Daily Ummat Explained

Daily Ummat
Format:Tabloid
Founder:Abdul Rafiq Afghan
Foundation:1996
Political:Islamism
Language:Urdu
Publishing Country:Pakistan
Website:
(in Urdu)

The Daily Ummat[1] [2] (Urdu: {{Nastaliq|روزنامہ امت) is aIslamist Urdu-language newspaper published in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan.

History

Daily Ummat was founded in 1996 by Abdul Rafiq Afghan and family.[3] [4] [5]

Coverage

Adopting the motto, "we show all that others hide", the Daily Ummat practices comprehensive news coverage.[3] It has long reported on the intersection of crime, ethnic violence, and politics in Karachi, frequently attributing these issues to the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM).[3] This criticism towards MQM can be traced back to allegations surrounding the death of Abdul Rafiq Afghan’s father-in-law, Maulana Salahuddin, as well as past conflicts in student politics.[3]

Political stance

Daily Ummat has a distinctively pro-Islamist stance.[3] It actively promotes causes such as actions in the India-administered Kashmir and opposition to western forces in Afghanistan.[3] The newspaper routinely covers instances of alleged or actual discrimination against Muslims worldwide.[3]

The paper stands in strong support of Pakistan's anti-blasphemy laws, as well as other legislation in the country inspired by Islamic principles.[3] The editorial content is noted for its focus on the Ahmadi community, a minority sect that identifies as Muslim but is legally prohibited from publicly affirming this identity.[3]

The newspaper also exhibits clear ideological demarcations in its content.[3] It often presents moderate, liberal, and leftist figures under a critical lens, irrespective of their societal or national contributions.[3] On the other hand, it tends to withhold critique from favored entities and individuals, who are mainly Islamist politicians, extremist preachers, jihadists, or anti-Shia militants.[3]

The newspaper uses front-page advertisements to rally public support on religious issues.[3] For instance, it called on Karachi's citizens to 'reclaim' a mosque demolished by city authorities due to its unauthorized establishment on a public park.[3]

Notes and References

  1. News: Is Pakistan PM Imran Khan expecting his first child with wife Bushra Maneka? Here's what PTI govt had to say. en. 2019-09-22. 2019-10-03. Times Now News.
  2. News: Books on the highway. The News International (newspaper). en. 2019-09-22. 2019-02-26.
  3. Web site: Ummat. Reporters Without Borders.
  4. News: 2021-08-21. Ummat Chief Editor Rafiq Afghan passes away. 2021-10-13. Samaa TV. en-US.
  5. News: 2021-08-03. APNS, KPC, KUJ, politicians grieved over journalist's death. 2021-10-13. The News International (newspaper). en.