 | |
| Format | Tabloid |
|---|---|
| Founder(s) | Abdul Rafiq Afghan |
| Founded | 1996 |
| Political alignment | Islamism |
| Language | Urdu |
| Country | Pakistan |
| Website | Official website (in Urdu) |
The Daily Ummat[1][2] (Urdu: روزنامہ امت) is aIslamist Urdu-language newspaper published in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan.
Daily Ummat was founded in 1996 by Abdul Rafiq Afghan and family.[3][4][5]
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]
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]