Mass cancellation of newspaper declarations in Punjab raises alarm

JournalismPakistan.com | Published: 26 September 2024 | JP Staff Report

The Information Department's directive to cancel many newspaper declarations in Punjab has alarmed local publishers and raised concerns over press freedom. This particularly affects smaller publications crucial for rural information dissemination.
Summary

LAHORE- The Information Department of Lahore has issued directives to deputy commissioners across Punjab, instructing them to cancel the declarations of numerous newspapers and publications. This alarming step affects weekly, bi-monthly, quarterly, monthly, and annual newspapers and magazines, particularly in South Punjab districts such as Layyah, Bhakkar, DG Khan, Muzaffargarh, and Kot Addu.

Reports indicate that notices for these cancellations were sent by the Directorate General Public Relations (DGPR) in Lahore two to three months ago. However, affected newspapers are only receiving these notifications now, sparking concerns over the transparency and timing of the process.

The newspapers affected include smaller, regional publications that play a critical role in disseminating local news and serving as a voice for communities that are often overlooked by mainstream media. These papers have been integral in covering issues specific to rural areas, providing a platform for stories and concerns that may not find space in larger publications.

This sudden move to cancel their declarations without timely notification raises questions about the future of these smaller media outlets, as well as the freedom of the press in Pakistan. Some local publishers claim this step could be a deliberate attempt to stifle independent journalism in regions that are already marginalized.

In regions like South Punjab, local newspapers often serve as the primary news source for residents. With mainstream media largely focused on urban centers, rural communities rely on these publications for critical information about governance, public services, and development projects. The cancellation of declarations for such a large number of local papers could further deepen the information gap between urban and rural Pakistan.

Furthermore, the delay in notification has added to the confusion, leaving publishers scrambling to understand the reasons behind the cancellations and the steps they can take to appeal the decision. This delay, combined with the scale of the cancellations, has raised concerns about press freedom in the country and the ability of smaller publications to survive in an increasingly challenging environment.

Publishers have called for greater transparency from the Information Department and DGPR regarding the reasons for these cancellations and the process through which declarations are being revoked. Many are questioning why these notices took months to reach the affected newspapers and why no clear communication has been provided.

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