Role of Muslim Journalism in the Movement of Pakistan .Muslim journalism played a crucial role in the movement for the creation of Pakistan. Journalists used their platforms to spread awareness,

The actual beginning of th% Movement of Pakistan began as a people’s movement after the resolution of Pakistan in 1940. But the establishments of a separate state was thorough indispensable before hand. Reviewing the political background of the ideology of Pakistan, the War of Independence of 1857 cannot be ignored. First of all Sir Syed took the support of journalism to infuse a new life in the nation. Then came Zafar Ali Khan and Maulana Muhammad Ali Jouhar to this platform. The journalism of these three great personalities brought the Muslim as a whole to a shore out of the windstorm and gave them new principles to spend a better life.

The result of the awakening of the Muslims was that-they searched for new ways to a new life and individuality that eventually brought them to the motherland of Pakistan The Muslim League also provided a route which brought them to their destination. The history of the political life of the Indian Muslims Lucknow Pact, Khilafat/Movement, Simon Commission and the Nehru Report. It presented the history making concept of Pakistan

The beginning of the concept of Pakistan starts with the two’ nation theory of Sir Syed

In this way if we review the role of journalism in Pakistan Movement, then Sir Syed’s journalism Zafar Ali Khan’s ‘’The Zamindar” Jauhar’s “The Hamdard”, “The Comrade” shine as bright stars. Abdul Haleem Sharar’s weekly “The Mohazzb” filled colours in the outline of Pakistan Another figure of the Pakistan Movement is “The Inqalab” that appeared in 1927.

The Muslims realized the need of separate state on account of the political collusion of the Hindus and the English and the enmity and narrow mindedness of the Hindus towards the Muslims. “The Inqalab” played a vital role in propaganting the spirit. “The Inqalab” was issued on April 4, 1927. Abdul Majeed Salik and Ghulam Rasool Mehr were its proprietors From 1927 ‘ this newspaper wrote daily editorial without a break. We can compile a complete history keeping in view the editorial of this newspaper. The main characteristic of the editorials of this newspaper was logic and argumentation. The editorials of “The aqalab” strengthened the Homeland view of the Muslims. They tore the certain of the wickedness and hypocrisy of the Hindus ”’he pages of “The Inqalab” supported the philosophy of Iqbal’s ideology of Pakistan.

“The Inqalab” published the articles of Maulana Murtaza Ahmed Khan Maikush under the heading. A separate Homeland for the Indian Muslims. According to Dr. Abdus Salam Khurshid,

“The Inqalab had been demanding Pakistan much before the Allahabad Address. In 1930 Allama Iqbal took the responsibility of holding the All India Muslim Conference in which the Muslim leaders Punjab, , Sindh arid Baluchistan had to participate In this connection the first page that ‘as published had the heading, “Punjab, Frontier, Sindh and Baluchistan are Islamic Countries Islamic flag should be raised in them”. It gave a forceful reply to the opposition of the Hindu newspapers. “The Inqalab” supported Allahabad Address in the editorial of January 17, 1931 as follows:

“The Muslim want to say it openly that unless they-are ensured fully the security of their religion and civilization, they will not participate in any’Movement with name of Indian.” “The Inqalab” in its editorial supported the issue of separate electorate and opposed joint electorate It published the statements, of Quaid- i-Azam in particular.

The Role of “The. Zamindar”

Before 1937 the policy of “The Zamindar” was in favour of Congress and Nationalism It declared that All India Congress was the only political party of the country To make the movement of Pakistan successful, it emphasized Hindu Muslim Unity. In 1937 “The Zamindar” became the spokesman of The Muslim League. It supported the ideology of the Muslim League

.It spread the message of the Muslim League and the Movement of Pakistan in such a way as to show that the. Indian Muslim demand for a separate homeland was unanimous “The Zamindar” criticized the group that played the role of hypocrites It disclosed the policies of the Majlis-i-Ahrar It also disclosed the policy of Muslim enmits of “The Partap” and ‘The Milap”. From the journalistic platform, he severely criticized the Hindu newspapers. It responded to every criticism. It struggled successfully to change the policy of the Khaksar Movement which opposed The Muslim League. ‘The Zamindar” explained in its editorial in this connection that resolution would decided the’fate of the Muslim “The Muslims” would be ensured of complete independence

The Role of “The Ehsan”

Muslim journalism was very weak form the Concept of The Pakistan to Movement of Pakistan. Its main reason was that Muslim journalism was divided into three groups I he nationalist group, Muslim League group and the opportunists In comparison with, this, The Hindu press was very strong Firstly only ‘The Inqalab” supported the Muslim League The Zamindar’ adopted the Muslim League ideology in 1937. “The Ehsan” published from Lahore in 1934 became the spokesman of the Muslim League. It played its role sincerely in the war of independence.

very conspicuous. “The Ehsan” encourage the Muslims. It tried to the end the difference between the Muslims. It openly declared that until and unle s the Muslim Nation was united, it could not be successful in tl e achievement of freedom. The role of this newspaper is like g freedom fighter of the Pakistan Movement. It fully supported tie Muslim press of this period, particularly the policy of “The Inqalab”. The subject matter that was published in it fastered belonged to the Movement for the Establishment of Pakistan.It supported the Muslim League leaders at every step and helped them to realize the demands and objectives of the Muslims.

The Period from the Movement of Pakistan to the Establishment of Pakistan

It is history making period. On March 23, 1940 at Lahore, the fate of Muslims was decided in the session of the Muslim League. It is known by the name as “The Resolution of Pakistan”. It is also called the manifesto of the struggle of the Muslims. All the Muslims were unanimous in the support of this Resolution. The Muslims and the Muslim League kept on advancing toward their real destination nearly Pakistan. The Congress and the Hindus opposed it at every Step. Cripps Mission was sent to India in 1942 to consider the demand of the Muslims.

In 1944 there was a history making talk between Gandhi and Jinnah The Wavell Plan was also presented this year, General Elections were held in 1945. The plan of the Cabinet Mission was presented in 1946. After this the plan was presented on June 3, 1947. On August 14 1947 Pakistan appeared on the Map of the World as an Independent Country. In this period- Muslim Journalism played a strong role. “The Zamindar”, “The Siasat”, “The Inqalab”, “The Ehsan” and other newspapers made ceas eless efforts for the achievement of freedom “The Nawa-i-Waqat”, “The Dawn”, “The Pakistan Times”, also developed and the Pakistan Movement went ahead In addition to this several other newspapers such as “The Times Star of India”,

“The Morning News”, “The Star” and “The Muslin Voice” supported the Muslims. Quaid-i-Azarr played a greater role in the revival of the Muslims journalism. He opened the Islamic Journalism fund. It leveled the ground for greater success.

“The Inqalab” made a strong impression on journalism from 1940 to the establishment of Pakistan and guided Muslims During this period differences developed in Muslim Journalism The newspapers were divided into two groups. The Muslim League had accepted the proposals of the Cripps Mission but Congress rejected them.

Hindu and Muslim newspapers also opposed these proposals. This attitude was declared as the opposition of the Muslim League. In 1942 Raj Gopal made efforts for compromise between Muslim League and Congress. “The Inqalab” played its role sincerely. Irrespective of the fact that “The Inqalab” oppose the Muslim League at this critical juncture and sided with the government it is quite evident that “The Inqalab” played the role of a freedom fighter in the Movement of Pakistan. Its objective was establish an Independent State and “The Inqalab” played this role very well.

The Dawn”

Towards the last days of the*Movement of Pakistan, one voice was that of “The Muslim League” second of the Qua id-i- Azam and third was “The Dawn”. “The Dawn” was issued from Delhi in 1942. In the beginning it was a weekly, ft was the first Muslim newspaper in English that fully supported the Muslim League. At that time the Hindu Press presented the views of the Muslim League under wrong heading. Keeping this point in view the Q’iai^-i-Azam felt that “he voice of the Muslim should be communicated to the educated people. A newspaper was urgently needed. This need was fulfilled by the daily “The Manshoor” and “The Dawn”.

The first editor of the Dawn was Pothen Joseph. In 1945 Quaid-i-Azam appointed Altaf Hussain its editor who wrote under the pseudonym of Ain-uI-Malik. ft reflected the views of the Muslims and rendered valuable Services to the Movement of Pakistan. It started its life by supporting the Resolution and manifesting the personality of Quaid-i-Azam. “The Dawn” raised a determined voice through its editorials and articles for the freedom of the Muslims, “The Dawn” had a fundamental status during this period of Muslim Journalism.

The reason for this active role was that its editor was a person who supported the ideology of the establishment of Pakistan. Under the big heading “Shaheedon-Ko- Salaam”, it dashed this hope of the English and the Hindus that the Muslims unnerved by the riots would give up supporting the establishment of Pakistan. Its basic characteristic was that the articles and editorials published on it, marked the situation in the sub-continent. The slogan that “The Dawn” raised, it spread throughout India the next day The main heading of the editorials and articles of “The Dawn” were clear examples of its right argumentation and spirit. On April 28, 1947 the heading was as under:

“Divide, Divide, Divide”. The test of this editorial was that the division of India is indispensable. The fact is that with reference to English journalism, the role of “The Dawn” is the same in the Movement of Pakistan as that of “Nawai-i-Waqat” in the Urdu language.

.“The Pakistan Times”

In view of the need for spreading the views of the Muslim league throughout the country, towards the end of the Movement of Pakistan. “The Pakistan Times” was issued from Lahore. “The Dawn” was published from Delhi and could not reach Lahore in tune. Its founder was Quaid-i-Azam. At that time of the establishment of Pakistan, it was only six months old Yet it played in important role in explaining the view point of the Muslim I eague.

Journalism after Partition and its Development;Role of Muslim Journalism in the Movement of Pakistan

Before the establishment of Pakistan great writers like Sir Syed, Zafar Ali Khan, Maulana Muhammad Ali Jauhar, Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad and Hameed Nizami developed their potentialities and waged a successful struggle against English imperialism. After freedom many Muslim newspapers came to Pakistan. There were three newspapers: “The Sindh Observer”, “The Daily Gazette” and “The Karachi Daily” but all three were closed. After this, “The Inqalab” that had played an important role in the freedom Movement, ceased publication on account of financial loss. Only the “Al-Waheed” was alive and active. In addition to these several new newspapers came into existence.

Even before the Establishment of Pakistan, Lahore was the biggest centre of newspapers. “The Civil and Military Gazette”, The Pakistan Times” and “The Nawa-i-Waqat” were already present. These days Mir Khalil-ur-Rehman also issued “The Jang”. Gradually these newspapers got the shape of chain papers as “The Mashriq” and “The Imroze”.

“The Wafaq”, “The Azad”, “The Maghrabi Pakistan”, “The Masawat”, “The Pukar”, “The Muslim”, “The Dawn”, “The Frontier Post”, “The Markaz”, “The Nation” ware also issued. In addition to the daily journalism “Digest Journalism” also developed. “The Urdu Digest” was issued in 1960. Today several Digests are being printed. Weekly journalism, also prospered. These magazine include political, religious, film industry and several other special magazines. From the technical point of view, journalism in Pakistan, particularly, Urdu journalism has considerably expanded. The following factors deserve due attention.

Supply of News

The supply of news has become very rapid. All the good newspapers are utilizing the native and foreign news agencies. In the office of each newspaper, printers have been installed News is also gathered through Radio and T V monitoring. Every newspaper has special correspondents in addition to the local correspondents who have a special position in their fields In addition to local correspondents, the representatives and correspondents supply the news. Now FAX, a medium in the supply of news had brought about a great revolution. Complete news is transferred on the screen from one city to the other in a few minutes.

Make up

Before partition the make up of the Urdu newspaper was not up to the standard. After partition it has undergone revolutionary changes. The newspapers of Karachi had a tinge of the newspapers of Delhi. The newspapers of Lahore adopted the principles of modern make up under the influence of “1 he Imroze’ After this “The Kohistan” introduced make up with modern expectation. At present “The Jang” issued from Lahore has brought about.

Changes in the Topics of the Editorial

Before Partition, the editorials in most of the newspapers were of political nature, now there is variety in them The editorials are written on economical, social and cultural problems We find the signs of both progress and decline in editorial writing. Progress in the sense that there is variety in topics, downfall in that the editorials are shallow. The editorials are written on the problems of every day life

The Authenticity of Language

Before partition, writers who dominated Urdu journalism were literary, figures and journalists at the same time Therefore, much attention was given to the authenticity of language Now the majority of these journalists are plain journalists and not literary figures. This has benefited the art of journalism to a great extent but little attention has been paid to the authenticity of language

The Taste of the Readers

Now, the newspapers try to become the greatest centre of attention for readers. They satisfy different classes and circle They publish columns and features on different problems. Permanent headings are given to features on children, ladies, students, villagers, films and religion. In this way they try to refect the taste of the readers.

Special Editions

Special Edition were published even before partition but after partition this number has enhanced Now, the newspaper publishes special edition daily These editions include students, ladies, national, political activities. The pages of children, film and religious topics are also included. The special editions are published on the occasion of important events and festivals. In addition to this supplements are published to draw the attention of the people towards special industries.

News about Games and Commerce

Before partition, the newspapers gave no importance to news about games and commerce But now. special attention is paid to them. There is a space reserved the news about games and commerce in all the details. Special games, editions are published on all kinds of games, the performance and interviews of the players and similarly special supplements are published about information on commerce You can read the details of the rated of change in stock exchange and currency in the details

The Tradition of Writing Humorous Columns

The writing of humorous columns was also there before the establishment of Pakistan But now, it has assumed a permanent and special importance The Urdu newspapers have introduced many column writers who have acquired special status

News Through Pictures

Printing of Pictures about news had no important status before partition. But in the present age, relevant and irrelevant pictures have become part and parcel of news The journalism of today is more of pictorial journalism because the pictures are often more than the subject matter. Now coloured pictures are given instead of black and white with became the centre of attention of the people. For better printing of coloured pictures modern machine like the scanner are being used.

Progress in Printing

A revolution has come about in the printing of Urdu journalism after partition The offset type has been adopted b ending litho system of printing. Now rotary machines have been installed which print from 20-25 thousand copies in an hour Firstly, the copy of first two pages was printed separately Now the whole newspaper is printed at the same subject matter and pictures are printed simultaneously Now computer is used for calligraphy.

Increase in Circulation

Better printing, the great number of coloured pictures, and articles of interest have greatly increases the publication of newspapers. The circulation is increasing day by day Now to bring out a newspaper individually is not possible Therefore several groups and limited companies have come in view which spend a lot of money to increase circulation

Award of Wage Board

Firstly, the workers of the newspapers received very low wages It was difficult for them to make both ends meet With the establishment of the Wage Board, this problem has been solved Now, they are drawing very decent salaries The trend of the educated people towards this profession in increasing.

Chains of Newspapers

The printing of a newspaper from different cities simultaneously is called chain paper For example “The Jang” “The Mashriq”, “The Imroze”, “The Nawa-i-Waqat” and “The Pakistan Times” are published simultaneously from several cities In the present age FAX has further facilitated the work of chain papers. Now news of one place can be obtained like a Photostat at the other place

Increase in Advertisement

The development of industry has extended the circle of advertisements. The present age is the age of advertisement Accordingly, the newspapers get numerous advertisements It has also increased the Publication It has not only developed the newspapers but also the industry. It includes classified advertisement in addition to large advertisements

Mutual Competition

Now, there is great contest among the newspapers It has caused profit as well as loss to journalism The newspapers try to go ahead to increase their publication Sometimes they try to surpass one in sensational criminal news It has no effect collectively. The newspapers are also contesting in means of communication. It has improved their standard

The Number of Newspapers

There has been a great increase in the number of newspapers First, it was 600 but now it has become 2000 they also include such newspapers as are published from different areas are known as regional newspapers. .

Digest Journalism

Digest journalism has become very popular The first Digest was published in I960 but now their number is 100 In addition to these development works there has been an increase in professional newspapers and magazines. Now, more news, are printed in newspapers. The number of pages has also increased considerably. The number of workers in newspapers has been increased.

There is specialty in every department. Journalism as an academic in discipline has also developed to a great extent Now there are MA classes in journalism in Universities Some Universities also award diploma certificates. Those who are receiving the Education in Journalism, are playing an important role in the development ofjournalism

In conclusion, the role of Muslim journalism in the movement for Pakistan was instrumental in shaping public opinion, mobilizing support, and documenting the struggle for independence. The legacy of these journalists serves as a testament to the power of the press in advancing social and political change. It is essential to recognize and celebrate their contributions to the fabric of Pakistani society.