Catholic Naqib

The ''Catholic Naqib'' () is the oldest Urdu-language Catholic magazine, founded in Lahore, Pakistan in 1929 by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Lahore. It was originally published by Lahore Press and, since 1997, by Naqib Printing Press. Naqib is an Arabic name that means "herald" or "proclaimer".

History

According to Gulzar Chohan, a former editor of ''Catholic Naqib'', the magazine was launched in 1916 as an "Urdu newsletter" written by a Belgian Capuchin priest. At the same time, an English Weekly "Catholic News" was published from the Lahore Diocese under the patronage of Bishop Fabien Eestermans.

Father Livinus was part of the first team of Belgian Capuchin Missionaries in West Punjab, now Punjab in Pakistan. He emphasized the promotion of Christian literature in India and supported the publication of Christian literature in local languages. He established a board of publication that included Father Victorius Banken Gerardus, Father Desiderius Sury Carolus, and Father Vincentius Stevens Daniel.

Fr. Livinus is not only the Founder of ''Catholic Naqib'' but, also a founder of the Punjab Vernacular Society (1922). The Society was established to provide stationery to the parishes. The printing of the ''Naqib'' was also the responsibility of the Punjab Vernacular Society.

Two editors of the Naqib (Lawrence Saldanha and Andrew Francis) later became the Archbishop and Bishop of Pakistan.

Archbishop Lawrence John Saldanha represented the Archdiocese of Lahore, and Bishop Andrew Francis represented the Multan Diocese of Pakistan. Saldanha (Archbishop Emeritus, living in Canada), continues to be involved with the ''Catholic Naqib''.

Naqib Digest

Archbishop Emeritus and Mr. Gulzar Chohan increased the ''Catholic Naqib'''s page count to add a “Naqib Digest” section for women and children, with the intention that ''Catholic Naqib'' would become a “real family magazine” under their oversight. Miss Frida Durani and Miss Nasirah Paul were the editors of “Naqib Digest”. Prior to their involvement, the publication was largely devoted to Christian religious activities; under their editorship, with the inclusion of the Family Digest, Catholic Naqib also covered social and political matters.

Archbishop Armando Trindade became a Patron of ''Catholic Naqib'' in 1990. Trindade was the first Archbishop of the Lahore Archdiocese – during his apostolate, Lahore Diocese was promoted to the status of Archdiocese.

Printing Press

The first printing press in the ''Naqib'' was installed by Archbishop Armando Trindade. The Vernacular Society was responsible for printing, but it never obtained its own printing press. Trindade set up two boards to run the ''Catholic Naqib''. The editorial board, was responsible for the content of the Naqib, and the head of the board was Father Zicheria Ghauri, Parish Priest of Narowal. The Managing Board, headed by Raymond Razario, ex-director of Caritas Lahore, oversaw the financial aspects of the institute and its staff. Mr. Rana Tabassum was the Coordinator of these boards and was in charge of meetings.

Naqib's marketing team

A marketing team was hired that worked on a commission and partial salary system with a travel allowance. The head of the team was again Mr. Rana Tabassum. The circulation of Naqib increased to 5000–6000 copies. Mr. Akhtar Ramzan (who was also the photo editor) and Mr. Akhtar Bhatti were the leading sales officers.

Archbishop Trindade disapproved of the publication's price increase, as he felt it was at odds with the Naqib's slogan/motto regarding evangelization. Naqib was not eligible for ABC advertisements (state advertising policy) so that external influences could be avoided. The Naqib always adopted a public-first approach.

Naqib Forum

During the Patronship of Armando Trindade, the Naqib Media House carried out all activities, and the Naqib Forum was instituted. Classical singers such as Ustad Hamid Ali Khan performed at the Naqib Forum Hall.

Due to their contribution in financial assistance of the following donors, the "Naqib Forum Program" was able to continue. The names of these donors are as follows: Fr. James CHANAN – Provincial Dominican Order, The Late Mr. Nathaniel Nawab – Principal of Christian Technical College Gujranwala, Ex. Fr. Saleem Anjum – Assistant Rector Capuchin Minor Seminary Lahore, Ex. Fr. Pascal Clement – Rector Capuchin Minor Seminary Lahore, Fr. Abid Habib – Provincial Capuchin Order and The Late Lt. Col (ret) L. C. Rath – Principal of Saint Anthony Boys School Lahore and later Director of Bathania Hospital Sialkot.

Press Card

The first time in ''Naqib'''s history from 1929, the press card was designed and introduced by Rana Tabassum in 1992 while serving the ''Naqib'' as "News Editor" as well as "Circulation Manager! The press card was promulgated by the cooperation and assistance of Mr. Chishty, additional secretary of “Lahore Secretariat of Information and Press”. So access to cultural events and access to workplace became easier, at least during bike ride restrictions by traffic Police.

Current events

The ''Naqib'' was the inspiration of two Catholic laymen, Radja Sakra Mehdi of Dalwal, and Ghulam Qadir of Lahore. In 1932, Mr. L. Banerji, followed by his sons, took over the management of the Naqib until 1934. Then, a priest was appointed as editor. From 1934 on, the paper became a fortnightly publication.

Fr. Andrew Francis was the editor-in-chief of the Naqib in the late 1970s.

Until July 1987 Fr. Inayat Bernard was the editor of the ''Catholic Naqib''.

The ''Catholic Naqib'' is a professionally run paper with regular training like the workshop for reporters held at St. Mary's Minor Seminary, Lahore in 1989, which brought together reporters from Bahawalpur, Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Peshawar and Sheikhupura. Father Francis Nadeem was editor-in-chief of ''Catholic Naqib'' and Gulzar Chuhan became editor in 1989.

On March 11, 2008, a powerful bomb ripped open a government building, killing at least 30 people and injuring about 200 more, as well as damaging Catholic Church buildings in Lahore. The explosion caused serious damage to the Sacred Heart Cathedral, Sacred Heart High School for Boys, Sacred Heart High School for Girls, and the office of the Naqib.

The ''Catholic Naqib'' celebrated its 80th anniversary on May 16, 2009. Victor Daniel, Editor, board members and the office staff received certificates of appreciation from Archbishop Lawrence Saldanha.

There was great joy in the Archdiocese of Lahore around the 90th anniversary of the ''Catholic Naqib'' in 2019.UCANews August 8, 2019
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From 2013 to 2020, Father Khalid Rehmat O.F.M. Cap. was editor of the Naqib.Agenzia Fides November 19, 2020
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Rana Tabassum ex. Assistant Editor and Manager is the only award winner laureate editor among the Catholic Naqib's other editors. He was awarded the "Media in Your Country award in 1998 at UNESCO Center Paris.

References

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Magazines established in 1929
Catholic Church in Pakistan
Magazines published in Pakistan
Urdu-language magazines
Catholic magazines
Mass media in Lahore
Non-profit organisations based in Pakistan