On the 15th death anniversary of Mir Khalil-ur-Rahman, the Founder
of Jang Group, the biggest chain of newspapers in the Sub- continent,
it is an honour for this Scribe, bestowed by Sheher Bano to recall
some of the memoirs of Mir Khalil-ur-Rahman for this special publication.
Like my senior colleague Yunus Riaz, I also had the privilege of learning
immensely from Mir Sahib who started the publication of Jang Delhi
during the Second World War (1939-1945).
The first lesson that I learnt from Mir Sahib, and which was also
his basic policy, was that the national interest should be given prime
consideration.
Mir Khalil-ur-Rahman was a hardworking journalist and Editor-in-Chief
of his newspapers and journals. In the early days of Jang, he used
to perform all the tasks needed for producing a good newspaper. From
collection of information, writing of news, production to distribution
of newspaper, he used to do all the things by himself, while remaining
busy from morning till midnight.
According to Yunus Riaz who joined Jang Karachi as a sub-editor in
mid 1960s and gradually promoted to senior sub-editor, incharge of
central news desk, assistant editor and deputy editor in late 1980s,
Mir Sahib used to educate, guide and appreciate the work of sub-editors,
reporters and news photographers. 
Mir Sahib used to urge the workers of various sections that they should
refrain from hurting the feelings of the readers. "The newspapers
readers are like currency in vogue", he would tell them. He himself
used to keep a close vigil on local, national and maturational developments.
He used to say that every news and event of public interest should
be published.
Once their was a controversy about the sighting of Eidul Fitr moon
between the government and respected Ulema led by Maulana Ehteshamul
Haq Thanvi who had declared that Eid moon had not been sighted. It
was announced from the mosques that the moon had not been sighted.
In the official press release the government had written Mr Ehteshamul
Haq. The Jang published the official handout as Sarkari (official)
Press Release as well as Jayyad Ulema's announcement. The result was
that the government could not get a single aalim to lead Sarkari Namaz-i-Eid
at Polo Ground. The officials took refuge in bringing a Maulvi from
Karachi Central Prison. The next day Namaz-e-Eid was held at Nishtar
Park.
Mir Sahib used to attend almost all important functions and would
take notes of the proceedings himself. Subsequently, he would ask
the beat reporter to show his copy and he would himself correct all
omissions by comparing it with his own notes.
After September 1965 war with India, Mir Sahib visited Tashkent in
early 1966. And after the signing of Declaration, Indian Prime Minister
Lal Bahadur Shastri died of heart failure. In all the newspapers Tashkent
declaration was published but thanks to Mir Sahib's timely contact
on telephone, Jang was the only newspaper which exclusively covered
and published the news of the death of Indian Premier. 
Mir Sahib used to encourage reporters for their hard work, exclusive
news items and scoops. When this scribe filed the story of the Repeal
of Genetic Names Ordinance in mid-1970s, Mir Sahib awarded Rs 100/-
from his pocket money.
The Daily Jang became the trendsetter in Urdu journalism and all the
newspapers are still following the suite.
Mir Sahib used to urge Jang workers "Never consider your opponent
weak." With the publication of every newspaper, the staff was
advised to work hard to inform the readers about the changes in various
fields.
It was his daily routine that after midnight till 0200 hours, Mir
Sahib used to listen to BBC and Voice of America and would inform
the editors about latest national and international developments for
timely coverage. |
