Balochistan Press Council Condemns Proposed Policy Favoring Social Media Over Print Media

Quetta: The Balochistan Daily Newspapers Editors Council held an extraordinary meeting at the Quetta Press Club to review challenges facing print media in the province and discuss government relations with the press.

Participants expressed deep concern over the government’s proposed digital policy, noting that stakeholders were neither consulted nor invited to provide input. Reports suggesting that cuts in the print media budget are being diverted to support social media were described as “extremely worrying” and “unacceptable.”

Council members emphasized that while the government has the right to support social media, undermining print media in the process is equivalent to a “lethal attack” on an already struggling sector. They highlighted the rising cost of imported materials, especially newsprint, which has become increasingly scarce due to recent conflicts.

The council urged Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti to take personal notice and safeguard print media from extinction. They recommended that the government allocate a separate budget for social media, categorize print publications, and distribute advertisements on merit to established newspapers.

The meeting also stressed that while many publications have embraced digital platforms, including e-papers and websites, print media remains a reliable source of news, in contrast to social media, which often spreads rumors.

The session was chaired by Anwar Sajedi, with participation from senior editors including Haji Khalil-ur-Rahman (Jang), Raza Rahman (Express), Khalil Ahmed (92 News), Anwar Nasir (Balochistan News), Nadir Zamurd (Himmat), Asif Baloch (Roznama Azadi), and others. The council called on the government to revise the proposed policy and protect the 90-year-old legacy of print journalism in Balochistan.