Balochistan Editors Council Rejects Policy Undermining Print Media
Quetta: The Balochistan Editors Council has expressed strong concern over reports of a proposed digital media policy by the Balochistan government, stating that any move to reduce the importance of print media is unacceptable.
In a meeting chaired by Abdul Ghaffar Lango, the council warned that limiting government advertisements for newspapers would amount to the “economic killing” of the print media industry and those وابستہ with it.
Participants noted that stakeholders from the newspaper industry were neither consulted nor taken into confidence regarding the policy, calling such an approach unacceptable. They emphasized that in Balochistan—where internet access and electricity shortages remain major challenges—newspapers continue to be the most reliable source of information for the public.
The council stated that while the growth of digital media is important, it should not be implemented as a replacement for print media. Instead, both sectors should be treated separately.
The meeting demanded that all stakeholders from the print media industry be included in policymaking and that separate funds be allocated for the promotion of digital media.
The council expressed hope that the Balochistan government would take concrete steps to ensure the survival, growth, and stability of print media so that the public continues to receive accurate and credible information.
