On April 16, the Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan, Engineer Ameer Muqam, announced that the government is set to implement practical measures to alleviate the financial and administrative difficulties facing newspapers in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). This declaration came during a discussion with representatives from the All Kashmir Newspapers Society (AKNS).

The AKNS delegation, led by Secretary General Zulfikar Hussain Butt and including senior journalists Naseer Anwar, Sardar Javed Iqbal, Sarfraz Mir, and Hamraz Chaudhry, met with Muqam to voice their concerns about the challenges impeding the newspaper industry in the region. The journalists outlined several pressing issues, including scarce resources, reduced advertising quotas, and unpaid dues, which they believe jeopardise the sustainability of AJK’s newspapers.

Muqam acknowledged the crucial role newspapers in AJK play in bringing international attention to the Kashmir issue. He assured the delegation that the government is committed to addressing their concerns.

Further discussions in the meeting focused on strategies to foster stronger collaboration between the government and the newspaper sector. Muqam reiterated Pakistan’s ongoing support for the people of Kashmir and its efforts to promote the Kashmir issue through diplomatic efforts.

Both parties agreed to maintain a constructive dialogue and work together to enhance the relationship between governmental bodies and media organisations in the region.