Quetta Voice Investigative Report
Quetta: Public money meant to inform the people of Balochistan is allegedly disappearing into a “black hole” as the Directorate General Public Relations (DGPR) continues to favour a handful of “well” connected “blue-eyed” media houses in the distribution of government advertisements.
This concern was also echoed during a meeting of the Joint Media Action Committee at Quetta Press Club, which called for the fair and judicious distribution of government advertisements.
Some “blue eyed” newspapers getting lion’s share
Despite tall claims of transparency and meritocracy by the provincial government, credible newspapers with actual circulation and readership are being sidelined, while outlets with little to no visibility continue to receive a lion’s share of official ads.
Insiders and media observers say there is still no clear, fixed criteria for allocating advertisements. Powerful and well-connected houses allegedly enjoy preferential treatment, raising serious questions about misuse of taxpayers’ money.
CM Mir Sarfaraz Bugti’s Personal Social Media Accounts Performing Well Than Mighty Information Ministry
The anomaly has become more glaring as the national press largely ignores Balochistan, including important statements of the Chief Minister and the Governor. Meanwhile, even the Chief Minister’s personal social media accounts appear to perform better in public outreach than the entire machinery of the Information Ministry.
Journalists and concerned citizens are now demanding an independent inquiry into the distribution of government advertisements. They insist that those who received funds without delivering any real service or performance must be held accountable.
“The time for cosmetic promises is over,” said one senior journalist on condition of anonymity. “First fix the rot in advertisement distribution, then talk about any digital media policy.”
First Ensure Transparency Then Speak About Digital Policy
The proposed digital policy, currently under discussion, risks losing all credibility if the foundational issue of unfair and opaque ad distribution is not addressed immediately.
Balochistan stands at a critical juncture. The common citizen expects the government to spend public funds responsibly — not to subsidise ghost outlets or reward political favourites while genuine voices struggle for survival.
Transparency is not a favour; it is the basic right of the people. Merit must replace patronage. Only then can any talk of digital reform carry weight.
The provincial government must direct chief minister inspection team, anti corruption or the national accountability bureau to conduct a thorough investigation into this scandal.
