Islamabad (PR) – The Islamabad-Rawalpindi Committee of the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) convened a significant session under the chairmanship of Mr. Yahya Khan Sadozai. The meeting focused in depth on the mounting challenges facing the print media, the prevailing condition of press freedom in Pakistan, and the increasing pressures being exerted on media institutions.
In his keynote address, the Chairman emphasised the inclusion of journals alongside newspapers in the government’s advertising quota, and called for a fair and transparent distribution of advertisements. He stressed that the current crisis within the print media can only be resolved through effective policy formulation at the state level.
Mr. Sadozai demanded the repeal of laws such as the PECA Act, which he described as antithetical to journalistic freedom, and called upon the government to ensure the safety of journalists. He urged the cessation of state and non-state pressures, economic restrictions, and targeted attacks on media houses.
Expressing serious concern over the deteriorating state of press freedom, the Chairman noted that Pakistan currently ranks 152nd in the global press freedom index – a figure he termed a national embarrassment, especially for a government that claims to uphold democratic ideals.
“At a time when governments across the world are taking steps to safeguard the newspaper industry, media owners in Pakistan are grappling with laws and pressures so intense that they are left contemplating whether to protect their institutions or the very spirit of journalism,” he remarked.
The committee unanimously adopted the Chairman’s recommendations in the form of a formal resolution.
Senior member Mr. Tahir Farooq, Deputy Chairman, stated that CPNE must highlight the value and significance of print journalism on every forum, but through democratic means and without confrontation.
Mr. Shakeel Ahmed Tarabi acknowledged the increasing pressure on journalists, yet reaffirmed the need to continue raising a collective voice in the face of adversity.
Rao Khalid Mahmood underlined the importance of strengthening institutions alongside the pursuit of press freedom, arguing that a robust institutional framework inherently reinforces journalistic liberty.
Mr. Sajjad Abbasi called upon CPNE to organise seminars and conventions in order to delve into the problems plaguing journalism and to propose practical, long-term solutions.
Mr. Qaswar Jameel Rohani and Mr Abdul Salam Bath echoed the sentiment that the media is under pressure, and emphasised the need to foster a strong sense of responsibility among journalists.
Mr. Tazeen Akhtar suggested that press organisations nationwide should unite, demonstrating solidarity and common purpose in defence of the profession.
Mr. Safeer Hussain Shah appreciated CPNE’s ongoing efforts and offered his unequivocal support for the council’s principled stance on the protection of press freedom.
The session concluded with a prayer for the departed souls of Mr. Tazeen Akhtar’s father and Sardar Khan Niazi’s mother-in-law.
