A delegation of CPNE Executive Committee members headed by its President, Mr. Zia Shahid and Secretary General Mr. Aijaz ul Haq held a meeting with S.M. Imran Gardezi, Secretary M/O I,B & NH, to discuss issues related to print media here today. It was decided in the meeting that the advertisement related data will be placed on the website of Press Information Department (PID), twice a week. It was also decided that necessary bills and invoices of the newspapers will be included in the advertisement claims submitted by the advertising agencies to the PID for verification and payment w.e.f July 1st, 2016.
The Federal Secretary informed the delegation that on the request of CPNE, the Ministry has notified a high powered Liaison Committee headed by Secretary M/O I,B & NH to meet regularly with CPNE to resolve issues related to print media. It was decided in the meeting that CPNE will forward names for liaison committee after consultation.
The issue of media security was also discussed in details. CPNE while appreciating the steps taken in the federal territory for conducting security audit of the media houses, expressed concern over the delay in replicating the same in the provinces. The Secretary assured the delegation that every step possible will be taken in this regard and provincial governments will be activated to ensure safety and security of Media Houses in the provinces. He added that it’s the responsibility of the government to provide conducive environment to the media for its free fair and secure functioning.
Relating to the allotment of plot to CPNE, Secretary informed the delegation that necessary steps are being taken to implement the directive of the Prime Minister for provision of plot to the CPNE for its Headquarters in Islamabad.
CPNE also raised the issue of stringent process being adopted by PIA and Pakistan Railways for provision of discount on local travel by the media persons. It was decided in the meeting that the matter will be taken with the concerned departments for facilitation of media persons. He assured the delegation that the process will be simplified to ensure the facility to the working media persons.
CPNE further raised the issues related to federal government advertisements. The Secretary said that Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage respects the genuine demands of CPNE in this regard. On the request of the CPNE, it was decided by the meeting that the necessary bills and invoices of the newspapers will be included in the advertisement claims submitted by the advertising agencies to PID for verification and payment wef July 1st, 2016. It was also decided that in the next meeting with CPNE all issues related to advertisements will be discussed in details in the lights of rules and regulations. The Secretary also informed that the Press Information Department has introduced transparent system for distribution of advertisements by placing all details weekly on its website. On the request of CPNE it was also decided that the PID will ensure placement of all advertisement related data on its website on twice a week basis. The Secretary said that the PID ensures advertisements to the regional and smaller newspapers on equitable basis. Other matters relating to Audit Bureau of Circulation and Registration of Newspapers were also discussed and a committee was formed which will discuss these matters in details. The meeting of the committee will be held on August 10, 2016.
In his concluding remarks, Mr. Zia Shahid thanked Secretary Information for arranging this meeting and hoped that the ministry will take necessary steps for resolution of issues related to print media.
Rao Tehsin Ali Khan, PIO and other senior officers of the Ministry also attended the meeting.
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