Balochistan Digital Publishers Reject ‘Non-Consultative’ Media Policy, Oppose Budget Cuts for Print Media

Quetta: The Balochistan Digital Publishers Forum has rejected the proposed digital media policy, calling it “non-consultative” and unacceptable, while warning against cuts to the print media budget.

According to a spokesperson, an important meeting was held under the chairmanship of Forum President Syed Ali Shah, Editor of Quetta Voice, to review the proposed policy. The meeting was attended by several media representatives, including journalists from Daily Qudrat, Daily Azadi, and Daily Al Jazeera.

Participants expressed serious concerns over the policy, terming it flawed in its current form and developed without proper consultation. The forum endorsed the demands of the Daily Newspapers Editors Council and stressed that a separate budget should be allocated for digital media instead of cutting funds designated for print media.

They warned that reducing the print media budget would be a step toward the decline of the traditional press in the province. The forum also criticized the government for not sharing the draft policy with stakeholders or seeking their input, stating that the process lacked transparency and meaningful engagement.

The forum urged the government to immediately revisit and redraft the digital media policy in consultation with all relevant stakeholders. It emphasized that the policy should be aligned with federal frameworks, including those of the Press Information Department, and similar policies in other provinces—without undermining print media.

Highlighting the challenges faced by journalists in Balochistan, participants noted that the province remains a sensitive and conflict-affected region where media professionals continue to work under security threats and financial constraints. They referenced concerns raised by Reporters Without Borders, which has repeatedly pointed out that journalists in the region often operate “on the front lines.”

The forum added that local media organizations provide employment to thousands of young people, and any reduction in government advertisements or unclear policies could have devastating consequences.

Participants concluded that the overall media budget in the country is already limited compared to other development sectors, and further restrictions would be unjustified. They proposed a balanced policy framework that clearly categorizes print, digital, and social media, while ensuring the protection of media workers and the sustainability of local media institutions.