Page 176 - Muzaffargarh Gazzetteer

Chapter 36

DISTRICT INFORMATION OFFICE

Primary responsibility of District Information Office is to maintain a close
liaison with the media and to ensure proper coverage of the Government
policies and projects. It was established in Muzaffargarh in 1974 with the
District Information Officer as its head. The office comprises a total of 7
employees today.

As regards the history of journalism in the district, the Weekly Basharat
published by a prominent poet, Kashfi Multani, is considered amongst the
first newspapers of Muzaffargarh. Amongst all the newspapers and journals
which were started in the district at various times, the Jaloos, continues to
be published since 1990, initially as a weekly and later as a daily newspaper.

Research reveals that at least 79 newspapers and periodicals have been
issued declaration in the district after the creation of Pakistan; not all of them
are published anymore though. The breakdown is as follows:

Daily 7
Weekly 45
Fortnightly 13
Monthly 10
Quarterly 1
Annual 3

At present, 4 press clubs have been established by various groups of
journalists in the District Headquarters. Press clubs have also been
established in Tehsil Alipur, Jatoi, and Kot Addu too. In addition, several
organizations are working for the rights of the journalists in the district.
Similarly, many literary organizations and societies have also been
established in Muzaffargarh to promote literary activities. However, no record
is kept of such organizations and societies.

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