, she opined. She maintained that The

Syed Munawar Hussain of scandals were unearthed and taken up by the Supreme Court and billions of rupees were returned to the national exchequer. This approach of The News was later adopted by its competitors and they too

The News - a beacon for Lahore art and culture

By Shahab Ansari
he News has always been at the forefront in promoting culture and arts, and it has a monumental stature in documenting the centuries-old lively culture of this city. This has been the general resolve and unanimous opinion of artists and the cultural entities of the provincial metropolis, Lahore. Established film, theatre and performing arts personalities, who have been sailing along The News since its inception on February 11, 1991, have dubbed it a harbinger of change and a true mirror of society. Reema Khan, the super star, commented on the 20 year journey of The News in these words: There are other sources of information and news in Pakistani media that keep their readers informed around the clock. But what The News provides through its pages has always been way above other such channels of information. It caters to the requirements of all segments of the society and thats what

is mostly lacking in other newspapers. It is certainly a trend setter in every way, be it fashion, performing or visual arts including film and theatre or music, and socio-religious material. Film director Shahzad Rafiq said I love my habit and The News is my habit. He further added, It is a very balanced newspaper and is completely moderate, updated and progressive source of information. Going through the pages of The News is a refreshing and enlightening experience since the day it was launched. Shahzad Rafiq has been a dedicated reader of The News and is one of the millions of The News real benefactors. F a i z a n Peerzada, artist, designer, Performing Arts Festival initiator and CEO of Rafi Peer Theatre Workshop (RPTW), while talking about the last 20 years performance of The News vis--vis the papers role in the success of his workshop, recalled, Our association with The News has grown over the years, and has a great history of collaboration in promoting art and
Continued on page 99

The News Special Report, February 2011

TWENTY YEARS OF THE NEWS 2011 WITNESS TO HISTORY

2011
Jan4
s Governor Punjab, Salmaan Taseer

99

2011
Jan15
s Former Tunisian President Zine El

2011
Feb 1
s Two million people gather in Tahrir

2011
Feb11
s Slimmer 22-member new federal

assassinated by his security guard

Jan 6
s PM Yousaf Raza Gillani cancels fuel

Abidine Ben Ali flees with family to Saudi Arabia, after being rejected by France.

Square in biggest demonstration since revolution against Mubarak regime

cabinet took oath on Friday

Jan 28
s U S official charged with murder of two

Feb 10
s Pakistan successfully test-fires Hatf-VII

Feb 12
s Pakistani court issues arrest warrant for

price increases in an apparent concession to the opposition

motorcyclists shot dead in Lahore

cruise missile

former President Pervez Musharraf, alleging his involvement in assassination of Benazir Bhutto

The News has made a mark

Attique Ahmad Khan Prime Minister Azad Jammu and Kashmir Government.

Dr Abdul Basit Chancellor, Preston University

am honoured to expressing my heartiest congratulations to The News on its 20th publishing anniversary. The News has earned the esteem of readers belonging to all sections of society and polity by virtue of its high standard of journalist traits. It has made a mark by making memorable contributions to movements launched for the restoration of democratic order, establishment

of rule of law, independence of judiciary, good governance, energy, economic crises, war on

terror with balanced and realistic approach, eradication of corruption, and many other problems the country faces. The News has served as a beacon of light to address all these and other regional and international issues and safeguarding the national interests. The News has always projected the Kashmir cause with force and logic and Kashmiris are indebted to it for meaningful support. I wish The News more laurels and still greater acclamation by people from all walks of life.

he News has come a long way and accomplished a great deal in 20 years. I am pleased to send my greetings to all those who made it possible for The News to stand tall and proud among the most reliable and easily accessible sources of information. Being an ardent reader of this esteemed daily it is particularly gratifying for me to know that The News stands today at the forefront of our national endeavour for the freedom of information. I strongly believe that as we turn to the future, focus must

The News stands tall and proud

to keep people oblivious of the happenings around them. The over two decades of sustained endeavours of The News to provide access to information to the citizens of this country is indeed praiseworthy. Over the years, it has not only fulfilled its mandated responsibility towards the society successfully but has also contributed towards other important areas of national development. Promoting the cause of education in the country is one such very important area. Its effort to promote education through conduct of national education expos is worthy of particular mention. These knowledge sharing expos have become a ritual where academia, students and industry find opportunities to interact and get first hand knowledge. Realising and believing that business leaders, media and academia need to work together as partners instead of different entities; importance of such expos cannot be overemphasized. Students and educationists

be on building bridges among all tiers of our society instead of widening gulfs by veiling information and attempting

who visit these expos testify these events as an opportunity worthy of admiration. Hundreds of prospective students turn up to the event to explore the academic programs of their interest. The partnership of The News with the academia and industry is nurturing the future workforce of the country. This is indeed a significant contribution. I, once again, congratulate The News on its twentieth anniversary; and hope and pray that together we would continue to serve the nation with greater enthusiasm in the years to come.

The News a beacon for art..

Continued on page 99

culture in Lahore. The News has been like the guiding star on the cultural horizon of this centuries-old city of lively people, whose craving for sublimity in art and culture never ends. The RPTW has organised over half a dozen very successful and internationally acc l a i m e d performing arts festivals in collaboration with The News over the last two decades. Perhaps there is no other n e w s p a p e r, which has given such an extensive, top of the line and detailed coverage to the activities and events related to the world of performing & fine arts, music, literature and social issues. Speaking about the papers Sunday issue, he said, The News on Sunday and the City pages provide you a world of entertainment and information. Faizan further elaborated that The News has particular attitude of its own and the language is quite easily digestible for readers of every age and qualification as well as taste. The layout is quite impressive and attractive with a lot of interesting pictures. To a veteran performing arts personality and an internationally acknowledged organiser of Cultural events like Faizan Peerzada, the best thing about this brilliant newspaper is that you can go through it in just half an hour and get perfectly informed and updated. No aspect of the socio-cultural life is ever ignored in The News. It was The News which came forward to help us out in the most difficult and scary times in the November of 2010, when the RPTWP decided to turn its mega Festival The World Performing Arts Festival, into a smaller event called The 9th Youth Festival due to the prevailing situation in the country. The News backed our media partners and supported us whole-heartedly even when everyone was shying away from such public events, Faizan recalled. Every latest and burning issue, no matter how igniting and sensitive it may be, is always taken up by The News without any fear or bias, he adds. ``And, thats what I appreciate and look for in a good newspaper. The News has been growing and grooming itself according to the demands and requirements of the modern times over the last 20 years. Stagnancy is a taboo with The News since it has embraced the challenges of the ever changing times with open arms. Versatility, yet keep-

The News is managing equilibrium, remaining objective, unbiased and having no tilt towards any particular school of thought

ing its credibility and stature intact without making any undue compromises in this rapidly commercialising environment is another hallmark of The News. In short, The News really delivers, Faizan concluded. I m r a n Pe e r z a d a , who is another brilliant artist, actor, p e r f o r m e r, puppeteer and writer opined: I have been reading The News for the last 20 years and have been critically analysing its content. In my opinion the most prominent feature of The News is the diversity that reflects from its last two decades of existence. The other English language papers are opinion-heavy, whereas The News is News Heavy. The News has been a great supporter and promoter of the cultural activities in the country. Imran believes that by and large The News is one paper which has a very good content and the selection of articles, material and information is really very good. The News has a lot to offer to its reader with all the sensitivities and requirements of the 21st Century. The City pages of The News indiscriminately provide an in-depth look into the happenings in the city on every front, especially the culture which includes the world of fashion, art, poetry and literature. In short, The News has it all with a distinguished colour and taste of its own. The News is managing equilibrium, remaining objective, unbiased and having no tilt towards any particular school of thought despite the fact such a balance is almost impossible to maintain in the presentday journalism. The News has done fairly well on this count and it has come out with flying colours. I too have been associated with The News for some time back in its early days. I was the creator of a cartoon strip, which I had named The Muse. This cartoon strip regularly appeared in The News on Sunday for quite a while. How much The News inspires me can be gauged from my longing to get back to that creation of mine The Muse in The News again. I really enjoyed that experience and miss that environment. It was quite an enthralling experience to me as well as to my readers back in those days, Imran Peerzada concluded. The writer is Senior Staff Reporter, The News Lahore