Printing Media Under Threat Policy Is Attack on Democracy and Public Voice: Pakhtunkhwa National Awami Party

Quetta: Leaders of the Pakhtunkhwa National Awami Party have strongly criticized what they described as policies pushing the print media to the margins, calling it an attack on democratic values and public expression.
During a meeting with a delegation of the Balochistan Print Media Association, party leaders including senior deputy chairman and former senator Raza Muhammad Raza and provincial president Nasrullah Khan Zehri stated that any conspiracy against the print media would not be allowed to succeed, and vowed continued struggle for press freedom, democratic norms, and intellectual independence in the province.
The meeting was held in Quetta and was led by Balochistan Print Media Association Chairman Syed Anwar Shah. The delegation included Dr. Nashanas Lehri, Mir Farooq Langove, Aatif Khan Sudhizai, Kaleem Sadiq, and Sardar Shah Zaman Pirjani. The discussion focused on recent provincial cabinet decisions, financial difficulties faced by local newspapers, suspension of advertisements, and the worsening economic conditions of media organizations.
Party representatives, including provincial deputy secretary Baz Pashtoon, central committee member Abdul Ali Achakzai, and district finance secretary Bacha Khan, were also present.
The media delegation warned that government policies and recent actions could lead to severe unemployment among thousands of journalists, hawkers, compositors, printing press workers, and other media staff in Balochistan. They stressed that any attempt to weaken the print media would have serious consequences, particularly in a vast and underdeveloped province where local newspapers serve as a vital link between the state and the public.
Provincial president Nasrullah Khan Zehri said press freedom is essential for any civilized and democratic society, warning that restrictions on media and freedom of expression lead to unrest and political instability.
Senior deputy chairman Raza Muhammad Raza stated that print media is not only a source of information but also a powerful tool for political awareness, intellectual development, and social consciousness. He added that major political and revolutionary movements in history have always relied on journalism and written communication.
He further alleged that certain non-democratic policies are being promoted, but insisted such efforts would fail as citizens are politically aware and would not accept restrictions on freedom of expression.
Party leaders reaffirmed their commitment to stand with journalists and media workers and assured full support for safeguarding press freedom and constitutional rights.
The delegation thanked the party leadership for their solidarity and support, and both sides agreed to continue joint efforts for the protection of journalism and democratic freedoms.