Regional Newspapers Remain Vital Source of Information in Underserved Areas, Says Principal Information Officer Raeesah Adil

Islamabad: Newly appointed Principal Information Officer (PIO) Raeesah Adil has emphasized that while electronic and digital media play an important role in modern communication, regional newspapers remain the primary source of news and information in areas lacking internet and cable services.

She made these remarks during a meeting with a delegation of the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Bureaus Journalists Association (RIBJA), led by President Murtaza Malik, General Secretary Fayyaz Chaudhry, Chairman Sardar Shaukat Mahmood, Senior Vice President Raheel Nawaz Swati, and Vice President Ahsan Narijo.

Raeesah Adil noted that the significance of regional and national newspapers published across Pakistan’s four provinces, as well as Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, cannot be overlooked. She said these publications continue to serve as an indispensable medium for disseminating information to communities with limited access to modern communication technologies.

The RIBJA delegation congratulated Raeesah Adil on assuming her new responsibilities and conveyed their best wishes for her tenure. During the meeting, the delegation highlighted the pressing issues faced by bureau chiefs, journalists, and media workers associated with newspapers and television channels operating in Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

The delegation also raised concerns regarding delays in the payment of outstanding dues, stating that such delays have adversely affected the timely payment of salaries to media professionals and created financial hardships for many journalists and media workers.

Among its recommendations, the delegation urged that advertising agencies be required to provide timely billing information for classified advertisements to prevent unnecessary payment delays. It further pointed out that reduced payments for display advertisements have resulted in significant outstanding amounts owed to newspapers and called for their prompt settlement.

The journalists’ body also proposed the digitization of the Pakistan Information Department’s (PID) billing system to ensure that complete billing information is accessible with a single click. Additionally, it suggested establishing a sequential payment mechanism for bills to enhance transparency and facilitate timely access to payment-related information for newspapers.

Responding to the concerns raised, Principal Information Officer Raeesah Adil assured the delegation that every possible effort would be made to ensure the fair distribution of government advertisements in accordance with the size and requirements of media organizations. She also pledged to address the challenges faced by regional newspapers, journalists, and media workers.

The delegation welcomed her appointment and expressed hope that she would serve as an effective bridge between the government and the journalist community while playing a proactive role in resolving issues confronting the media sector.