The President APNS Senator Sarmad Ali in his letter to information minister also called for reforms to eliminate dummy newspapers that consume a significant share of press quotas. The President said that only the APNS and CPNE member publications should be considered for the government advertisements
DNA
Islamabad, July 24, 2026 — The All-Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) has formally raised concerns over the growing challenges faced by the print media industry in Pakistan. In a letter addressed to Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Mr. Attaullah Tarar, APNS President Senator Sarmad Ali outlined pressing issues and sought immediate government intervention.
During a meeting held on July 13, 2026, APNS members highlighted three major concerns:
Digital advertising inclusion: Newspapers’ e-papers and digital platforms currently carry government advertisements without compensation. APNS requested that funds be allocated to support digital editions and ensure fair payment.
Advertising rates and dummy publications: The society urged the government to de-link advertising rates from the Audit Bureau of Circulation (ABC) and freeze current rates until a new mechanism is developed. It also called for reforms to eliminate dummy newspapers that consume a significant share of regional press quotas. The President said that only the APNS and CPNE member publications should be considered for the government advertisements.
Registration reforms: APNS emphasized the need to simplify registration rules under the Press, Newspapers, News Agencies and Books Ordinance 2002, ensuring transparency and efficiency.
The Minister agreed in principle with APNS’s observations and directed the Secretary Information to form a Joint Committee comprising representatives from the Ministry of Information, APNS, and other stakeholders. This committee will draft a comprehensive policy framework to address the concerns.
Senator Sarmad Ali expressed optimism that the government’s cooperation would help stabilize the crisis-hit newspaper industry.
