Freedom of the Press: The War on Words (1977–1978)

Description

An English translation of the Urdu book Sab Sai Bari Jang, this is an honest, accurate, and concise account of the days of turmoil and struggle when President General Zia ul-Haq had enacted a series of draconian laws in order to suppress freedom of expression and free press. They left an indelible mark on the history of the press in Pakistan. The struggle of some journalists against repressive rule has contributed in revamping the overall nature of movements for the freedom of expression, free media, and a free press in Pakistan. This book can be regarded as a vital historical account for future generations enabling them to learn from the heroic struggles of people of conscience who employed the power of their pens to combat the forces of oppression.

Table of Contents

1. Preface
2. Foreword I by Wahab Siddiqui
3. Foreword II by Iqbal Khursheed
4. Part One
   1. Beginning of the Affair
   2. Preparations for the Struggle
   3. The Government’s Stubbornness
   4. The Final Front
5. Part Two
   1. Aurangzeb: 1. 1978 Freedom of the Press Movement
   2. Masood Qamar: 2. Stories of Torture
   3. From Lyallpur to Landhi Jai
   4. Farhad Zaidi: 3. Prison Diaries What Confinement? What Freedom?
   5. Aslam Shaikh: 4. The Prison Door Opened
   6. Ali Ahmed Khan: 5. The Saga of Struggle
   7. Zafar Qureshi: 6. Prison Diary
   8. Shabbar Azmi: 7. Reminiscences of 1977-8 Freedom of the Press Movement

Author Biography

Ahfaz ur Rehman is a senior Pakistani journalist, activist, writer, and poet. Rehman has fought for freedom of the press and for the rights of journalists and others working in media throughout his career. He has authored several books.

Journalist and translator Imtiaz Piracha has written articles in English and Urdu dailies. He has worked in Qatar with MEBS International and has monitored and translated news and current affairs broadcasts.