25 Sep National Newspaper Readership Day: Messages from Attaullah Tarar Federal Minister Information & Broadcasting

TEXT: Newspapers help counter fake news by upholding values of truth, integrity Tarar

Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting, National Heritage and Culture Attaullah Tarar has said that in the present era where misinformation and fake news threaten the very fabric of the society, newspapers continue to uphold the values of truth, integrity, and accountability.

In a message on national newspaper readership day, of Pakistan he congratulated the All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) for observing National Newspaper Readership Day.

He said as the Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, he understood the importance of credible media in maintaining a healthy democracy. "Newspapers, with their rigorous editorial processes and commitment to accuracy, provide a level of reliability that is unmatched by other forms of media", he observed. The minister said that they serve as the backbone of responsible journalism and play a critical role in educating the public, promoting literacy, and fostering an informed citizenry. The depth of analysis, context, and balanced perspectives they offer make newspapers an invaluable resource in navigating today’s complex information environment, Attaullah Tarar added.

In this era of digital media, he said that the newspaper remains an essential tool for countering fake news and ensuring that the public receives accurate, fact-based information.

"I encourage the people of Pakistan to make newspaper reading a regular habit, so that they can stay well-informed and contribute to the nation's progress." He urged all people to join hands in promoting the importance of newspaper readership and work towards creating a more enlightened, informed, and united Pakistan.

The minister said the present elected government was taking steps for the welfare of print media and it paid Rs 1.6 billion outstanding dues of news industry. "Ministry of Information and Broadcasting ensured payment of advertising dues of private media organizations, which facilitated the payment of salaries to journalists and media workers", he added.

In the budget, there was a proposal to impose a 10 percent tax on newsprint paper, which the Ministry of Information did not allow.

If tax was imposed on paper imported from abroad for newsprint, the newspaper industry could have faced more difficulties, he opened.

He assured that the government would provide more facilities to the newspaper industry.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024