Misnister Tarar Commits to Support Newspaper Industry in Meeting with APNS
On May 8, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, in a meeting with the All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS), assured the body that the government is committed to resolving the long-standing issues faced by the newspaper industry.
During the meeting, the APNS delegation led by APNS President Naz Afreen Sehgal Lakhani apprised the minister of the various challenges being faced by the industry, including the rising cost of newsprint, a decline in advertisement revenue, and issues related to distribution.
The newspaper industry sought government support through several measures, including a relaxation in taxes on the import of newsprint, financial assistance to upgrade printing presses, and a special advertising support package to help newspapers weather the current economic downturn.
Tarar assured the delegation that the government would take all possible steps to address their concerns. He said that the government recognizes the vital role played by the media, especially the print media, in informing and educating the public.
The APNS delegation also discussed the increase in rates of the government’s advertisements and the initial payment of the arrears of the member publications and requested a simplification in the process for renewing registration with the Press Registrar Office.
Participants included Naz Afreen Sehgal Lakhani, APNS President; Imtenan Shahid, APNS Senior Vice President; Sarmad Ali, APNS General Secretary; S.M. Munir Jilani, APNS Joint Secretary; and various members representing prominent publications. Some observers and members joined via Zoom.
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