News Desk: The Balochistan Digital Publishers Forum has rejected the proposed digital media policy, terming it “non-consultative” and warning that cuts to the print media budget could severely damage long-established newspapers in the province.
The stance was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by Syed Ali Shah the forum’s president and Editor in Chief of Daily Quetta Voice, where participants Jaind Baloch of Daily Intekhab, Zafar Achakzai of Daily Qudrat, Beibarg Baloch of Daily Azadi, and Sohail Baloch from Daily Al Jazeera attended the meeting and reviewed the draft policy and raised serious concerns over its structure and intent.
The forum endorsed the demands of the Editors Council, stressing that digital media funding must be allocated separately rather than reducing the already limited share of print media. It cautioned that shifting funds away from print would accelerate the decline of traditional journalism in Balochistan.
Participants criticized authorities for not sharing the draft with stakeholders or seeking meaningful input, describing the process as incomplete and lacking transparency. The forum called for the policy to be redrafted through broad-based consultations with all relevant stakeholders.
It further emphasized that any media policy should align with national frameworks, including those of the Press Information Department, while ensuring that print media is not compromised.
Highlighting ground realities, the forum noted that journalists in Balochistan continue to work under security and financial pressures. Global watchdog Reporters Without Borders has also pointed out the risks faced by media professionals in the region.
The forum warned that unclear policies and reduced government advertising could threaten jobs and the survival of local media outlets. It recommended a balanced policy framework that clearly defines print, digital, and social media sectors while ensuring protection and sustainability for media workers and institutions.
