Press Release:
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Quetta, June 25 – The Balochistan Digital Publishers Forum (BDPF) has lauded the Government of Balochistan’s decision to allocate dedicated funds for digital media advertisements, calling it a significant step toward the development of journalism and online platforms in the province.
During a meeting chaired by BDPF President Syed Ali Shah(Daily Quetta Voice) and attended by senior digital media editors, including Balach Sajdi (Daily Intekhab), Zafar Achakzai (Daily Qudrat), and Sadiq Baloch (Daily Azadi), the forum appreciated the government’s commitment to strengthening the digital ecosystem.
However, concerns were raised over the Information Department’s failure to utilize the allocated budget in the previous fiscal year, resulting in a financial crisis for local digital publishers.
“Without government backing, promoting digital journalism and projecting Pakistan’s true image on national and global platforms is nearly impossible,” the forum stated.
The forum urged Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti to personally intervene and ensure transparent, fair, and timely utilization of digital media advertising funds. Emphasis was also placed on supporting local publishers for financial and editorial sustainability.
The forum highlighted that not even 1% of the current year’s allocated funds have been used so far, demanding urgent action. Gratitude was expressed to Chief Minister Bugti, Government Spokesperson Shahid Rind, Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan, Secretary Information Imran Khan, and DGPR Noor Khetran for their roles in the initiative.
The meeting also approved several new membership applications to the Forum, signaling growth and unity among digital media stakeholders in Balochistan.
