Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors Raises Serious Concerns Over Balochistan’s Proposed Media Policy, Calls for Immediate Review
KARACHI: The Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors has expressed strong reservations over the Government of Balochistan’s proposed media policy, warning that its current framework contains fundamental flaws that could undermine professional journalism, weaken local newspapers, and promote inequality in the distribution of government advertising.
In a statement, CPNE said the proposed policy lacks a clear regulatory framework and transparent implementation mechanisms, raising concerns about fairness and accountability.
The organization criticized what it described as unequal treatment of print and digital media. It noted that under existing rules, print newspapers become eligible for government advertisements only after at least two years of regular publication, whereas the proposed policy would allow newly registered websites and social media platforms to qualify for official advertising immediately after registration.
CPNE also warned that the policy could encourage unprofessional digital content creators, including vloggers and influencers, to receive government advertisements without adequate scrutiny or quality standards, potentially undermining journalistic ethics and professional media practices.
The editors’ body further objected to a provision that would reportedly prioritize only two newspapers for government advertisements, arguing that such a system could create a monopoly while sidelining national, regional, and local publications, particularly smaller newspapers operating in Balochistan.
According to CPNE, regional and local newspapers would suffer the most under the proposed policy, threatening the sustainability of local journalism and limiting media diversity across the province.
The organization also expressed concern over the absence of transparent and merit-based criteria for the allocation of government advertisements, warning that the policy could increase the risk of favoritism, irregularities, and corruption.
Highlighting Balochistan’s infrastructure challenges, CPNE said many parts of the province still lack reliable electricity, internet connectivity, and digital access, making a predominantly digital media policy impractical under current conditions. It added that even provinces with stronger digital infrastructure, such as Sindh, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, have adopted more balanced approaches toward print and digital media.
CPNE urged the Government of Balochistan to immediately review the proposed policy, allocate separate advertising budgets for print and digital media, establish a transparent and merit-based system for distributing government advertisements, and give preference to the digital platforms of regularly published newspapers to support responsible journalism.
The organization warned that if its concerns are not addressed and the legitimate interests of the print media continue to be overlooked, it will raise the matter before relevant government forums and other appropriate institutional platforms.
