السلام عليكم
This letter is not addressed to an official who turns a blind eye to issues. It is not for the officer whose responsibility was to take effective action against illegal and fictitious newspapers but failed to do so. Nor is it meant for a press club administration that fosters fake journalists and fraudulent publications, damaging the credibility, respect, and significance of journalism.
This letter is for the woman who has endured countless critical remarks, proven her existence in a male-dominated society, and achieved a position of power despite the odds. Even those who have traditionally opposed female leadership must acknowledge and appreciate Maryam Nawaz’s ability to assume the Chief Minister’s office and govern effectively.
This letter is for Chief Minister Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, who, in a short time, has won recognition even from her critics through her positive initiatives. However, alongside various challenges and crimes in Punjab, the existence of fake and self-created newspapers poses a serious threat to both society and the government.
Recently, we identified bogus journalists in the accreditation list issued by the Director General Public Relations (DGPR) Multan Region. These individuals fraudulently obtained press cards through the facilitation of the Regional Office of Public Relations, Multan. Holding government-issued press cards, these fake journalists misuse their status to create chaos in government offices, engage in blackmailing, and extortion.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the most distressing aspect is that the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Multan, the Commissioner, and the Public Relations Office have remained silent on this forgery. Why?
For years, we have been exposing fake newspapers in Multan. The owners of these fraudulent publications have even created a counterfeit DC’s official stamp to fabricate newspaper declarations. Despite providing evidence, the DC of Multan has failed to take action against these forgers.
A criminal network in Multan specializes in creating fake newspaper declarations and NOCs (No Objection Certificates). Shockingly, some members of this gang hold editorial positions in four newspapers simultaneously, while their educational qualification is barely a matriculation pass (high school dropout).
The efforts of the Federal Government and Punjab Government to combat fake news are meaningless unless strict action is taken against fake newspapers and fraudulent journalists.
It is imperative that the Punjab Government takes immediate and strict measures to eliminate this corrupt network that is tarnishing the credibility of journalism and undermining public trust in the media. Only through decisive action can the integrity of the press be restored and safeguarded from exploitation by unqualified, unethical individuals.
Respected Ma’am,
Like other districts, the district administration in Multan has completely failed to enforce the Printing Press Ordinance 2002. Here, newspapers are being published under fictitious and bogus printing presses. Shockingly, declarations for printers have been issued to individuals who do not even own a printing press.
Fake printing presses such as Jaaiza Printer and Rai Aman Printer have received official declarations from the DC Office, Multan. Whether this is due to collusion or negligence on the part of the authorities, it is an act that warrants accountability.
After facing significant challenges, we managed to get the declaration of Jaaiza Printer revoked by the former DC. However, despite this cancellation, many newspapers are still listing Jaaiza Printer in their print line. Who is responsible for this blatant violation?
In this regard, orders should be issued to conduct an inquiry led by honest and senior officers. Additionally, all DC offices across the province should be directed to take immediate action against fictitious, unregistered, and fake newspapers.
Furthermore, legal action should be taken against bogus accreditation press card holders, who have already been proven to be fraudulent in the Multan region.
An investigation must be launched to determine how the Director of Public Relations in Multan granted journalist status to under-matric individuals without meeting the graduation qualification criteria.
Additionally, strict action should be taken against those who verified and endorsed the accreditation card forms for these individuals.
Zain ul Abideen Abid
Special Correspondent
Daily Spokesman Islamabad
zakhanmultan@yahoo.com
