Sindh information minister hailed for ‘exceptional measures’

The print and electronic media organisations have expressed their gratitude to Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon for “streamlining” the working of the provincial information department and addressing their issues, including the payment of dues in a timely manner.

In a statement, Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA) noted that the electronic media payment process against the advertisement bills in cases was even before time.

“No other federal or provincial information department has been able to achieve this so far. As a result of your efforts a lot of electronic media’s liquidity problems have been resolved,” PBA Chairman Shakeel Masud said.

He lauded the minister’s efforts in bringing “transparency” in the process of releasing advertisements to the electronic media and discouraging malpractices.

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In a separate statement, the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) appreciated the performance of the Sindh Information Department under the auspices of Memon.

“In this regard, we observed the reconciliation of various issues such as payment of newspaper’s arrears, timely disbursement against advertisements, and increase in the quantum of provincial government ads for Sindh-based newspapers, especially regional dailies or periodicals. These efforts of your department distinguish you from other provinces,” CPNE Secretary General Aijazul Haq said.

The CPNE hoped that the share of print media in the upcoming budget would be increased.

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In another statement, All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) maintained that the issues of the newspapers under the stewardship of the provincial information minister were being amicably addressed.

“We have noted that during your tenure, the long pending issues of reconciliation of the payment of dues and timely payments against advertisements issued by the Sindh Government have been expedited, the share of print media in the provincial government ads has increased on the demand of APNS and CPNE and actions have been taken on your advice to ensure judicious and transparent distribution of ads to newspapers based in Sindh,” APNS Secretary General Sarmad Ali said.