APNS Raises Concerns Over Balochistan Government’s New Advertising Policy

1 week ago

Quetta: The All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) has expressed deep concern over the Balochistan government’s proposed new digital advertising policy, calling it an “economic death” for print media.

APNS President Senator Sarmad Ali and Secretary General Athar Qazi stated that a significant portion of government advertising budgets is reportedly being diverted to social media under the new policy.

They highlighted that newspapers in Balochistan, already struggling due to regional conflicts and economic instability, rely heavily on government advertisements for survival. The officials warned that the policy could lead to closures of publications and put thousands of journalists and newspaper workers at risk of unemployment.

APNS has appealed to Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti to reconsider the decision and consult all stakeholders to ensure a policy that protects print media—the primary source of verified information for the public—even in the age of social media.