News Desk:
The central spokesperson of the National Party has strongly rejected the Balochistan government’s proposed Digital Media Policy 2026, calling it “entirely against local journalism, freedom of expression, and public interest.”
Expressing concern, the spokesperson alleged that the policy is a deliberate attempt to permanently shut down local newspapers and journals, while rendering thousands of journalists and media workers jobless.
For decades, Balochistan’s local newspapers have played a vital role in highlighting public issues, government performance, and regional grievances despite limited resources. The statement warned that the new policy would not only force newspapers to close but also push associated employees into extreme poverty.
Highlighting ground realities, the spokesperson noted that internet services remain unavailable or severely disrupted in most districts outside Quetta. In such conditions, declaring digital media as a complete substitute for print media is “unrealistic” and would deprive citizens of access to essential information. Local communities still rely on newspapers for government announcements, job advertisements, and daily updates, and their closure would plunge a large segment of society into an “information blackout.”
The National Party accused the government of drafting the policy “behind closed doors” without consultation with journalists, civil society, or political stakeholders, claiming it was designed to benefit select institutions while silencing independent voices critical of the government.
The statement further pointed out that in other provinces, local newspapers are protected and allocated billions in budgetary support, whereas in Balochistan, the already meager newspaper budget is being cut under the guise of digital transformation.
The party has demanded immediate withdrawal of the controversial policy and urged the government to formulate a balanced framework in consultation with journalistic bodies, newspaper owners, civil society, and political parties, one that ensures press freedom, public access to information, and protection of journalists’ livelihoods.
