APNS exhibition revives memories of print media’s creative legacy

KARACHI: The All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) organised an exhibition of print media advertisements at Frere Hall on Saturday, showcasing the evolution of newspaper advertising and reviving memories of an era when creativity played a defining role in the media industry.

The exhibition, which attracted visitors from various walks of life, particularly from the media fraternity, was inaugurated by Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab.

APNS President Senator Syed Sarmad Ali, accompanied by office-bearers and members of the society, welcomed the Mayor.

Speaking on the occasion, Senator Syed Sarmad Ali called for reviving the culture of creativity in Karachi, regretting that the city, once a major centre of creative activity in media and other fields, had gradually lost much of its vibrancy.

He observed that excessive reliance on artificial intelligence (AI) and the copy-and-paste culture had undermined original thinking and creative expression. While acknowledging the growing role of technology, he stressed that creativity and innovation could not be replaced by automated tools.

He called for closer collaboration between the media industry, advertising agencies, the Karachi administration and civic institutions, particularly the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), to restore the city’s creative environment.

Announcing an initiative to engage younger generations, the APNS president said the society would organise a week-long print media exhibition for students at Frere Hall during the winter vacations in December 2026. The initiative would familiarise students with the history and creative evolution of print advertising and encourage greater interest in the media industry.

He urged students to develop reading habits, explore books and other material relevant to their interests and future careers, and cultivate independent thinking rather than becoming overly dependent on AI.

Mayor Murtaza Wahab assured the media industry and literary circles of the KMC’s full cooperation in organising creative, cultural, recreational and entertainment activities across Karachi.

“You will find me and the KMC as partners,” he said, directing municipal officials on the spot to extend all possible facilitation to such initiatives.

Recalling Karachi’s rich cultural and intellectual heritage, the mayor said the city once was a vibrant centre of knowledge, entertainment and creative activities, and concerted efforts were needed to restore that atmosphere.

“With the great contributions of our ancestors, Karachi’s past was glorious, and its future will be glorious once again,” he said, pledging to utilise available municipal resources for the city’s revival and development.

The Mayor said the KMC had renovated several historic landmarks, including Denso Hall and Empress Market, as part of efforts to preserve Karachi’s heritage.

He also offered KMC-owned halls, including the KMC Council Hall, free of charge for literary, cultural and creative events, assuring organisers of the corporation’s support.

Emphasising the importance of preserving historical records and artefacts, particularly those associated with the media industry, the mayor said newspapers continued to hold considerable importance in society despite the expansion of digital media.

He also expressed concern over the erosion of Pakistan’s liberal and moderate social outlook, calling for collective efforts at institutional and community levels to revive these values.

The exhibition highlighted the print media advertising’s contribution to Pakistan’s cultural and commercial history, while underscoring the need to preserve its creative legacy and encourage a new generation of writers, designers and media professionals.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026