HYDERABAD, June 3: A senior US journalist and Director International Media Affairs, Dr.Sherry Ricchiardi and another senior photojournalist Frank Folwell on Thursday have said that accuracy and truth telling are cardinal principles of investigative reporting as journalists are the bridge between people and government. They were delivering lectures to participants of a one-day training workshop on “investigative journalism and media ethics organised by US Consulate, We Journalists and Center for Peace and Civil Society in Sindhi Muslim society here Thursday . Dr. Sherry described investigating journalism as the watchdog of society and it was the most important tool of journalism to protect society against the powerful ones. She referred to six stages that form basis of investigating reporting by journalists and added that while working on any investigating story the media ethics should not be lost sight of. She said that ethics is an every day business for journalists and they could ask their organisation or the editors that these ethics must be followed adding that BBC’s ethics were wonderful to be adopted if journalists don’t have something in black and white. She quoted several websites for studying code of ethics of journalism.

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She said that journalists must be cautious when comes to competition of reporting as it was upto journalists how to spin or frame something. About attribution of anonymous sources in stories, she said that at times it could be harmful and in US print media there are very strict guidelines if one has to rely on anonymous sources. She said that in various cases these sources have their own agenda therefore journalists must be careful in confirming anonymous material by a reliable second source and also see whether the story is important enough to justify use of such source. She said that currently in Pakistan water scarcity, deforestation and environment are important subjects for stories to be investigated. She said journalists could be agent of change and reforms of society especially when it comes to investigative reporting. She said that investigating journalism’s checklist has six important points like idea, reality check, go or no go, plain/outline, report and write/rewrite adding that idea for such a story could be a news as well. She pointed out that professional journalists should keep in mind that who is going to win or lose in the story and who is the victim because reporters have to support the victims and common man who suffer in various cases. She said that when journalists commit a mistake it is always a reflection on them. She agreed with a participant that national interest often could be in conflict with an investigating reporting but as far as US is concerned the government couldn’t ask journalists to do or don’t do this. She added that if the government does it then the papers would be writing that they were being influenced. She shared some ideas for stories as well. For instance, she said, if child is a big problem in community, find a child 5 to 10 years old and show the public how he/she lives. Use this child or group of children to link to the larger issue, she added. Frank Folwell, treasurer national Press Photographers Association said that photojournalists have the same responsibility as a journalist has. He observed that emerging electronic technologies provide new challenges to the integrity of photographic images. He said that they have to be careful in their job. He particularly spoke of a tool of photojournalism – photo shop – as it could land them in trouble if this software is misused. He added that pictures always reflect the subject of story in right perspective. He suggested that photojournalists should be accurate and comprehensive in representation of subjects, resist being manipulated by staged photo opportunity and they should treat all subjects with respect and dignity.

Courtesy: daily dawn

Speakers at a dialogue said that even though the PPP had disappointed people, if it was removed through unconstitutional and undemocratic means, the people and Sindh would not accept it. They also said that Asif Ali Zardari was being targeted for being a Sindhi. -
HYDERABAD: Intellectuals, writers and civil society leaders have said that the present government has come into power due to the supreme sacrifice of Benazir Bhutto and only the people have the right to remove the democratically- elected government. They warned that if the current government was removed through pen or unconstitutional means before it completed its tenure, it would be considered as an insult to the mandate of the masses. They said such an unconstitutional and undemocratic action of the undemocratic forces would push Sindh on the path of Bangladesh.

They were speaking at a dialogue organised by the Women Action Forum and “We Journalists” at the press club here on Wednesday.

The topic of the dialogue was “NRO and its effects on the Sindh Politics”. A large number of intellectuals, writers and women attended the dialogue.

Speaking on the occasion, convenor of Sindh Dost Rabita Council, Barrister Zamir Ghumro, said that only the people had the right to change the government. He said central Punjab had always remained in power and usurped all the resources of the country and added that this leadership considered itself insecure in a democratic set-up and was creating hurdles in the democratic process.

If the president was removed at gunpoint or through media trials, this would be considered as an attack on the mandate of the Sindhi people, he said.

Women Action Forum leader Ms Amar Sindhu said that undemocratic forces had ruled the country for the last 60 years and added that these forces loathed a democratic system. She said that the present assemblies in the country came into being due to the supreme sacrifice of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto.

She warned that if any attempt was made to remove the present government through undemocratic means, the people of Sindh would not accept such a change. No unelected organisation has a right to remove the democratically -elected government, she said.

The chairman of “We Journalists”, Mr Jafar Memon said that it was an insult to the peoples’ mandate to raise a hue and cry against the elected government by taking refuge behind the NRO. The very survival of Sindh is at stake, he said and added that Asif Ali Zardari was being targeted for being a Sindhi.

Jami Chandio said that when Pervez Musharraf was placed in a tight corner, he tried to protect himself by promulgating NRO. He said if only political cases were withdrawn under the NRO, the situation would have been quite different.

He, however, said that the withdrawal of cases against the murderers of innocent people was a great injustice. No doubt the PPP has disappointed the people, nevertheless if it was removed through unconstitutional and undemocratic means, the people and Sindh would not accept it, he added.

The others who spoke on the occasion included press club president Mahesh Kumar, Javed Kazi, Ms Irfana Mallah, Punhal Sario, Comrade Hussain Bux Thebo and Zafar Rajput advocate.

Zafar Rajput said that a dictator had withdrawn murder and corruption cases just with one stroke of pen. He said it was time for the PPP ministers who were hit by NRO to give sacrifice.

The speakers were of the unanimous opinion that people would not accept removal of the present government through undemocratic and unconstitutional measures. They, however, urged the government to pay attention to the basic problems of the masses.

Friday, 29 Jan, 2010

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We Journalists, an effective voice of media people, human rights activists, environmentalists and political thinkers, organized a cultural activity on the occasion of Aman Ittehad – Solidarity Day, jointly with CPCS, Women Action Forum (WAF) and Saranga Literary Society on Friday, January 1, 2010 at Hyderabad Press Club. The event with concise introductory speeches, poetry recitation and lyrical music attracted a large number of people ranging from civil society, literature, journalists and teachers to intellectuals to share their little contribution to promote love, peace and harmony in the society.

Iqbal Tareen hailing from Virginia , United States , presided the function, while Jami Chandio of CPCS, Jaffar Memon of We Journalists, Mahesh Kumar President Hyderabad Press Club and Amar Sindhu of WAF also spoke on the occasion.

Ustad Mazhar Ali was invited to perform songs from the poetry of Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai, a great Sufi poet, to open the dialogue and cultural event.

In his welcome address, Jaffar Memon told the audience that this programme under the banner of Aman Ittehad is being organized at around 50 locations of different cities and towns of Pakistan– from Khyber to Karachi– to involve the people in large numbers to raise voice together to promote peace and harmony in the society, as increasing fears of terrorism and restlessness have panicked the peace-loving people all over the country.

Memon on the occasion read out the joint statement, saying “as the new decade begins, citizens from across Pakistan will reaffirm their belief in the indivisibility of peace and their commitment to struggle for democratic governance, rule of law, justice, and a life of dignity for all.”

The Solidarity Day, organized under Aman Ittehad– a citizens’ platform connecting trade unions, media, students, lawyers, youth organizations, minority groups, NGOs, academia, and business, Jaffar Memon said will express a resolve to strive for stronger democracy and democratic institutions.

Identifying extreme inequality and disenfranchisement as a cause of extremism, the Solidarity Day will demand that the state provides equal opportunities to all its citizens. It calls for the reform of all state institutions as well as governance regulations and rules pertaining to key sectors of the economy in order to ensure efficiency, equity and accountability, he said.

Aman Ittehad calls for a Social Contract between the state and the citizens based on the 1940 resolution establishing equal rights of all citizens, provinces and nationalities. The social contract must recognize the primacy of ownership of resources at the provincial level as well as the need for their equitable distribution among the federating units. It also calls upon the state and citizens to celebrate diversity promote pluralism and ensure that the function of the state is separated from personal religious belief. In order to reverse the trend of spiraling violence, it also identifies the need to reduce the trust deficit at all levels – between citizens and the state including its institutions; and, also amongst citizens.

Iqbal Tareen, who presently is in Pakistan, appreciated the organizers for the impressive event, which attracted people from different walks of life to sit together on the common understanding just to promote peace. He threw light on the sentiments of terrorism and condemned horrible incidents occurred recently, loss of precious lives and property, ever-increasing uncertainty and urged upon the participants to address this with extending unity among the people like they have come together today on the Aman Ittehad—Solidarity Day.

Tareen said State and Religion are two different things and should be dealt with separately. There is no need of this combination in the society, which is struggling to strengthen democracy. For restoration of peace in Pakistan all the people have to decide how to deal with this phenomenon. He called the nations living in Pakistan with combination like a rainbow and said all the colours have their natural beauty. He said small nations have never tried to breach the national agreements. They always struggled for unanimity, but he said, irony is that certain elements have always pushed the small nations to the wall and in result the people belonging to small nations always felt differently.

Talking about the particular case of Sindh, which is rich in natural resources, agriculture and its more contribution to national exchequer through different resources, Iqbal Tareen said “the people of Sindh should realize why they are not capable to represent their province on “negotiation table”, which decides the destiny of small nations in Pakistan . He emphasized the need to extend collaboration to recognize their right and sit together with the decision-makers of the country. Because, he said, looking to the changing world scenario we should realize the fact that the world nations are going ahead to a placeless society. There will be no borders in future. In this situation peace is the only way out to learn how to live together with national harmony.

Jami Chandio sharing about the events organized in different cities to express solidarity with each other disregard of their association with political ideology, religion and faiths, said terrorists are on rampage in the society, killing innocent people and spoiling peace. To counter this phenomenon, Chandio said, we all should come together, it is our responsibility. For this, he said, Aman Ittehad is broad platform where all the people struggling for restoration of peace should be part of this “movement for peace”.
He said the Solidarity Day will mark the beginning of a citizen struggle for their right to a life of dignity. He calls upon all citizens to join this struggle for peace and a democratic state and society.

He said terrorists in the all forms are in small number. The majority is of those wanting peace. Therefore, he appealed to all the participants to come together and light a candle each to contribute for the return of peace in the society, which presently is under countless threats. He said on this occasion all the people belonging to all four provinces and nations have put their signatures on a New Contract between the provinces.

Mahesh Kumar, President of Hyderabad Press Club expressed thanks to the organizers for choosing venue at Hyderabad Press Club for this august gathering for a cause. He said the participation of saner elements from political ideologies, civil society organizations, literature, human rights activists and journalists is inspiring for the wide majority, who are fighting terrorism and discrimination. He said this platform can be effective, because now the restoration of peace should be on top agenda for all the people of this country.

Amar Sindhu of WAF said we are living in a war-like situation and in this atmosphere talking about the restoration of peace is a great effort. She said the foundations of State in which we live are on the basis of unfairness. So there is a need to redefine this state now. There should be consensus that there would be no discrimination with anybody at any level. There would be no exploitation. In this connection, Sindhu said, this movement for peace is inspiring. Because, she believes that instead of military forces people themselves can restore peace through their mind change and unity.

The second session of poetry recitation to promote peace was also inspiring, attracted wide number to appreciate the poets for their creativity. This mushara was chaired by Taj Joyo, Secretary Sindhi Language Authority (SLA). Ali Dost Ajiz, Hafeez Kumbhar, Iqbal Rind, Irshad Leghari, Saleem Kumbhar, Gulshan Leghari, Abdul Rehman Sial and Qazi Manzar Hayat shared their creative moments with the audience. Ishaque Samejo of Saranga Literary Society conducted the session.

At the last, Ustad Sadiq Faeer and Shafi Faqeer with their musician teams performed songs of sufi poets.

Earlier the wide banner –Social Contract–was displayed for participants to put their comments and signature over it for national consent.

Indian journalist Arfa Khanum, visits the Karachi press club and meets with journalists of Karachi and Hyderabad.the welcome reception was managed jointly by Karachi Press Club and We Journalists, organization.

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HYDERABAD: Leaders of political parties and civil society organisations have rejected the National Finance Commission award formula based only on population and demanded that the issue of provincial autonomy be resolved before announcing the award.

They said that without Sindh getting control over its resources, problems would keep cropping up in the NFC. They were speaking at a consultative workshop on ‘Upcoming NFC award’ organised by ‘We Journalists,’ an organisation of journalists, at the press club here on Sunday.

Former PPP Senator Taj Haider said political leaders and activists should continue to raise issues and make demands in order to get what was their due.

Relying on figures compiled by Sindh’s non-statutory member on the NFC Dr Qiaser Bengali, Mr Haider said that the province had suffered losses of Rs193 billion over the past five years in sales tax on utilities like electricity, gas and telephone and the amount was increasing.

‘We should demand restoration of octroi and zila tax that was abolished through an ordinance by the last Pakistan Muslim League-N government.’ He said that Sindh collected 46 per cent of the country’s taxes.

He expressed the hope that the constitutional reforms committee, headed by Raza Rabbani, would recommend a suitable package. He, however, expressed apprehensions that sales tax might be reintroduced by the federal government in the shape of value added tax, and said that some indications had been made in this regard.

‘We should be aware of such googlies of Murali Dharan and Shane Warne because we can’t trust those who have been robbing us,’ he said.

He said that the Pakistan People’s Party had floated the draft of the18th amendment which specifically addressed the issues of the NFC and Council of Common Interests.

He said that Sindh’s population was 27 to 28 per cent of the country’s population, but it was not taken into consideration.

Barrister Zamir Ghumro gave a detailed presentation on NFC award on the basis of a resolution tabled by Muttahida Qaumi Movement’s Sardar Ahmed in Sindh Assembly in 2003.

He opposed inclusion of provincial taxes in the terms of reference of the NFC award and said that the Article 160 of the Constitution envisaged only vertical distribution between the federal government and provinces. But, he said, the NFC had ignored constitutional provisions by taking up horizontal distribution leading to disputes among provinces.

He said that the terms of multiple criteria, divisible pool and consensus had been devised to rob Sindh of its tax revenue. These terms, he added, had no place in the constitution.

He said that under Article 143 of the Constitution, GST on services was a residual subject of provinces and provinces must start recovering it.

He said that the PML-N government had unlawfully abolished octroi tax, promising to distribute a certain percentage of GST on the basis of recovery from each province. He said that Sindh’s calculation was 46 per cent but it was getting 34 per cent.

He urged democratic forces to jointly oppose NFC proceedings which, according to him, were aimed at overstepping the constitutional mandate and usurping tax and non-tax resources of smaller provinces in the name of consensus.

He said that the Sindh Assembly’s resolution of 2003 called upon the federal government to maintain separate accounts of taxes of each province but it had a single account of each tax.

He predicted that on the basis of conservative estimates of this year’s tax revenue, Sindh would lose more than Rs10,000 billion over five years if the NFC award on the basis of horizontal distribution and multiple criteria was accepted by the Sindh government.

Awami Tehrik chief Rasool Bux Palijo called for fixing priorities regardless of what Sindh was getting in the NFC award. He said: ‘You may take these paisas but what about the question of ownership of resources.’

Sindh Taraqi Pasand Party leader Dr Qadir Magsi raised the issue of provincial autonomy and control over resources of Sindh. He said that any demand on the basis of constitution which had not been able to protect itself would be an exercise in futility.

He said that the federal finance minister himself had claimed a recovery of Rs2000 billion from Sindh, the amount collected after corruption and maladministration.

He emphasised the need for studying the case of Sindh from new angles. He termed the present exercise in the NFC as a photo session.

The Sindh Democratic Forum’s Abrar Kazi said that resources of the province were being transferred to other provinces.

Summing up the discussion, Sindh United Party’s Jalal Mehmood Shah said that any NFC award based on only population stood rejected. He said that provinces should get GST on services and the award formula should be based on 70:30 ratio.

He criticised President Asif Zardari’s decision to include royalty on oil and gas in the award and said that it was an issue pertaining to the CCI. He said that NFC proceedings were initiated to skip the question of provincial autonomy.

Shah Mohammad Shah, SNF leader Ayub Shar, Amir Bhambhro of Sindh National Party, Nazeer Memon, Javed Qazi, Amar Sindhu, Karamat Ali and others also took part in the discussion.

Peace and Understanding; Progress and Development; Democracy and Human Rights; Women Empowerment and gender Equality; Dignity, Credibility and Responsibility of Media; Quality and Creativity in Media Productions; Increase professional potentials; Cultural Heritage and its Transmission; Democratisation of Media and Communications,welfare of oppressed and poor journalists,and protect journalists from the different types of access are among its major objectives.

We journalists (WJ) is a not-for-profit, non-governmental organisation, has been working in the areas of Development, Communications and Media . The role of Communications and Media is gaining importance everyday in establishing a safe, democratic world of peace. We journalists is committed to carrying on incessant endeavours to exploit the fullest potentials of Communications and media by employing education, research, training, publication, advocacy, consultancy and assistance. We journalistss activities are aimed at achieving our national objectives of emancipation, empowerment, welfare, awareness and sustainability of people and their environment and thereby, ensure a better world of peace and progress for the present and the posterity.

Training the media people is among the most frequent programmes that We Journalists undertakes to attain its objectives, such as Progress and Development; Democracy and Human Rights; Women Empowerment and Gender Equality. This is because of the fact that media plays a very vital role in sensitizing public opinion and influencing policy decisions.

However, it also organises workshops, seminars and colloquiums throughout the Sindh Pakistan, bringing together people from different sections of the society, including politicians, economists, journalists and experts from related fields, to create awareness and build opinion on nationally important issues.

Carrying out studies and researches on various issues is another important activity of We Journalists also has a large list of its members, most of them are based on working journalism. The outcomes of these studies are published and disseminated immediately through organising seminars, press conference and other means. The We Journalists also monitors the trends in and operations of the media and undertakes different programmes to make the media more effective in carrying out its responsibility.

The We Journalists undertakes programme of information, education, motivation on communication aspects of different issues of importance such as ecology, health and population, industry and development, politics and democracy, and plan and carry out such programmes for other agencies.

It provides consultancy services to government and non-governmental organizations in policy and programme formulation relating to media,Environment, communication, journalism and public relations.

It also assists in the production of manuals, reports, leaflets, brochures and booklets, translation and interpreter service covering Sindhi, Urdu, English and other languages.

The We Journalists also organizes meetings, brainstorming sessions, workshops, seminars and press conferences for any agency and also take up media campaigns on behalf of any individual or agency and Event Managing especially relating to Media and Communications.

Mr. Jaffar Memon                         Chairman
Mr. Khalid khokhar                      V chairman
Mr. Mahesh Kumar                       Secretary
Mr. Imdad Soomro                       J.Secretary
Mr. Iqbal Mallah                            Treasurer
Mr. Ishaque Mangrio                   Member
Mr. A.Rehman Samoon               Member
Mr. Lala Asad Pathan                  Member

The Chairman shall chair all meetings of the organization and, along with the Secretary, shall sign on the organization’s behalf all documents approved by the Board of Directors. In general, the Chairman shall perform all regular duties pertaining to the office of the Chairman, as well as any other duties as may be assigned by the Board of Directors or specified in these Bylaws.

The Executive Committee can nominate a member, In the Chairman’s absence, in order of precedence, shall chair the meetings of the organization. In the event of the Chairman’s resignation or death, Secretary shall act as acting President until the following elections.

The Treasurer shall oversee the funds of the organization and shall report on the organization’s finances at the midyear meetings of the Board of Directors and at the General council.

The Chairman and Secretary shall attend the annual meetings of the membership and of the Board of Directors and shall maintain accurate minutes of such meetings.

The Chairmen of the Executive Committee shall be the representative of the organisationn and, as such, shall perform all of the duties related to managing the organization. He shall be responsible for running the office of the organization and shall report to the Board of Directors at each of its meetings. He shall manage the business of the Executive Directors and shall give instructions as needed regarding the organization’s affairs.