CPNE welcomes K-P's decision to clear newspaper dues

The Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) has welcomed the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa provincial government's approval of Rs800 million to clear long-standing dues owed to newspapers, calling it a positive and commendable step.

CPNE expressed its gratitude to K-P Chief Minister Sohail Khan Afridi and the provincial cabinet for this decision. According to CPNE, this move not only marks an important step towards resolving the longstanding financial challenges faced by the print media but will also provide substantial support to regional and local newspapers across the province.

In a statement, CPNE noted that the issue of outstanding newspaper payments had remained unresolved for several years, causing severe financial difficulties, especially for regional and local publications. In response, the Council had filed a writ petition in the Peshawar High Court nearly two years ago, seeking a court directive to ensure the provincial government settled all pending payments so that media organizations could operate more effectively.

During hearings, the High Court issued clear instructions to ensure the payment of dues.