PROVINCE REPORT
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar on Tuesday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a free, responsible and strong print media, assuring that the longstanding issues facing the newspaper industry would be addressed through consultation with all stakeholders.
He expressed these views during a meeting with a delegation of the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE), led by its President Kazim Khan.
The meeting held detailed discussions on the challenges confronting the newspaper industry, including reforms in the Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC), budgets for news agencies, outstanding payments to media houses, the issue of dummy newspapers and other matters related to the media sector.
The minister and the CPNE leadership agreed on the need to introduce comprehensive reforms in the Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC) to make the system transparent, efficient and compatible with modern requirements.
Attaullah Tarar said the government firmly believes in the role of an independent, responsible and vibrant print media in strengthening democracy and promoting informed public discourse. He said consultations with all relevant stakeholders would continue to find practical solutions to the issues confronting the newspaper industry.
He stressed that modernising the ABC system had become a necessity and said reforms would enhance transparency and improve the credibility of circulation data. He also assured the delegation that the payment of outstanding dues to media houses, reforms in the ABC system and matters relating to news agencies would be pursued on a priority basis.
The minister further assured the CPNE delegation that the government would extend every possible support in resolving the legitimate issues of newspaper organisations and would continue engaging with media representatives to ensure a sustainable environment for the print media industry.
The CPNE delegation congratulated Raeesa Adil on assuming charge as the new Principal Information Officer (PIO) and expressed confidence that cooperation between the Ministry of Information and the newspaper industry would further strengthen under her leadership.
The delegation also appreciated the services of outgoing Principal Information Officer Mubashir Hassan and conveyed best wishes for his future.
Federal Secretary for Information and Broadcasting Ashfaq Ahmad Khalil was also present during the meeting.
The CPNE delegation included Secretary General Ghulam Nabi Chandio, Finance Secretary Arif Baloch, former President Irshad Ahmed Arif, former Secretary General Ejaz-ul-Haq, Vice President Sindh Qazi Asad Abid, Vice President Punjab Mian Hassan Ahmed, Vice President Islamabad Shakeel Ahmed Turabi, Vice President Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Tahir Farooq, Joint Secretary Islamabad Yahya Sadozai and Rafi Niazi.
