APNS reacts to minister's comment on future of print media

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 4 January 2019

The All Pakistan Newspapers Society condemns the comments made by Fawad Chaudhry regarding the print media's future. APNS emphasizes the importance of a thriving media landscape for society.

Summary

KARACHI - The All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) has strongly flayed the uncalled for and misleading observation of the Federal Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry that the future of the print media is bleak in Pakistan.

Sarmad Ali (pictured), Secretary General of APNS reacting to the minister’s media talk said that the print media in Pakistan was presently facing a financial crunch due to the policies of the present government which it seems intends to control the media and to silence the dissenting voices.

However, the APNS reiterated its resolve to fight back the adverse conditions and ensure that the print media successfully brave the crisis and survives.

The past 70 years history of the print media in Pakistan is witness to the fact that despite all odds, censorships, curtailment of advertisements and other tactics to intimidate media by different civil and military regimes, the print media not only survived but flourished, APNS said.

“The APNS believes that in a developing country like Pakistan, the governments owe it to the society to ensure the growth of a viable and objective media. This is a fundamental requirement for the uplift of the society and to disseminate awareness and knowledge amongst the masses. It is highly disappointing that the federal information minister instead of adopting policies for the survival and growth of the fourth pillar of the state is casting aspersions on the future of the print media.”

Sarmad Ali said that APNS is confident that Fawad will revisit his observations and ensure implementation of the assurances made by the prime minister to clear the long outstanding dues of the media which would help newspapers to brave the financial crunch.