Govt believes in freedom of press, Marriyum assures CPNE

Information minister says a summary of 25% increase in advertisement rates of newspapers and magazines was sent to PM

Federal Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb has assured the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) that the incumbent government led by PML-N firmly believed in freedom of the press and expression.

In a meeting with a CPNE delegation led by its president Kazim Khan on Tuesday, Marriyum said at the request of the media body, a summary of 25% increase in advertisement rates of newspapers and magazines has been sent to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, final decision on which rests with him.

She added that the information ministry also sent a summary to the Ministry of Finance for restoration of funds of news agencies.

Also read: CPNE delegation calls on former PM Imran

The government will continue the transparent formula of “85/15” payment system, she added.

Newspapers and magazines which do not submit their claims by the 25th of every month will not be paid, said the minister.

Speaking on the occasion, CPNE President Kazim Khan thanked the minister for accepting the longstanding demand of the print media. He also demanded of the government to immediately pay longstanding dues of newspapers and magazines.

Besides President Khan, the CPNE delegation included Senior Vice President Ayaz Khan, Vice President Sardar Khan Niazi, and Joint Secretaries Tahir Farooq and Shakeel Ahmed Turabi.