KARACHI: The All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) has expressed disappointment over delays by the Press Information Department (PID) in clearing outstanding dues, noting that the ongoing withholding of payments has pushed the print media into a severe financial crisis, according to a statement issued on Friday.
At its executive committee meeting, chaired by APNS Chairman Senator Sarmad Ali, members of the society also pointed out that the newspaper registration process had become excessively slow and proposed that the relevant rules and regulations be simplified and made more accessible through consultations with all stakeholders.
“The Executive Committee further demanded that the PID provide newspapers with complete details of payments made against their published advertisements. The members also urged the PID not to release advertisements to advertising agencies whose APNS membership had been suspended,” added the statement.
The meeting also expressed serious concern over delays in the payment of bills for May and June by the Sindh Information Department, stating that the prolonged delays had pushed newspapers into severe financial difficulties and threatened their very survival. —Staff Reporter