KARACHI – A spokesperson for the Sindh Information Department on September 24, denied the charge levelled by All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) about banning advertisments to daily newspapers like Aghaz, Nawa-i-Nawabshah, Millat Gujrati and Financial Post.

in a rejoinder here, the spokesperson said since take-over by the sitting Advisor to Sindh Government on Information, no ban has been imposed on any newspaper or periodical at any stage.

Infact, he added, the APNS members have acknowledged the fact on record themselves in their meeetings and during discussions held with the advisor and even during the meeting with with the Sindh Chief Minister.

A policy of widest possible distribution of advertisements has been followed by the department since assuming office by the Advisor in May 2003, settlements of bill, pending previously for long periods, have been expedited, and even old dues, outstanding since 1995, have now been cleared.

The spokesperson said charts prepared about the release of advertisements to dailies or weeklies, can be checked by any one on daily basis. Everything is on record, all newspapers are being given ads according to set criteria of circulation and quantum of ads made available by different departments.

He hoped APNS will doubtly assure itself of facts in futureinstead of being misled by a couple of elemenats with in its ranks.

Source: The Nation

Date:9/25/2004