In a gathering at the Islamabad Newspaper Market, the All Pakistan Newspaper Vendors Federation (APNVF) convened to address pressing issues plaguing newspaper vendors across the nation. Key figures attended the meeting, including APNS President Senator Sarmad Ali and Joint Secretary Mohsin Bilal Abbasi, alongside numerous federation officials from various cities.
The primary focus of the discussion was the current petrol crisis and its impact on the newspaper distribution industry, which has significantly hampered operations and heightened vendor concerns. Tika Khan, the lifelong Secretary-General of the APNVF, highlighted the severe repercussions of the ongoing inflation storm on newspaper vendors. He urged APNS to contemplate serious measures to aid the vendors who are critical to sustaining the newspaper industry.
Proposals included government intervention via subsidies, allocation of housing scheme quotas for newspaper vendors, financial assistance to manage the crisis, and the introduction of electric bikes to facilitate daily operations. These measures are seen as crucial for maintaining the momentum of the newspaper distribution network and preventing a potential industry collapse due to current economic hardships.
The officials have vowed to strive for a better support package for the vendors amid these challenging times. Senator Sarmad Ali promised to facilitate meetings with the Chief Ministers of all four provinces and the Federal Minister for Information to further discuss and advocate for resolving these issues.
The federation leaders have called upon the government to play a more active role in addressing the hardships faced by newspaper vendors and ensuring adequate support measures during these critical times.
