APNS Rejects Government’s 10% GST Imposition on Newsprint; Urges Continuation of Exemptions for Print Media
On June 12, the All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) expressed strong opposition to the government’s decision to impose a 10% General Sales Tax (GST) on newsprint, urging the federal government to continue the exemption of GST for the print media. APNS, representing the country’s major newspapers, highlighted that the imposition of GST will significantly increase production costs for newspapers, which are already grappling with rising operational expenses.
In a joint statement, APNS President Nazafreen Saigol Lakhani and Secretary General Sarmad Ali emphasized that this tax could lead to higher prices for readers and advertisers, potentially reducing the reach of newspapers and limiting public access to information. In a statement, the APNS pointed out that the newspaper industry is facing severe economic challenges due to declining revenues from advertisements and circulation. The additional tax burden could exacerbate these issues, potentially leading to the closure of smaller newspapers and job losses in the sector.
The APNS also underscored the importance of newspapers in promoting informed public discourse and maintaining democratic accountability. They argued that imposing a GST on newsprint contradicts the government’s commitment to supporting the media and ensuring the public’s right to information.
“The print media, a fundamental pillar of the state, plays a crucial role in safeguarding the public’s right to information and freedom of expression. In this era of rampant misinformation and disinformation, it is imperative for the government to ensure that the public has unfettered access to information,” the statement noted. It also included a request to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to consider repealing the GST on newsprint to support this cause.
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