Balochistan Advertisement Policy 2026: Digital Publishers Forum Rejects ‘Flawed’ Policy, Warns of Corruption via Dummy Websites

News Desk: 
​QUETTA — The Balochistan Digital Publishers Forum (BDPF) has strongly rejected the newly implemented “Balochistan Advertisement Policy 2026,” terming it ambiguous, incomplete, and a breeding ground for corruption. The forum warned that the policy, enforced by the Government of Balochistan on July 1 without stakeholder consultation, threatens the survival of the provincial print media and opens up new avenues for nepotism through “dummy websites.”
​In an online consultative meeting chaired by Syed Ali Shah of Quetta Voice, digital and print media leaders demanded an immediate withdrawal of the controversial policy. They urged the provincial government to formulate a viable framework in alignment with federal and other provincial media guidelines after thorough consultation with all stakeholders.
​Dummy Websites Handed Government Ads Within 10 Days
​The forum expressed deep concern over the implementation of the policy during its first ten days. According to the BDPF, government advertisements have already been issued to obscure, newly created websites with zero web traffic.
​”While traditional newspapers must consistently publish for five long years to qualify for the Central Media List, this new policy lacks any clear criteria or aging bracket for digital media,” the forum stated in a joint press release. “This loophole is being exploited to facilitate cronyism, diverting public funds to dummy platforms that emerged only after the policy’s announcement.”
​The meeting was attended by prominent media figures, including:
​Jiand Sajidi (Daily Intekhab)
​Sadiq Baloch (Daily Azadi)
​Azmatullah Achakzai (Daily Qadrat)
​Sohail Baloch (Daily Al-Jazeera)
​A Threat to the Survival of Balochistan’s Print Media
​The BDPF highlighted that slashing the advertisement quota for print media is part of a “mindset” aimed at crippling authentic journalism in the province. The forum criticized the restriction of government tenders and public notices to just two newspapers, calling it unprecedented across Pakistan.
​Comparing it with other provinces, the forum noted:
​”In Punjab, where thousands of newspapers operate, new policies still ensure that tenders and official ads are distributed to at least 6 to 8 newspapers to maintain transparency. Restricting ads in Balochistan will trigger a wave of unemployment and force reputable, long-standing newspapers to shut down permanently.”
​Call for Transparent Criteria and Merit-Based Allocation
​To combat corruption and ensure the judicial use of public funds, the Balochistan Digital Publishers Forum urged the government to establish a rigorous, transparent, and merit-based verification mechanism for digital media ads.
​The forum concluded with a unanimous demand for the Government of Balochistan to immediately retract the controversial Advertisement Policy 2026. They called for a collaborative approach to design a comprehensive media policy that protects the existence of traditional newspapers while supporting authentic digital publishers in Balochistan.