ISLAMABAD: APNS has expressed great shock at statement made by caretaker Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar against print media wherein he has stated that business model of print media is flawed and it should not depend on government for financial support.

If respected Prime Minister thinks this business model is flawed, then print media is prepared to correct flawed model by withdrawing these subsidised rates being offered to government by newspapers.

All Pakistan Newspapers Society in its statement expressed great disappointment at these remarks of caretaker Prime Minister against print media while speaking to media here.

Prime Minister while answering question on pending summary of Ministry of Information for an increase in government advertisement rates, stated that print media should change its flawed business model and instead of depending on government funding should generate revenue through its own resources.

It appears that Prime Minister is ill-informed about summary as print media is not seeking any grant or subsidy from government but on contrary, newspapers publish government ads at subsidized rates. Government advertising rates are far lower, at about one fourth of commercial rates.

Outgoing Prime Mminister Shehbaz Sharif had announced long pending increase in government advertisement rates, summary of which is still lying with Finance Ministry. It may also be noted that alarmingly government owes almost Rs 2 billion to newspapers towards payment of long outstanding bills.

Published in The Daily National Courier, October, 26 2023

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