Islamabad: Prime Minister of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq, has stated that the government is fully committed to press freedom and is addressing issues within the state media on a priority basis. A significant increase has been made in the allocated budget for the print media. With the completion of the fiscal year, the pending instalments will be disbursed, ensuring the fulfilment of outstanding payments and the provision of additional funds.
To address ongoing challenges faced by journalists, a committee has been formed under their supervision to devise comprehensive policies and resolve their issues. The growing trend of vibrant and unbiased journalism, valuing truth and transparency, is gaining momentum within the state. This trend reflects deep societal concerns, necessitating legislative measures for resolution.
Regarding media regulation legislation, the government committee formed for this purpose will consult with the All Kashmir Newspapers Society before presenting the bill in the assembly. The committee, comprising senior figures of Azad Kashmir including Colonel (Retired) Waqar Ahmad Noor, Minister for Law and Justice Miyan Abdul Wahid, and Minister for Religious Affairs and Auqaf Ahmad Raza Qadri, is actively working on the draft.
The government assures no intention of taking retaliatory actions against any media organization or journalist. These sentiments were expressed during a conversation with President of the All Kashmir Newspapers Society, Amjad Chaudhry, at the Kashmir House in Islamabad. The society briefed the Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir on pressing issues faced by the state media.
The Prime Minister highlighted the detrimental effects of the misuse of social media, particularly on print media, where individuals on platforms like Facebook have begun considering themselves journalists. Homemade social media channels are exacerbating significant societal issues, warranting stringent legislation. Actions such as harassing people or infringing upon their rights are not just violations of journalistic ethics but also criminal offenses.
The societal unrest prevalent today is mirrored in Azad Kashmir, emphasizing the need to uphold moral values. The society should condemn individuals who are becoming a sore spot for society. The President of the All Kashmir Newspapers Society demanded the allocation of a dedicated budget in the fiscal year for state print media, suggesting reducing the allocation for rolls of paper from 30 lakhs to 5 lakhs.
Additionally, soft conditions should be introduced for the registration of digital channels, news websites, and social media platforms under the Information Department of Azad Kashmir. Equal advertisement quotas should be allocated across all three divisions of Azad Kashmir.
Chaudhry emphasized that the state media is the true heir to the freedom movement of Kashmir, serving as the spokesperson for not only the local population but also the Kashmiri diaspora abroad. The services of every state media outlet are invaluable for the interests of the state. The drastic increase in advertising volume is essential to sustain the newspaper industry amid severe financial crises, potentially saving thousands of households from economic hardship.