Balochistan Digital Publishers Forum Expresses Concern Over Proposed Changes in Government Advertising Policy

Quetta (Qudrat Daily) – A crucial meeting of the Balochistan Digital Publishers Forum was held in Quetta under the chairmanship of Acting President Syed Ali Shah. The forum discussed key organizational matters, including manifesto development and the future course of action.
Participants voiced serious concerns over the Balochistan government’s alleged proposal to change its advertising policy. The suggested move would restrict the direct issuance of government advertisements to media outlets and instead require publication exclusively through the BPRA website. Members warned that such a step would financially harm the province’s media industry and open new avenues for corruption within government institutions.
Calling the proposed policy detrimental to an independent and autonomous media, the forum announced full support for the protest campaign initiated by the Newspaper Industry Action Committee.
The forum also reviewed new membership applications but deferred final decisions until the next meeting. It reiterated that the forum represents credible and professionally responsible digital media outlets across Balochistan, and future memberships would be granted in accordance with established principles.
Additionally, it was decided that the forum will formally communicate the issues and challenges faced by digital media outlets to relevant federal and provincial authorities, seeking meaningful measures for their resolution.