The committee highlighted the ongoing issue of delayed payments from clients, including substantial arrears from various federal government departments. This delay placed significant financial strain on newspapers, undermining their operational viability.

During the deliberations, members advocated for abolishing the centralised policy on government advertising. They proposed reinstating the previous system where client departments could recommend their preferred media outlets for advertising. This change, the committee argued, would increase advertisement volume for newspapers and allow the Press Information Department (PID) more flexibility in advertisement placement across different media platforms.

Further, the committee urged for the empowerment of PID’s regional offices in Karachi, Hyderabad, Quetta, Lahore, and Peshawar. They recommended immediately discontinuing the current practice where media recommendations by these regional offices are modified at the central level to enhance efficiency and responsiveness.

Additionally, the members called for simplifying the procedural requirements for renewing newspaper declarations and transferring declarations following a publisher’s death, describing the current procedures as unnecessarily burdensome.

The meeting also served as an occasion for the committee members to express their condolences for recent losses within their community, including the sister of Munir Jillani, the son of Qazi Imtiaz, and the father of Noorullah Malik. A moment of Fateha was observed in memory of the departed souls.

Attendees included prominent regional newspaper representatives such as Muhammad Humayun Gulzar from Sayadat Bahawalpur, Tanveer Siddiqui from Aaj Peshawar, Mohsin Siyal from Aftab Multan, and several others.

Justice Mohammad Ijaz Khan, presiding over a single-member bench, ordered the Information Department’s secretary, Matiullah Khan, to settle outstanding advertisement dues by July 30.

The court was responding to a contempt plea by the Council of Newspapers Editors (CPNE) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which alleged the government had failed to clear advertisement dues despite assurances given to the court in 2024. The hearing revealed the “pathetic conditions” faced by various newspaper employees who were not even being paid minimum wages as under the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Payment of Wages Act, 2013 and even those salaries are not being paid to them, in clear violation of the law.

A day prior, the court summoned the information secretary following his department’s failure to issue the required cheque payments to newspapers.

Just days earlier, the Khyber Union of Journalists and the Peshawar Press Club, had also urged the Chief Justice of the Peshawar High Court, SM Attique Shah, to consider the plight of media industry workers before releasing any funds owed to newspapers.

Information Secretary Matiullah Khan informed the court that his department’s advertisement section was fast-tracking the finalisation of cheques for petitioners, though he requested additional time due to the volume and to ensure accuracy with the department’s records. The bench asked him to complete it before the next scheduled hearing date.

On July 15, the Peshawar High Court (PHC) directed the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Secretary of Information to appear before the court with payment cheques for outstanding advertisement dues owed to various newspapers. The order was issued by Justice Ijaz Khan during the hearing of a contempt petition filed by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chapter of the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE).

The legal action by CPNE, represented by advocates Shahid Naseem Chamkani and Ahsan Masood, follows the non-fulfilment of a previous court order dated May 22, 2024, mandating the clearance of approximately Rs 180 crore in outstanding payments for government advertisements published across the province. Despite the provincial administration acknowledging these dues during the initial writ petition and requesting additional time to settle the payments, the dues remained unsettled, prompting the current legal proceedings.

On the same day, the Khyber Union of Journalists (KhUJ) and the Peshawar Press Club (PPC) urged that government advertisement dues be released to media organisations only after they clear salary arrears and other financial obligations owed to journalists. In a joint statement, KhUJ President Kashifuddin Syed and PPC President M. Riaz called on the Chief Justice of the PHC  to ensure compliance with this condition.

Senator Sarmad Ali, President of APNS, along with Muhammad Athar Kazi, the Secretary General, conveyed hopes that Adil would champion press freedom and effectively address prevailing challenges within the print media sector. They emphasised the importance of maintaining the existing cordial relations between the PID and the print media, which they believe will continue to prosper under Adil’s leadership.

The APNS officials also took the opportunity to acknowledge the efforts of the outgoing PIO, Mubashir Hassan, appreciating his cooperation and support toward the newspaper industry during his tenure.

Expressing hopes that pending issues of the print media would be resolved on a priority basis, the APNS highlighted the need for the implementation of previously approved increases in government advertising rates, a rise in the volume of government advertisements, and the settlement of longstanding dues.

The policy introduces an automated system for issuing all “Tender Notices, Auction Notices, Pre-Qualification Notices, and Advertisements of Expression of Interest (EOI),” which is feared to severely impact the financial stability of newspapers and potentially distance the provincial government from the media sector.

The All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) and the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) both criticised the move, highlighting that restricting the publication of certain advertisements in print could lead to a decline in newspaper revenues and restrict bidders from receiving crucial information.

APNS argues this could adversely affect the transparency of the government procurement process and increase the risk of corruption. APNS added that restricting publication of the advertisements in newspapers will cause a “severe financial crisis” for the newspaper industry in Balochistan and impact the cordial relations between the government and the press.

Previously, the Punjab government introduced a similar policy but retracted it following protests and appeals from the APNS.

The CPNE also raised concerns about the draft policy’s lack of a comprehensive regulatory framework and clear operational guidelines, believing this could lead to issues with transparency and impartiality in its execution. The body criticised the policy for discriminatory eligibility criteria between print and digital media, noting that such discrepancies could allow unregulated digital entities easier access to public advertising, potentially undermining journalistic credibility.

Additionally, the CPNE opposes the policy’s approach of initially allocating government advertisements to only two newspapers. This method could centralise advertising opportunities, disadvantaging numerous national, regional, and local publications, thereby threatening the viability of community-based journalism in the region.

Highlighting infrastructural challenges in Balochistan, such as inadequate internet connectivity and limited digital access, the CPNE argues that a policy heavily skewed towards digital platforms is impractical under current conditions. It contrasts this with other provinces like Sindh, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which have adopted more balanced approaches toward print and digital media.

The statement also included prayers for the deceased, hoping that “Almighty Allah rest the departed soul in eternal peace” and grant his family the strength and patience to cope with this significant loss.

Officials from the All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS), including President Senator Sarmad Ali and Secretary General Muhammad Athar Qazi, expressed profound sorrow and condolences over the passing of the sister of Syed Muhammad Munir Jilani, the publisher and chief editor of the Daily Paigham.

The APNS leadership offered prayers, seeking divine mercy for the deceased and patience for the bereaved family to endure this difficult time.

The All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) called for the immediate withdrawal of a notice issued to Daily Nai Baat by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), criticising it as an inappropriate use of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) against print media. APNS leaders argue that this action undermines press freedom.

APNS President Senator Sarmad Ali and Secretary General Muhammad Athar Kazi stated that the notice was triggered by a complaint from the Pakistan Administrative Service Association regarding a phrase used in a newspaper column which used the phrase “bureau corrupts”. They described the issuance of the notice as a direct challenge to public discourse and an encroachment on journalistic independence.

The APNS emphasised that Peca was originally enacted to combat cybercrime and digital offences, not print journalism and extending its scope to newspapers was beyond the NCCIA’s jurisdiction. They stressed that any complaints against newspapers should be addressed by the Press Council of Pakistan, the proper regulatory body for print media, rather than by cybercrime authorities.

In their statement, APNS officials expressed concern that such measures could foster a climate of intimidation and self-censorship among journalists, which would harm democratic accountability. They also mentioned that using PECA in this context sets a dangerous precedent.

APNS urged the government to respect and uphold the constitutional protection of freedom of expression as outlined in Article 19 of the Constitution. It expressed solidarity with Daily Nai Baat and its staff.

A delegation from the All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Committee, led by Chairman Pir Haroon Shah, recently met with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Secretary Matiullah Khan to discuss outstanding newspaper dues, the allocation of government advertisements, and the financial difficulties faced by print media in the province.

The delegation pressed for the immediate disbursement of Rs. 400 million, which has been set aside to clear outstanding dues to newspapers, emphasising the need for action before the funds lapse on June 30.

Chairman Shah highlighted the severe financial strain newspapers have been under due to non-payment over the past four months. He pointed out that commercial advertising is nearly absent in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, making government advertisements crucial for the survival of print media. Shah also advocated for fair representation of Peshawar-based newspapers in the allocation of display advertisements.

In response, Information Secretary Matiullah Khan assured the delegation that no funds would lapse and that all approved amounts would be released promptly. He also committed to ensuring that the distribution of advertisements would be transparent, based on merit, and offer equal opportunity for all eligible publications.

The delegation expressed appreciation for the secretary’s assurances, hoping that the measures would alleviate the financial challenges of newspapers and contribute to the stability and sustainability of print media in the province.

The meeting was attended by several representatives from various publications, including Ashraf Dar of Roznama Awam Un Naas, Bilal Afridi of Daily Frontier Post, Qaiser Rizvi of Roznama Jadid Peshawar, Sardar Naeem of Roznama Qaid, Javed Afridi of Roznama Paigham-e-Khyber, and others.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the delegation thanked the Information Secretary. Members of the journalist community described the engagement as a positive step toward resolving longstanding issues and strengthening the print media sector in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Earlier this year, in April, the APNS expressed gratitude to the KP government for releasing funds to clear Rs 40 crores in outstanding advertisement dues owed to newspapers. The APNS particularly extended appreciation to KP Advisor Finance, Muzamil Aslam, following earlier discussions with APNS leadership, including President Sarmad Ali and Vice President Shahab Zuberi, in Karachi.

Aslam had previously assured the APNS that the issue would be addressed on a priority basis, approving a total payment of Rs 80 crores, with Rs 40 crores released immediately and the remainder to be dispensed in June.

Additionally, the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) engaged with Aslam, who pledged to resolve the longstanding issue of unpaid newspaper advertisement dues. The provincial government plans to clear the outstanding amount of Rs1.40 billion in two instalments. The CPNE had earlier filed a writ petition in the Peshawar High Court to recover advertisement dues pending for several years, leading the High Court to issue a contempt notice against the Secretary of Finance due to payment delays.

“Talagang ke Daihaat” serves as both a historical record and a socio-cultural study, offering insights into settlement origins, migration and settlement patterns, tribal histories, and detailed land revenue (maal guzaari) records of the region. This publication is a significant contribution to preserving regional heritage, local identity, and collective memory for future generations.

During the launch, Malik shared his research journey and emphasised the importance of documenting local histories. Born in Talagang in 1968, Malik’s academic journey began at Government High School Talagang and continued at Degree College Talagang, where he also captained the hockey teams. His interest in research originated from exploring Talagang’s sporting history, which eventually expanded to encompass the broader social, cultural, and historical development of the region. Over the years, he has dedicated himself to preserving Talagang’s history, producing invaluable research on its heritage and narratives.

The event was moderated by Dr. Zulfiqar Ali Kalhoro, a distinguished scholar with over 22 years of experience in ethnographic research and author of 17 books. His academic focus includes anthropology, development studies, cultural heritage, tourism, colonial legacies, and marginalised communities. Dr. Kalhoro is currently an Assistant Professor at the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE).

The launch attracted scholars, researchers, students, and members of the public interested in regional history and cultural heritage. The session concluded with a lively discussion on the importance of documenting local histories and preserving indigenous knowledge.

In a pivotal meeting at Ali Akbar House, Islamabad, the Federal Committee of the All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) highlighted a severe financial and operational crisis facing the newspaper industry, calling on the government to urgently address these issues. The session, chaired by Faisal Zahid Malik, Editor-in-Chief of the Daily Pakistan Observer, was attended by key figures from major national newspapers.

The committee reviewed the dire state of the industry, describing it as being “virtually on a ventilator” and urged for resolution of the problems the industry was facing. They discussed prolonged payment delays from the Press Information Department (PID) and unfair practices in distributing government advertisements. The situation has persisted despite the current administration being in power for over three years, with no significant improvement in the newspaper sector’s welfare.

Participants at the meeting, including representatives from Daily Nawa-e-Waqt, The Nation, Daily Pakistan, and others, expressed their dissatisfaction with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and its allied departments for not distributing advertisements justly and equitably. They noted that such actions contributed to the financial instability of newspapers.

The committee unanimously demanded that at least 50% of the outstanding payments be cleared by June 2026. They also discussed the PID’s unsatisfactory role in recovering dues from other government clients and warned that APNS will again begin suspending government clients if they don’t pay even after six months.

In response to these ongoing challenges, the APNS members urged immediate action, proposing meetings with Attaullah Tarar, the Minister for Information and Broadcasting, alongside the Secretary Information and the Principal Information Officer. The goal of these meetings would be to rectify concerns.

To ensure continued focus on these critical issues, the participants resolved to convene another Federal Committee meeting soon to assess any progress. They stressed the importance of unity within the APNS ranks to effectively advocate for necessary reforms.

In recent meetings in Muzaffarabad, the Azad Jammu and Kashmir government reiterated its pledge to continue supporting state newspapers and addressing the challenges faced by journalists in the region. Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore and Director General Public Relations Tariq Jameel Durani both held significant discussions this week with representatives from the local journalist community.

Prime Minister Rathore met with a delegation from the All Kashmir Newspapers Society led by Secretary Finance Ajaz Khan. During the meeting, he assured them of the government’s ongoing commitment to enhancing press freedom and resolving the financial and professional issues that journalists encounter. Chief Editor Nazir of daily Jannat and Secretary Information Ali Hasnain Naqvi of the Kashmir Journalists Forum were also present.

Simultaneously, Tariq Jameel Durani, the newly appointed Director General Public Relations of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, hosted a delegation from the Azad Kashmir Newspaper Society (AKNS). The meeting was attended by AKNS President Sardar Zahid Tabassum, Secretary General Zulfiqar Butt, and several key journalists.

Durani expressed gratitude for the delegation’s visit and underscored the complementarity of the Information and the  media to promote state development and public awareness. The discussions also covered enhancing the effectiveness of both traditional and digital media in the region.

The AKNS delegation, including Secretary General Zulfiqar Butt, Sardar Hameed, Javed Iqbal and other members met with Muhammad Rashid Hanif, Secretary Information and IT, Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The discussions focused on promoting journalism in AJK, the expanding role of digital media, and enhancing public access to timely information. The dialogue also covered the challenges the media industry faces and the potential for stronger cooperation between the Information Department and media organisations.

Muhammad Rashid Hanif emphasised the crucial role of both traditional and digital media in state development and promoting a positive national narrative. He outlined the government’s commitment to freedom of expression and highlighted ongoing efforts to develop modern digital communication systems, bolster professional training for media personnel, and strengthen media-government engagement.

In addition to government dialogues, the AKNS delegation visited various news agencies in Muzaffarabad, including Habib News Agency, Chaudhry News Agency, and Sardar Safaid Abbasi News Agency. They also met with representatives of the Newspaper Sellers Union and engaged with key figures such as Liaqat Bashir Farooqi, Secretary General of the International Union of Writers Azad Kashmir, and Muhammad Bashir Raja, Vice Chairman of the National Unity Party Azad Jammu & Kashmir.

These meetings highlighted the financial strains, distribution challenges, and resource limitations currently plaguing the newspaper industry in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The discussions underscored the industry’s essential role in fostering public awareness and providing information.

Sardar Zahid Tabassum reassured participants that their concerns would be conveyed not only to newspaper owners but also with relevant governmental authorities to seek permanent solutions. He called for unity and collaborative effort among all stakeholders to ensure the stability and growth of the media sector in the region.

]]> http://pakistanpressfoundation.org/cpne-announces-committees-for-punjab-and-kp/ Wed, 03 Jun 2026 06:05:05 +0000 https://pakistanpressfoundation.org/?p=114009 Continue reading "CPNE announces committees for Punjab and KP"

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Member of the National Assembly, Raja Qamar-ul-Islam, Managing Director of the National Book Foundation, Dr Kamran Jahangir, NBF Secretary Khan Farhan Rifat, Director Headquarters Murad Ali Mohmand, and other officials from the foundation.

Dr Siddiqui praised the National Book Foundation for setting up the museum to a high standard and emphasised its significance in illustrating the relevance of books from their historical origins to the modern era.

Dr Siddiqui highlighted that the museum’s rare and valuable book-related exhibits are an asset for the National Book Foundation and a national treasure for Pakistan. He noted that these exhibits would serve as a guide for future generations. The minister also commended the museum’s various sections, including the Holy Qur’an Corner, Sufi Corner, and statues of renowned poets and writers, which aim to create intellectual awareness among youth and provide learning opportunities for visitors.

Member of the National Assembly Qamar-ul-Islam also expressed his admiration for the museum, noting that recent additions have made it more engaging for literature enthusiasts and readers. During a briefing, Dr Kamran Jahangir described the museum as a symbol of wisdom, featuring rare Qur’anic manuscripts, remarkable calligraphy, and dedicated corners for prominent personalities.

The museum showcases book displays, sections on Pakistani languages, and golden statues of literary icons such as Allama Iqbal, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Hafeez Jalandhari, Ahmed Nadeem Qasmi, and Saadat Hasan Manto. Creative installations like book-laden miniature trucks and trains, framed Qur’anic pages, and the “Pillar of Autographs” were designed to enrich the visitor experience, promoting learning and intellectual curiosity.

The All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) announced that its member publications will observe a two-day closure on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha. The holidays are scheduled for Wednesday, 27th May, and Thursday, 28th May.

As per the statement from APNS, there will be no morning newspapers published on Thursday, 28th May, and Friday, 29th May. Member publications are set to resume their normal editions on Saturday, 30th May. In addition, the announcement noted that evening newspapers would not be appearing on 27th and 28th May. However, these publications have the option to issue their editions on Friday, 29th May, should they choose to do so.

Dr. Tanvir A. Tahir, the Executive Director of APNS, confirmed that the schedule was finalised in connection with the Eid-ul-Azha holidays for member publications.

In a gathering at the Islamabad Newspaper Market, the All Pakistan Newspaper Vendors Federation (APNVF) convened to address pressing issues plaguing newspaper vendors across the nation. Key figures attended the meeting, including APNS President Senator Sarmad Ali and Joint Secretary Mohsin Bilal Abbasi, alongside numerous federation officials from various cities.

The primary focus of the discussion was the current petrol crisis and its impact on the newspaper distribution industry, which has significantly hampered operations and heightened vendor concerns. Tika Khan, the lifelong Secretary-General of the APNVF, highlighted the severe repercussions of the ongoing inflation storm on newspaper vendors. He urged APNS to contemplate serious measures to aid the vendors who are critical to sustaining the newspaper industry.

Proposals included government intervention via subsidies, allocation of housing scheme quotas for newspaper vendors, financial assistance to manage the crisis, and the introduction of electric bikes to facilitate daily operations. These measures are seen as crucial for maintaining the momentum of the newspaper distribution network and preventing a potential industry collapse due to current economic hardships.

The officials have vowed to strive for a better support package for the vendors amid these challenging times. Senator Sarmad Ali promised to facilitate meetings with the Chief Ministers of all four provinces and the Federal Minister for Information to further discuss and advocate for resolving these issues.

The federation leaders have called upon the government to play a more active role in addressing the hardships faced by newspaper vendors and ensuring adequate support measures during these critical times.

On April 29, Hameed Haroon, the former president of All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) and CEO of DawnMedia, highlighted the significant challenges currently faced by the media industry in Pakistan. During the programme entitled ‘APNS Talks,’ Haroon, a prominent figure in Pakistani journalism, articulated concerns about the ongoing pressures on independent journalism and the overall decline in media freedom in the country. Haroon said that governments in the country have long adopted an “anti-media attitude.”

The session, moderated by journalist Mazhar Abbas, discussed Haroon’s extensive career. Haroon described how Dawn, a newspaper founded with aspirations tied to key figures like Jinnah and Liaquat Ali Khan, has been “crippled” through advertisement bans and “conspiracies.”

Haroon reflected on the historical context, recalling that even during stringent martial law periods under leaders like Pervez Musharraf, there was some restraints on actions against the press. However, today’s scenario is one of the “law of the jungle,” where actions were taken without hestitation.

He emphasised that not only the media but also other institutions like the judiciary are under attack, which include arbitrary transfers of judges.

The discussion also covered the financial struggles faced by Dawn, which Haroon said was “surviving on a shoestring” due to the dual pressures of government and private advertisements being blocked. He stressed the need for media organisations to work together and to adapt and innovate to attract younger audiences and ensure economic viability.

Haroon dismissed the notion of entering politics, reaffirming the incompatibility of holding media and political roles simultaneously. He also shared his personal interests, particularly his passion for music and the arts, which remain central to his life even after retiring from an active role in journalism.

Haroon advocated for permanent employment for journalists as a foundation for maintaining professional journalism standards.

The meeting focused on the significant challenges affecting employees at Dawn and other media workers. Participants unanimously passed a resolution calling for the federal and provincial governments to resume advertising in Dawn immediately.

APNEC expressed full support for the PHWU General Secretary Kalbe Ali and emphasised the necessity for a united approach to overcome the challenges faced by media employees. The meeting also included contributions from various union leaders, including Karachi Union of Journalists (KUJ) President Tahir Hasan Khan, who stressed the importance of solidarity and collective action among journalists and media workers.

Prominent figures at the meeting included APNEC Vice Chairman Dara Zafar, Assistant Secretary General Rana Yousuf, and other key office-bearers.

The statement from the meeting highlighted continued efforts to ensure that these issues are resolved through coordinated and united efforts across the media sector.

Kazim Khan, Executive Editor of Daily Dunya, retained his position as President, while Ayaz Khan, Group Editor of Daily Express, was elected Senior Vice President. Other key positions were filled: Ghulam Nabi Chandio as Secretary General and Tanveer Shaukat as Deputy Secretary General. Arif Baloch was elected Finance Secretary, with Munza Saham taking on the role of Information Secretary.

The CPNE ensured regional representation through the election of Vice Presidents for different areas: Qazi Asad Abid for Sindh, Shakeel Turabi for Rawalpindi/Islamabad, Ahmed Hassan for Punjab, Tahir Farooq for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Anwar Sajidi for Balochistan. Additionally, Babar Nizami and Yahya Saduzai were elected as Joint Secretaries for Punjab and Rawalpindi/Islamabad, respectively.

The newly formed Standing Committee includes members such as Hamid Hussain Abidi, Sardar Muhammad Siraj, and Sher Muhammad Khawar, Abdul Rehman Mangreo, Zia Tanoli, Mudassar Iqbal and Shahzad Amin, among others.

During the annual general meeting, discussions centred on the future of print media, the influence of digital platforms, and economic challenges. Kazim Khan announced that World Press Freedom Day would be observed as a year of “resistance and protection of press freedom” in 2026. Efforts to counter fake news, the influence of dummy newspapers, and narratives shaped by political parties were also highlighted.

Concerns were raised about the reduction in government advertising, which has financially impacted newspapers and magazines. Participants called for government support in the form of subsidies and fair advertisement distribution. The meeting also underscored the necessity of integrating print and digital media to uphold journalistic standards.

A special condolence session was held for the late Amir Mahmood, former CPNE Secretary General, acknowledging his contributions to press freedom. The meeting concluded with Kazim Khan and Ghulam Nabi Chandio expressing gratitude to participants and the CPNE secretariat staff.

Congratulations were extended to the newly elected office-bearers by President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. The chief minister expressed hope that the CPNE leadership would promote free and responsible journalism while safeguarding national interests.

On April 16, the Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan, Engineer Ameer Muqam, announced that the government is set to implement practical measures to alleviate the financial and administrative difficulties facing newspapers in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). This declaration came during a discussion with representatives from the All Kashmir Newspapers Society (AKNS).

The AKNS delegation, led by Secretary General Zulfikar Hussain Butt and including senior journalists Naseer Anwar, Sardar Javed Iqbal, Sarfraz Mir, and Hamraz Chaudhry, met with Muqam to voice their concerns about the challenges impeding the newspaper industry in the region. The journalists outlined several pressing issues, including scarce resources, reduced advertising quotas, and unpaid dues, which they believe jeopardise the sustainability of AJK’s newspapers.

Muqam acknowledged the crucial role newspapers in AJK play in bringing international attention to the Kashmir issue. He assured the delegation that the government is committed to addressing their concerns.

Further discussions in the meeting focused on strategies to foster stronger collaboration between the government and the newspaper sector. Muqam reiterated Pakistan’s ongoing support for the people of Kashmir and its efforts to promote the Kashmir issue through diplomatic efforts.

Both parties agreed to maintain a constructive dialogue and work together to enhance the relationship between governmental bodies and media organisations in the region.

Provincial Minister for Information and Culture, Punjab, Azma Bokhari, announced strict measures to ensure accountability and transparency within the media sector. Speaking at a seminar, titled “Media Laws, Regulations and Ethics,” held at the Lahore Press Club, she stated that newspapers failing to pay salaries to their employees would not be allowed to continue operations.

Bokhari revealed that the government plans to audit media houses to determine outstanding dues.  She also added that the details of ABC-certified newspapers and the advertisements given to them will be made public.

Addressing the challenges posed by digital platforms, Bokhari also highlighted the establishment of a dedicated cyber wing under the direction of the Chief Minister of Punjab. This unit aims to curb the spread of fake news and tackle abusive behaviour online.

She stressed the need for self-accountability within the media. Bokhari remarked that now anyone who holds a camera says they are a journalist, but there is no clear definition of journalism.

The All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) appreciated the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government for releasing funds to clear outstanding advertisement dues of Rs 40 crores owed to newspapers. APNS in particular appreciated KP Advisor Finance, Muzamil Aslam.

During earlier discussions held in Karachi with Aslam, APNS leadership, including President Sarmad Ali and Vice President Shahab Zuberi, had informed him of the outstanding dues of APNS member publications.

Aslam had assured them that the issue would be resolved on a priority basis and has approved the payment of Rs 80 crores of which Rs.40 crores would be released immediately and the remaining half would be released in June.

Previously, a delegation of the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) had also engaged with Aslam who assured them that the longstanding issue of unpaid newspaper advertisement dues would be resolved. He stated that the provincial government would clear the outstanding amount of Rs1.40 billion in two installments.

CPNE had previously filed a writ petition in the Peshawar High Court seeking to recover advertisement dues that had been pending for several years.  The case has been ongoing for the past two years. Due to the delays in payment, the High Court had issued a contempt notice against the Secretary of Finance.

On March 09, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) issued notices to the government, seeking a formal response within two weeks regarding the establishment of the 9th Wage Board Award for newspaper employees. Chief Justice Sarfaraz Dogar presided over the hearing on the petitions filed by the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ), and the Islamabad High Court Journalists Association (IHCJA).

The court issued notices to and directed the Secretaries of the Information and Broadcasting and the Cabinet Division to submit their responses. The petitioner’s lawyer, Shahid Khokhar, argued the necessity for the federal government to promptly constitute the new wage board. He highlighted the legal obligation under Section 9 of the Newspaper Employees (Conditions of Service) Act, 1973.

These petitions were initiated by PFUJ President Afzal Butt, RIUJ President Asif Bashir Chaudhry, and IHCJA President Asadullah Malik, who are actively seeking judicial intervention to ensure the timely formation of the 9th Wage Board to address the economic difficulties faced by journalists.

The Executive Committee of the All-Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) held a meeting in Karachi on March 16, where it adopted the annual report for 2025-26 and the financial accounts for 2025. The committee also praised the secretariat’s efforts in recovering both current and longstanding dues.

The meeting, presided over by APNS President, Senator Sarmad Ali, and attended by Vice President Shahab Zuberi and Secretary General Muhammad Athar Kazi, focused on the operational achievements of the past year and discussed issues concerning the state of print media and freedom of the press in Pakistan.

Senator Sarmad Ali, President, Shahab Zuberi, Vice President, Muhammad Athar Kazi, Secretary General, Bilal Farooqui (Aghaz), Ms. Fauzia Shaheen (Dastak) Najamuddin Sheikh (Deyanat), Muhammad Younus Mehar (Halchal), Kazi Asad Abid (Ibrat), Syed Akbar Tahir (Jasarat), Javed Mehr Shamsi (Kaleem), Aamir Malik (Mashriq Quetta), Tahir Qureshi (Naey Ufaq) Ms. Zahida Abbasi (Nau Sijj), Mubashir Mir (Pakistan),Humayun Gulzar (Sayadat) attended the meeting.

While Mohsin Bilal, Joint Secretary, Naveed Kashif, Finance Secretary, Mohsin Seyal (Aftab), Waseem Ahmed (Awam Quetta), Ansar Mahmood Bhatti (Centre Line), Naveed Chaudhry (City 42), Bilal Mahmood (Nawa-i-Waqt), Adnan Faisal (Jiddat), Imtinan Shahid (Khabrain), S.M. Munir Jilani (Paigham), Faisal Zahid Malik (Pakistan Observer), Muhammad Awais Khushnood (Sahafat), Irfan Athar (Tijarat) attended the meeting via Zoom.

The APNS has announced that the Annual General Council Meeting is scheduled to take place on March 31 in Karachi.

The CPNE praised KP Chief Minister Sohail Khan Afridi and his cabinet for resolving the issue. The approval of the funds was seen as a significant support measure to newspapers in the province.

Previously, the CPNE had taken legal action by filing a writ petition in the Peshawar High Court, demanding that the provincial government clear all back payments. The court responded by issuing directives to ensure the clearance of these dues.

In their official statement, the CPNE also highlighted the broader significance of this decision. They view it as a recognition of the integral role that newspapers play in society and urged other provincial governments to adopt similar measures. The council emphasized the need for ongoing cooperation between the media and public sector institutions. CPNE reiterated its commitment to working alongside government stakeholders to tackle issues.

On February 24, Peshawar High Court (PHC) Chief Justice SM Atique Shah expressed displeasure after no representative from the Finance Department appeared in court during a hearing on a contempt of court petition regarding the non-payment of approximately Rs1.8 billion owed to newspapers for government advertisements. The petition was lodged by the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa chapter of the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE),  by its chairman Tahir Farooq through advocates Shahid Naseem Chamkani and Ahsan Masood.

The legal action stems from a writ petition filed in 2023 that sought settlement of dues accrued from government advertisements. During subsequent proceedings, the authorities had acknowledged the debt and requested time for reconciliation. Following this, on May 22, 2024, the PHC ordered the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government to clear the dues and disposed of the petition.

However, the payments remain outstanding. The failure to comply led to the initiation of contempt proceedings against the relevant officials. During the hearing on February 24, the court was informed that recent meetings led the Finance Department to decide on releasing Rs800 million to the newspapers within the current financial year.

Justice Shah voiced dissatisfaction over the non-compliance and the absence of the finance secterary at the hearing. He summoned the secretary again and adjourned the hearing to a later date, issuing fresh notices to the department.

The assurance was given during a special meeting convened to address the pending payments. The CPNE delegation included former Secretary General Ijazul Haq, Secretary General Ghulam Nabi Chandio, and Chairman of CPNE’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chapter, Tahir Farooq.

Detailing the payment plan, Aslam explained that an agreement had been reached regarding Rs 798 million worth of verified accounts from provincial departments. He confirmed that 50% of this amount would be disbursed in the first week of March. The process for reconciling the remaining dues is currently underway, with full payment expected between July and September in the new financial year.

The resolution of this issue is critical as CPNE had previously filed a writ petition in the Peshawar High Court seeking to recover advertisement dues that had been pending for several years.  The case has been ongoing for the past two years. Due to the delays in payment, the High Court had issued a contempt notice against the Secretary of Finance. The next hearing is set for February 23 at the Peshawar High Court.

Aslam emphasised the government’s responsibility to pay the newspapers what they are due, asserting there would be no further delays in settling these accounts. This assurance aims to address the financial strain faced by the newspapers due to the non-payment of dues and to prevent any further legal complications.

On January 21, the Peshawar High Court (PHC) issued a contempt of court notice to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa finance secretary, seeking an explanation over the continued non-payment of outstanding government advertisement dues to newspapers, despite assurances previously given to the court.

The notice was issued by a single-member bench of Justice Ijaz Anwar while hearing a contempt petition filed by the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chapter. The petition was filed through CPNE KP Chairman Tahir Farooq, and was represented by advocates Shahid Naseem Chamkani, Mohammad Ihsan Mehsud, and Ahsan Masood.

The court observed that the case involved a substantial amount payable to the petitioner organisation and, therefore, directed the finance secretary to submit an explanation. The matter was adjourned to a later date for further proceedings.

According to the petition, CPNE approached the Peshawar High Court in 2023 by filing a writ petition seeking clearance of approximately Rs1.8 billion in outstanding dues owed to newspapers for government advertisements, accumulated over several decades. During the hearing of the writ petition, the relevant authorities acknowledged the outstanding arrears.

A two-member bench comprising Justice Sahibzada Asadullah and Justice Wiqar Ahmad disposed of the writ petition on May 22, 2024. At that time, the then secretary of information, Syed Abdul Jabbar Khan, and the additional secretary, Abdul Haleem Khan, informed the court that the reconciliation process was underway and that the outstanding amounts would be calculated. The court allowed time for reconciliation and issued directions for payment of the arrears to newspapers.

Despite the passage of significant time following the court’s order, the dues were not cleared. As a result, CPNE filed the present contempt petition. During the proceedings, a deputy director (litigation) of the Information Department appeared before the court on November 10, 2025, and sought additional time to resolve the matter.

Counsel for the petitioner informed the court that the issue remained unresolved despite repeated assurances given to the court. It was further stated that the provincial government had been delaying the release of the required funds to the Information Department, which was responsible for making onward payments to the member newspapers of CPNE.

The bench was also informed that the reconciliation of dues was nearly complete and that a request for Rs800 million had been submitted to the Finance Department. However, the Finance Department had not yet released the requested amount.

The half-page advertisement, issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, carried the headline: “Have you ever wondered what war looks like today?” It stated, “Today, war is no longer fought on the battlefield. It is fought in our minds. The enemy’s bullets are no longer gunpowder… it’s information.” The ad warned citizens of an “enemy hiding behind the veil of technology and the internet,” and claimed that the enemy “sometimes disguised as a reporter, sometimes as an NGO worker or freelancer, extracts sensitive information that brings unrest, fear, and chaos to our streets.”

The message further advised citizens: “Never share any sensitive information with a stranger,” and urged the public to report any suspicious calls or messages.

In a joint statement, HRCP, the Women’s Action Forum (Lahore), Shirkat Gah–Women’s Resource Centre, South Asia Partnership–Pakistan, Simorgh, and the Centre for Legal Aid, Assistance and Settlement (CLAAS) said framing civil society actors and independent media as part of an information war “is deeply irresponsible and undermines the very freedoms that sustain a democratic society.”

The statement highlighted that independent journalists and NGOs in Pakistan already operate under restrictive conditions marked by frequent harassment, strict reporting requirements, and suspicion created by vague security narratives. “Portraying their work as a threat to national security further endangers individuals committed to protecting rights and informing the public,” it said, adding that such portrayals risk legitimizing surveillance, intimidation, and arbitrary targeting.

The rights groups further warned that urging citizens to report “suspicious” reporters or NGO workers without legal safeguards could lead to harassment and censorship. They called on the government to withdraw this campaign immediately, refrain from conflating legitimate civil society work with hostile activity, and prioritize an enabling environment where journalists and human rights organizations can function safely and independently.

Media watchdog Freedom Network also condemned the advertisement, describing it as “deeply troubling.” “Whoever wrote, designed and approved this ad has endangered the lives of journalists and civil society workers by depicting them as threats to national security. At a time when the media is already under intense pressure, this narrative is reckless and dangerous,” it said in a statement.

The organisation warned that the campaign fuels hostility against individuals who deliver reliable information to the public. “It stigmatizes the journalism community and undermines the critical role of independent media in Pakistan. Such messaging is a direct attack on press freedom, which is a cornerstone of democracy and a fundamental right enshrined in Article 19 of the Constitution,” the statement added.

The advertisement appeared amid growing government pressure on social media platforms and increased crackdowns on dissent following the imprisonment of an opposition leader, with rights organisations warning that the campaign could further shrink civic space in Pakistan.

On September 25, President Asif Ali Zardari, in his message on National Newspaper Readership Day, emphasized the vital role newspapers play in strengthening democracy and fostering an informed society. He urged the youth to cultivate a habit of reading newspapers and called on educational institutions to actively promote readership among students, stressing that access to credible information is the foundation of responsible citizenship.

The President praised the All-Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) for its ongoing efforts to encourage newspaper reading and acknowledged the historical contribution of the press in shaping national discourse. He highlighted how newspapers have long played a key role in promoting accountability, exposing injustice, and informing public opinion—essential components of a healthy democracy.

President Zardari also voiced concern over the rising spread of disinformation through social media platforms. He reaffirmed that newspapers remain a trusted and verified source of information and should be sustained by public confidence rather than government or commercial dependency. He concluded by urging the print media to uphold high ethical standards and encouraged the public to support responsible journalism.

Meanwhile, Punjab’s Minister for Information and Culture, Azma Bokhari, reiterated the provincial government’s commitment to addressing the challenges facing the print media industry. During a meeting with APNS representatives, she shared key initiatives being undertaken under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to support journalists and safeguard the future of the print media in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

The APNS delegation welcomed the government’s proactive approach and expressed gratitude for its continued support. Members praised Bokhari’s efforts, noting that her responsiveness to industry concerns had helped restore confidence among media stakeholders. They reaffirmed their commitment to working with the government to promote press freedom and sustainability.

Minister Bokhari announced her intention to file a defamation lawsuit against anchors Mubasher Lucman and Naeem Hanif, accusing them of attributing false statements to her. She condemned what she described as a serious breach of journalistic ethics and urged media organizations to take a firm stand against disinformation and character assassination within the profession.

On July 25, the All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) Punjab Recovery Committee held a meeting in Lahore to discuss outstanding payments to the print media, with Director General Public Relations (DGPR) Punjab, Ghulam Sagheer Shahid, attending as a key participant. The session was chaired by Mohsin Mumtaz.

DGPR Ghulam Sagheer Shahid stated that the Punjab government, under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Information Minister Azma Bukhari, is committed to public engagement through consistent awareness campaigns. “Awareness campaigns will continue consistently for uplifting the people of Punjab,” he noted during the session.

Opening the meeting, Chairman Mohsin Mumtaz lauded the Punjab government’s initiatives and acknowledged the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Minister Azma Bukhari. He emphasized the importance of settling financial matters with media outlets.

Finance Secretary APNS, Naveed Kashif, shared that notable progress had been made in the last ten months, with significant payments disbursed by DGPR Punjab. He described these payments as a source of encouragement for the print media industry.

Khabrain’s Chief Editor, Imtinan Shahid, commended the efforts of the Information Minister and DGPR, saying that the DGPR Punjab has successfully projected a strong and dynamic image of the Punjab government across all provinces.

Usman Shami, Editor of Daily Pakistan, acknowledged the government’s role in media support and emphasized the need for continued efforts. “There is no doubt the Punjab government has taken a leading role in development, and Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz rightfully deserves commendation,” he said. “Timely payments to the print media will breathe new life into the fading spirit of journalism.”

Participants in the meeting included Munir Gilani (Pegham), Noorullah (Jang), Imran Raza (Dawn), and Imran Athar (Jurat). Observers present were Bilal Mehmood (Nawa-i-Waqt), Furqan Hashmi (Khabrain), and Muhammad Farooq (Pakistan).

Meanwhile, Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi congratulated the newly elected president Ashraf Dar and office bearers of the All Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Newspapers Society. In an official message, he affirmed the role of journalists in a democratic society.

The statement emphasized that a free and responsible press is the cornerstone of democratic societies, and the role of the journalist community in this regard is highly commendable. Governor Kundi expressed confidence in the new cabinet’s ability to address media challenges and uphold journalistic standards.

He added that the Pakistan Peoples Party has consistently stood for media freedom and the rights of working journalists and expressed hope that the new leadership would advance the welfare of media workers.

On July 9, Information and Broadcasting Minister Attaullah Tarar said the federal government is committed to supporting the print media and will soon implement Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s assurance to revise government advertisement rates.

Speaking to members of the All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) Executive Committee at a dinner hosted by the Ministry of Information, the Minister said the move aims to promote a vibrant and responsible print media and curb the spread of disinformation from fake platforms.

He stated that payment issues facing the newspaper industry were being actively addressed. The federal government has paid over Rs.6 billion to the media towards their dues, he said, adding that the share of print media in both total payments and advertisement volume would be increased.

He assured that the Ministry was putting in its best efforts to ensure that all dues are cleared regularly, with no pending liabilities. A committee comprising all stakeholders has also been constituted to identify and eliminate dummy publications. “This initiative will strengthen the economies of genuine publications,” he added. The Minister also encouraged newspapers to innovate in order to meet the challenges facing the print industry.

Earlier, APNS President Senator Sarmad Ali, along with members of the Executive Committee, briefed the Minister on various issues. They recalled that the Prime Minister had announced an increase in advertisement rates in August 2023, which has yet to be implemented despite repeated assurances.

Committee members also highlighted that while a significant payment was released to media houses recently, less than 20 percent was allocated to newspapers, with the majority going to electronic media. They requested a fair share of the advertising budget for print publications. The members also reiterated their demand that regional Press Information Department (PID) offices be authorized to recommend media outlets from their respective areas.

The dinner was attended by Secretary Information Ms. Ambreen Jan, Principal Information Officer Mubashar Hasan, and other senior officials of the Ministry. APNS was represented by Secretary General Muhammad Athar Kazi, Finance Secretary Navèed Kashif, and other Executive Committee members.

Earlier in the day, the Executive Committee of APNS held its meeting in Islamabad, chaired by its President, Senator Sarmad Ali.

Announcing the committee’s decisions, Secretary General Mohammad Athar Kazi said that members urged both federal and provincial governments to expedite long-pending payments to ease the financial strain on the print media industry.

The Committee expressed concern over the non-payment of dues by DGPR from previous years. It was decided that a delegation, led by the APNS President, would meet the Secretary Information Sindh to press for the release of long-overdue non-budgeted payments.

The Executive Committee also approved the report of the Advertising Committee and granted provisional accreditation to M/s Brand Spectrum (Pvt.) Ltd., Lahore.

Those present at the meeting included Senator Sarmad Ali, Mohammad Athar Kazi, Naveed Kashif, Mohsin Bilal, Mohsin Seyal (Aftab), Bilal Farooqi (Aghaz), Ansar Mahmood Bhatti (Monthly Centre Line), Fauzia Shaheen (M/Dastak), Najamuddin Sheikh (D/Deyanat), Javed Mehr Shamsi (D/Kaleem), Imtinan Shahid (D/Khabrain), Bilal Mahamood (Nawa-e-Waqt), Rasakh Munir (D/Mashriq Peshawar), Aamir Malik (D/Mashriq Quetta), S.M. Munir Jilani (D/Paigham), Usman Mujib Shami (D/Pakistan), Faisal Zahid Malik (D/Pakistan Observer), Khushnood Ali Khan (D/Sahafat), Humayun Gulzar (D/Sayadat), Imran Ather (D/Tijarat), and Syed Haroon Shah (D/Wahdat).

On May 6, the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) constituted its Free Media Committee for the year 2025-26. According to a statement issued by the CPNE, Irshad Arif has been appointed as chairman of the committee, and Ejaz Haider of Daily Express as deputy chairman.

The Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE), the representative body of newspaper editors from across the country, has elected its new office bearers for the 2025-26 term. Kazim Khan of Daily Duniya has been elected as the President of CPNE, while Ghulam Nabi Chandio of Daily Pak has assumed the role of Secretary General.

Other elected office bearers include Ayaz Khan as Senior Vice President, Tanveer Shaukat as Deputy Secretary General, Hamid Hussain Abidi as Finance Secretary, and Zia Tanoli as Information Secretary. The newly elected Vice Presidents are Qazi Asad Abid, Adnan Zafar, Yahya Khan Sadozai, Mian Hassan Ahmed, and Munir Ahmed Baloch. Tahir Farooq, Munazza Seham, Rafay Niazi, Arif Baloch, and Waqas Tariq Farooq have been elected as Joint Secretaries.

Members elected to the CPNE Standing Committee include Dr Jabbar Khattak, Ikram Sehgal, Akmal Chohan, Babar Nizami, Maqsood Yousufi, Sher Muhammad Khawer, Sardar Muhammad Siraj, Mudassar Iqbal, Muhammad Owais Razi, Shehzad Amin, Irfan Athar, Shakeel Ahmed Turabi, Tazeen Akhtar, Anwar Sajdi, Mumtaz Ahmed Sadiq, Faqir Munthar Mangrio, Abdul Rahman Mangrio, Dr Zubair Mehmood, Masood Khan, Fazal Haq, Zulfiqar Ahmed Rahat, Ali Ahmed Dhillon, Aamir Mehmood, Syed Intizar Hussain Zanjani, Aslam Mian, Hamza Ali Afghan, Ayaz Memon, Mudassar Alam, and Mehmood Alam Khalid.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif extended their congratulations to the newly elected office bearers of the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE). In separate messages, they conveyed best wishes and expressed confidence that the new leadership would uphold journalistic values, combat misinformation, and continue promoting high professional standards in the media.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah congratulated the newly elected office bearers of the CPNE. He praised CPNE’s role in promoting press freedom. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif also conveyed her best wishes to the new leadership. She expressed hope that the CPNE will continue to advance independent and responsible journalism in the country.

The interruption has impacted residents including students, businesses, and professionals who depend on mobile connectivity. The disruption comes amid ongoing protests led by Balochistan National Party (BNP) leader Akhtar Mengal against the arrest of Mahrang Baloch. According to Samaa TV, the government has attributed the suspensions to security threats. 

Services were initially suspended on April 2 and were restored on April 5.

Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rashid confirmed the restoration of services after the earlier suspension, adding that mobile and internet services had been suspended due to security concerns.

A criminal complaint (First Information Report) was registered against journalist Abdul Khalif, known as A.K. Chauhan, under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) in Khairpur district of Sindh province for publishing a news story accusing the Khairpur Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of corruption and sharing the story on social media.

The FIR was registered on behalf of the state by Station House Officer (SHO) Iqbal Noon at the Khairpur A Section police station. The FIR alleged that A.K. Chauhan, in a report for a local Urdu newspaper, on the basis of “unsubstantiated allegations” claimed that Khairpur SSP Toheed Rehman and the district’s police system were compromised. The report further accused the journalist of using abusive language against officers on social media and engaging in character assassination.

The FIR, filed under sections 506, 500, and 504 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) along with section 20 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, stated that three police officers—Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Maqsood Ahmed Abro, and Head Constables Abdul Rehman Narejo and Rahim Dino Siyal—were on patrol when they noticed Chauhan’s posts on Facebook. The FIR states that Chauhan’s posts used “unethical, insulting, and accusatory” language against the police, issued threats and attempted to cause chaos in the public.

SSP Toheed Rehman Memon, speaking to Dawn, denied the accusations made by the journalist, calling them baseless. He challenged A.K. Chauhan to present any evidence supporting his claims. As per the SSP, the reporter had started a defamation campaign against him and now his colleagues and superiors were asking him about the allegations.

Chauhan has stood by the story he had published in Hamara Samaj stating that he filed it through confirmed sources.

On March 20, the Lahore High Court (LHC) gave the federal government a “last chance” to explain the “entire situation” — legal grounds and mechanism behind the ongoing ban on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. The platform has remained inaccessible in Pakistan since February 17, 2024.

A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice Aalia Neelum resumed hearing petitions filed by journalist Shakir Mahmood and others challenging the suspension of X. The federal government, the Ministry of Law, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and others were made parties in the petitions.

During the hearing, Chief Justice Neelum questioned the federal government’s approach: “How was the closure of X carried out? The federal government is being given the last chance [to explain]. The government should respond in court. After this, the head of the cabinet will be summoned.”

PTA Chairman Major General (retd) Hafeezur Rehman appeared before the court and submitted a written response.

Deputy Attorney General Asad Bajwa informed the bench that the interior ministry lacked a mechanism to determine which social media platforms were being accessed through Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). Justice Neelum questioned how the ministry could block X but not trace its use.

Bajwa stated that the PTA had formed a committee to investigate VPN usage. The court rejected this, with Chief Justice Neelum terming it a way to “distract the court.”

Bajwa said that the social media platform [X] authorities had been written a letter. The court inquired whether there was any agreement between the government and X. Upon being told there was none, Justice Neelum questioned: “Why would X respond to you if there is no agreement?”.

Justice Ali Zia Bajwa asked if PTA’s official account on X was still active. When the PTA chairman confirmed it was, the judge asked how the authority could use the platform while banning it. The PTA chairman stated that users in Pakistan were accessing X via VPNs and initially admitted that the PTA was also using a VPN. However, he later tried to retract the statement.

Justice Farooq Haider asked whether VPNs could be blocked, to which the PTA chairman responded that it would take time. Justice Neelum questioned the delay, stating that it had been a year with no significant action, and they were still requesting another month. She also asked for data on VPN usage related to X access. Rehman said exact figures were not available, prompting criticism from the judge.

Justice Bajwa observed that the PTA had stated it would restore X if the court ordered it, to which the PTA chairman responded: “Absolutely, if the court orders, we will open X immediately.” Justice Bajwa noted that while content could be blocked “to some extent” under the rules, an entire platform could not be shut down.

Wrapping up the hearing, Chief Justice Neelum said: “Why did the government not fulfill its responsibility? We were disappointed to summon the PTA chairman, he does not know [anything]. We do not have time to waste, why not take contempt of court action for wasting the bench’s time?”

The hearing was adjourned until April 8.

Photo: X Logo

“After it was discovered that some police officials were using their personal social media accounts to express highly offensive views about the state of Pakistan, government departments and law enforcement agencies, divisional police chiefs across Punjab have been directed to strictly monitor it and take strict legal action against those responsible,” read the directive.

It further warned: “In case any police officer was found uploading inappropriate video, post, unlawful content, or any material or comments against police or government departments, the RPO will take strict departmental action against the responsible personnel. No unlawful content against the state, legal and government institutions and law enforcement agencies is allowed to be shared on social media platforms.”

It noted that in a directive in February, SOPs for surveillance of this nature of content had already been circulated.

The provincial Additional IG has sent a letter to Rawalpindi Regional Police Officer (RPO) Babar Sarfraz Alpa, Rawalpindi City Police Officer (CPO) Syed Khalid Hamdani and to RPOs, CPOs, and District Police Officers (DPOs) across Punjab, including Lahore CCPO.

On March 15, at the annual general council meeting, the All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) elected its executive committee for the 2025-26 term. The newly elected executive committee includes Sarmad Ali as President, Nazafreen Saigol-Lakhani as Senior Vice President, Shahab Zuberi as Vice President, Muhammad Athar Kazi as Secretary General, Mohsin Bilal as Joint Secretary, and Naveed Kashif as Finance Secretary.

In addition, 26 dailies and six periodicals were elected unopposed to the executive committee. Among the dailies are notable publications such as Jasarat, Jiddat, Business Recorder, Dawn, and Jang. Periodicals elected include monthly Dastak, weekly Family, monthly Naey Ufaq,  monthly Naya Rukh,  monthly Centre Line, and fortnightly Ibrat. Zahida Abbasi from Daily Nau Sijj (Karachi) was elected to the woman publisher’s seat.

The elections, attended by 107 members from across the country, were conducted under the leadership of an election commission led by Mumtaz Ahmed Phulpoto, with Syed Irfan Shah and Ali Bin Younus as members.

The meeting strongly condemned the ongoing government ad ban on Daily Dawn, describing it as a “policy of arm-twisting” and an attempt to influence the newspaper’s editorial policies through advertisements. The APNS stressed that advertisements were a right, not a privilege, serving transparency and “people’s right to know.” They called for a fair and transparent distribution of government ads.

The APNS also expressed concern about the financial crisis facing newspapers, urging the government to support the media by increasing government advertisement rates as previously decided. The council called on the Ministry of Information to lift the advertisement stoppage on Daily Sahafat and urged the federal and provincial governments to clear outstanding dues to help the newspaper industry.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the new executive committee. He expressed hope that the new committee would maintain high journalistic standards and continue to uphold journalistic values. Emphasizing the media’s role as the fourth pillar of the state, Prime Minister Sharif encouraged the press to engage in constructive criticism, which he noted as essential for governance improvement.

In separate statements, Acting President Yousaf Raza Gilani, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, and Federal Secretary for Information Ambreen Jan also extended their congratulations, committing to support press freedom and address media industry challenges.

Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari announced a scheme by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif to provide journalists in Punjab with their own homes. Bokhari praised APNS for its longstanding contributions to journalism, particularly in the print media sector. She emphasized that the Punjab government is committed to protecting press freedom.

On March 12, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chief Organiser Aliya Hamza Malik filed a petition in the Lahore High Court (LHC) challenging media advertisements showcasing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

The petition, submitted through her legal counsel, argued that the premier and the chief minister were “using public funds for personal promotion,” which contradicted a Supreme Court decision. The petition stated that the government should follow the apex court ruling regarding advertisements.

“The utilization of money from the national exchequer on the publicity of personal achievements is illegal and unconstitutional. It also amounts to the violation of the Supreme Court (SC) verdict,” read the petition.

It further asserted that no policy exists regarding advertisements for government projects and stated that the use of state funds for personal publicity was unconstitutional. Additionally, the plea sought the development of a policy for the publication of government ads and sought recovery of public funds allegedly used for personal publicity.

The LHC has already issued notices to the government on two similar petitions regarding a 60-page advertisement supplement featuring the Punjab chief minister on March 7. The petitions, filed by Punjab Assembly Opposition Leader Ahmad Khan Bhachar and activist Ashba Kamran, challenge the alleged use of public funds for personal publicity of Maryam Nawaz and her father, former premier Nawaz Sharif.

The Punjab government has defended the advertisement campaign, with Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari dismissing the criticism by PTI as “propaganda.”

The appointed members are from each province and the federal capital.  According to The News, the appointment was approved on the prime minister’s advice. The newly appointed members include Sabahat Rafique for Punjab, Haider Naqvi for Sindh, Iftikhar Firdous for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ayesha Ayub Wadood for Balochistan, and Dr. Rashid Wali Janjua for the Federal Capital Territory.

PEMRA’s structure consists of a chairman and twelve members, which includes these five new appointees from across the country. The regulatory body also includes five ex-officio members such as the secretaries of Information and Home departments, as well as the chairmen of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and the Revenue Board. Additionally, PEMRA includes one executive member, along with a representative each from the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) and the Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA), who are already in place.

On March 5, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had appointed Dr. Lubna Zaheer as the Chairperson of the Punjab PEMRA Council of Complaints. Dr. Lubna, a professor at the School of Communication Studies at Punjab University, previously served on the Council from 2015 to 2019. Additionally, Rashida Suhail and Zahid Maqsood had also been appointed as initial members of the Council.

Photo: ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN, DEC 16: President, Asif Ali Zardari addressing the 3rd China-
Indian Ocean Region Forum on Blue Economy held in Kunming, through a video message in
Islamabad on Monday, December 16, 2024. (PPI Images).

According to an official notification, Professor Dr. Lubna Zaheer has been named Chairperson of the Council. She is a professor at Punjab University’s School of Communication Studies (SCS) and heads the Department of Film and Broadcasting (DFB) at the university.

Dr. Zaheer, a media expert, political analyst, and senior academician, has extensive experience in journalism, media governance, and regulatory affairs. This marks her second tenure with the PEMRA Council of Complaints, having previously served as a member from 2015 to 2019.

Dr. Zaheer has participated in international conferences on communication and media. The Ministry has also appointed Rashida Suhail and Zahid Maqsood members of the Punjab Council of Complaints.

Photo: PEMRA logo

The meeting, held in Islamabad, focused on various challenges, including significant financial and legal hurdles that cable operators are encountering.

Minister Tarar recognized the cable operators’ integral role in providing public access to various information sources, such as news broadcasts, educational content, and documentaries. He assured the cable operators that their issues would be resolved as a priority.

Photo: LAHORE, PAKISTAN, JUN 03: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah
Tarar addressing a press conference in Lahore on Monday, June 3, 2024. (PPI Images).

PPF stands in solidarity with Dawn and urges the federal and Punjab governments to immediately withdraw their policy targeting the publication by halting advertising. We also call on the Sindh government to immediately stop their practice of periodically withholding advertisements to Dawn.

It is unacceptable that the federal and Punjab governments have denied advertisements to Dawn for the past five months while continuing to publicly claim to support journalists and the media. Despite claiming to stand with journalists and vocally criticizing other governments’ policies while in opposition, the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) government at the helm nationally and in Punjab has shown that its promises do not extend beyond mere lip service.

Meanwhile, the Sindh government has also “periodically” withheld ads. The Pakistan Peoples
Party (PPP) has also repeatedly shared that they support journalists. Unfortunately, financially
targeting the leading English newspaper of the country, shows otherwise.

In an editorial, Dawn reacted to the suspension of ads stating: “The current regime’s attempt to punish the paper has taken a different form, but its aim is the same: to apply pressure tactics to gain compliance. This publication always takes into consideration multiple angles when making editorial decisions. Others may not always agree with its stance, but pressure tactics will not force Dawn to abandon principled journalism. Its duty, first and foremost, is to maintain journalistic integrity.”

A declaration issued by the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) cited the case of Dawn stating that it was being denied advertisements by the federal, Punjab, and Sindh governments for “its professional approach to reporting and critical editorials.”

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) expressed serious concern about the withholding of ads from Dawn and reminded the government that it was constitutionally bound to protect people’s right to information and freedom of expression.

“Tacit censorship in the form of financial pressure must not be allowed to control narratives or undermine press freedom. By threatening the survival of independent journalism and critical editorial policies, the government is doing itself—and the people it claims to represent—an enormous disservice in the long term,” HRCP stated on X.

The Karachi Press Club (KPC) has also condemned the move. In a post shared on X, KPC President Fazil Jamili said that the KPC stood in solidarity with the newspaper and vowed to fight together against all efforts to restrict free expression in Pakistan.

Photo Source: Dawn logo

In his message, President Zardari called upon newspapers to champion moral, ethical, and democratic principles, emphasizing their role in promoting tolerance, interfaith harmony, patriotism, and human rights. “In today’s digital age, where fake news spreads rapidly, newspapers must uphold the highest standards of truth, using modern technology to counter misinformation,” Zardari said. He congratulated the All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) for its contributions and reaffirmed the importance of a free, responsible press to sustain a vibrant democracy.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif echoed these sentiments, encouraging citizens to cultivate newspaper reading habits as a means to counter fake news and nurture a responsible, informed society. Sharif described newspapers as the “cornerstone of democracy,” stressing their role in shaping public discourse throughout Pakistan’s history, from the independence movement to present day. He noted that while social media provides quick access to information, the editorial rigor of newspapers offers unmatched reliability.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur emphasized the critical role of newspapers in building an informed society. “Promoting reading habits among citizens is essential to combat the challenges posed by the unchecked spread of unverified news. Without press freedom and ensuring people’s right to know, we cannot achieve our goal of a strong and democratic Pakistan,” he said. He further highlighted his government’s commitment to positive journalism and welfare for journalists, adding, “Guiding society in the right direction is a shared responsibility, and print media has a prominent role in this.”

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah also acknowledged the vital role of newspapers in preserving the province’s rich cultural heritage. “Newspapers have been instrumental in informing the public about Sindh’s social, political, and economic developments. They provide a platform for diverse voices and offer a window into the global landscape while focusing on local issues that matter to our citizens,” he said. The Chief Minister stressed the need for newspapers to maintain quality and integrity, especially in the face of growing digital misinformation. “By promoting newspaper readership, we can combat the spread of fake news and nurture a more informed and tolerant society,” he added.

Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani also weighed in on the importance of newspapers in fostering accountability and promoting national discourse. “Newspapers are more than just a source of news; they are a repository of knowledge, a mirror reflecting the diverse voices of our society, and a guardian against misinformation,” he said. “In order to engage meaningfully in civic discourse and make informed decisions that affect our country, we must cultivate the habit of reading newspapers,” the Chairman emphasized. He also highlighted the importance of supporting the press, saying, “The role of newspapers in providing credible and balanced perspectives is indispensable for the healthy functioning of our democracy.”

Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting, National Heritage, and Culture Attaullah Tarar added that newspapers continue to uphold the values of truth, integrity, and accountability in an era when misinformation threatens the fabric of society. He credited newspapers with maintaining a level of reliability unmatched by other media platforms and urged the public to embrace newspaper reading as a vital tool for staying informed.

In a joint statement, APNS President Nazafreen Saigol Lakhani and Secretary General Sarmad Ali emphasized that this tax could lead to higher prices for readers and advertisers, potentially reducing the reach of newspapers and limiting public access to information. In a statement, the APNS pointed out that the newspaper industry is facing severe economic challenges due to declining revenues from advertisements and circulation. The additional tax burden could exacerbate these issues, potentially leading to the closure of smaller newspapers and job losses in the sector.

The APNS also underscored the importance of newspapers in promoting informed public discourse and maintaining democratic accountability. They argued that imposing a GST on newsprint contradicts the government’s commitment to supporting the media and ensuring the public’s right to information.

“The print media, a fundamental pillar of the state, plays a crucial role in safeguarding the public’s right to information and freedom of expression. In this era of rampant misinformation and disinformation, it is imperative for the government to ensure that the public has unfettered access to information,” the statement noted. It also included a request to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to consider repealing the GST on newsprint to support this cause.

“The Government of Pakistan recognizes the importance of freedom of the press and freedom of expression, and it is determined to protect the rights of journalists”, Tarar said.

The visiting journalists, including figures such as Iqtadar Ahmed, Mukrram Hussain, Riaz Ahmed, and others, acknowledged the importance of such visits for enhancing relations and promoting people-to-people contact between Bangladesh and Pakistan. They expressed their appreciation for the warm reception and support provided by the Government of Pakistan and its journalism institutions.

Recently, the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication announced the establishment of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) on April 24, replacing the Federal Investigation Agency’s Cybercrime Wing.  According to an Interior Ministry official, the NCCIA will be empowered through legislation giving it powers to police cyberspace.

Furthermore, on May 9, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved an amendment to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, which included the creation of a Digital Rights Protection Authority. The Authority will have the power to investigate violations of the new PECA law on social media and take appropriate action.

During the meeting, the APNS delegation led by APNS President Naz Afreen Sehgal Lakhani apprised the minister of the various challenges being faced by the industry, including the rising cost of newsprint, a decline in advertisement revenue, and issues related to distribution.

The newspaper industry sought government support through several measures, including a relaxation in taxes on the import of newsprint, financial assistance to upgrade printing presses, and a special advertising support package to help newspapers weather the current economic downturn.

Tarar assured the delegation that the government would take all possible steps to address their concerns. He said that the government recognizes the vital role played by the media, especially the print media, in informing and educating the public.

The APNS delegation also discussed the increase in rates of the government’s advertisements and the initial payment of the arrears of the member publications and requested a simplification in the process for renewing registration with the Press Registrar Office.

Participants included Naz Afreen Sehgal Lakhani, APNS President; Imtenan Shahid, APNS Senior Vice President; Sarmad Ali, APNS General Secretary; S.M. Munir Jilani, APNS Joint Secretary; and various members representing prominent publications. Some observers and members joined via Zoom.