Information Ministry Disputes claims of APNS and PBA

Karachi, December 08, 2018 (PPI-OT): The Federal Secretary Information and Broadcasting Mr Shafqat Jalil met Mr Sarmad Ali, General Secretary All Pakistan Newspapers Society here today and conveyed his concern over a statement issued by the All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) and Pakistan Broadcasting Association,(PBA) relating to figures pertaining to advertisement dues. The figures issued by APNS and PBA are disputed. he conveyed.

The Federal Minister of Information and Broadcasting Mr Fawad Hussain Chaudhry , he said has been critical of the use of advertisements as a tool to influence media by the previous government. He emphasised that the present government led by Prime Minister Imran Khan is committed to a policy of equitable and fair distribution of government advertisements. The federal government he said is clearing payments of Rs 320million while another estimated Rs 180 million is being processed for payments.

As for the outstandings pertaining to the Punjab government payments of nearly Rs 150m will be made shortly. Mr Shafqat Jalil informed Mr Sarmad Ali that to find a permanent solution to the issue of release of government advertisements a Draft Advertisement Policy has been circulated among stake holders including PBA and APNS. The government .is committed to freedom of expression and support the media industry .Any proposal to help media industry in their ease of doing business would be given serious consideration by the federal government, he assured.

For more information, contact:
Principal Information Officer,
Press Information Department (PID)
Tel: +92-51-9252323, +92-51-9252324
Fax: +92-51-9252325, +92-51-9252326
Email: piopid@gmail.com
Website: www.pid.gov.pk