Joint Strategy for Addressing Digital Media Challenges in Balochistan — “Balochistan Digital Publishers Forum” Established

Quetta (PR): In a significant development, leading print and digital media organizations in Balochistan have announced the formation of the Balochistan Digital Publishers Forum to address the growing challenges faced by the province’s digital media. The decision was made during a key meeting held in Quetta, attended by major media outlets. An interim cabinet was unanimously elected, comprising Syed Ali Shah of Quetta Voice as President, Balach Sajdi of Daily Intikhab News as Senior Vice President, Zafarullah Achakzai of Daily Qudrat News as Vice President, and Sadiq Baloch of Daily Azadi News as General Secretary. The forum aims to raise a unified voice to resolve issues such as restrictions on digital media and the lack of governmental support.

The meeting expressed serious concern over the provincial government’s failure to utilize the digital media budget allocated for the current fiscal year, warning that the funds may lapse if not used promptly. The forum called on Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti and government spokesperson Shahid Rind to immediately launch a digital media publicity campaign. Additionally, the forum criticized the federal government’s digital advertising criteria, which reportedly overlook Balochistan due to its smaller population, and demanded a special advertising framework tailored for the province. The interim cabinet was tasked with drafting the forum’s constitution and manifesto before the next general body meeting, and to initiate dialogue with provincial and federal authorities to resolve media-related issues.