The monthly publications of the Information Department, namely "Izhar" (Urdu) and "Paigham" (Sindhi) contain the writings of renowned writers, intellectuals and journalists. Moreover, weekly magazine "Sindh Manzar" is also providing service to people by publishing the articles relating to important issues on weekly basis.
Sindh government created its Information Department in 1973 and its main function is to provide better and purposeful coverage to the activities of government functionaries including Governor, Chief Minister, Cabinet members and all departments, through both electronic and print media. Towards this objective, the department remains in constant touch with both media houses and journalists through extensive co-ordination.
It is the responsibility of the Information Department to cover all the activities relating to the Government of Sindh and provide the information through handouts and videos to newspapers and TV channels for the extensive coverage. The department has prepared an ADP Scheme this year for establishing a "Rapid Response Centre" in the Directorate of Electronic Media, which would cost Rs59.169 million and will be completed by 30th of June.
The purpose of this Rapid Response Centre is to provide the viewers the appropriate information with objective analysis in real time by using better means of communication. This step of the department focuses on providing reaction to the news through denials and clarifications in a positive and constructive way. The automation centre established last year is in its second year of progress. For the quick release of news, the department has developed a paperless system by adopting modern technologies throughout the province, which makes sure that the precise coverage of activities can be made possible in real-time.
Under the 18th Amendment, the department has also formulated a revised Sindh Freedom of Information Act, 2006, which is known as Sindh Freedom of Information Act, 2014. Through this Act, the people have greater access to the information regarding the government functions. Directorate of Publications is striving to spread the government's vision and policies about the betterment of people through the informatory material containing historical and cultural aspects in this regard.
The monthly publications of the Information Department, namely "Izhar" (Urdu) and "Paigham' (Sindhi) contain the writings of renowned writers, intellectuals and journalists. Moreover, weekly magazine "Sindh Manzar" is also providing service to people by publishing the articles relating to important issues on weekly basis.
This year the Directorate of Publications has also published special publications to pay tribute to great Sufis and poets of the province including Hazrat Shah Abdul Latif Bhattai, Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar and Hazrat Sachal Sarmast. Special issues were also published to mark the birth and death anniversaries of Zulflkar Ali Bhutto Shaheed and Benazir Bhutto Shaheed. Currently, the Publication Section is working on creating updated Telephone Directory of Sindh government dignitaries, which is expected to be published soon. It will be a precise documentation of information which is being published after three years.
Advertising Section is performing at national level and processes advertisements placed in newspapers by various Sindh Government departments. Moreover, it also publishes special supplements to mark the special occasions and provide the information to the public.
The Archives Department is also working on different development projects and has completed six schemes with the cost Rs335.338 million through its Annual Development Programme. Oral Archives, Digital Archives and Photo Archives have played a significant role in preserving the social, cultural and political history of Sindh. The Archives Department is highly successful in maintaining and preserving the old record as all the old record and documents have been catalogued, categorised and preserved by using state of the art technology. A Conservation Laboratory has also been established in the Archives Department during the current fiscal year.
The Information Department is responsible for covering all the activities relating to the Government of Sindh and providing the information through handouts and videos to newspapers and TV channels the extensive coverage. The department has prepared an ADP Scheme this year for establishing a "Rapid Response Centre" in the Directorate of Electronic Media, which would cost Rs 59.169 million and will be completed soon.