Zain-ul-Abideen Abid
In Pakistan, a free and responsible press serves as a fundamental pillar for the survival of a democratic society and the transparency of state institutions. The primary purpose of journalism is to provide the public with authentic information, maintain oversight of state affairs, and strengthen the process of accountability within society. However, when the journalistic system lacks regulation, transparency, and legal discipline, the same field can fall victim to disorder, mistrust, and unprofessional practices. Considering the current media structure in Punjab, it is increasingly evident that significant reforms are urgently needed. Without the effective and practical enforcement of the Press and Publications Ordinance 2002, the institution of journalism cannot preserve its true spirit.
In Pakistan, the publication, registration, and monitoring of newspapers and printed materials are governed by the Press, Newspapers, News Agencies and Books Registration Ordinance 2002. The fundamental objective of this law is to ensure that all publications produced in the country operate under proper registration so that their legal status, responsibility, and accountability remain clear. According to Section 40 of the ordinance, the publication of any newspaper or printed journal requires proper registration and compliance with legal requirements. Despite this, in practice many districts across Punjab still have numerous newspapers and printers that are either unregistered or whose publications exist only on paper as a formality. This situation not only violates the law but also severely damages the credibility and quality of journalism.
Unfortunately, there appears to be a lack of seriousness at the district administrative level regarding the enforcement of media laws. In every district, the Press Branch within the Deputy Commissioner’s office is primarily established to oversee newspaper declarations, registrations, and other legal matters related to the press. However, in reality, the officer in charge of the press branch in many districts often lacks comprehensive knowledge of media laws and journalistic regulations. As a result, neither proper scrutiny of newspapers takes place nor effective action is taken against illegal publications. If the responsible officers in press branches were fully aware of media laws, the newspaper system at the district level could be made significantly more transparent and organized.
Another major issue is that in most districts of Punjab there is no proper or modern record of authentic newspapers. In an era when government institutions are moving toward digital governance, it is extremely important that each district maintain an online record of legitimate newspapers and their declarations. This would not only increase transparency but also enable the immediate verification of the legal status of any newspaper or printer. In this regard, the rules and official guidelines issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of Pakistan and the Registrar of Newspapers for Pakistan (RNP) provide clear guidance. Unfortunately, many district offices fail to implement these directives with the seriousness they require.
It is also a reality that when fake or illegal newspapers and printers begin to operate within a district, their impact extends beyond the journalistic system and reaches press clubs and journalistic organizations as well. Individuals who are not genuinely engaged in journalism often obtain membership in press clubs through the support of paper-only publications. As a result, the dignity of journalism is undermined and the representation of professional journalists becomes weaker. If strict scrutiny of newspapers is carried out at the district level and the declarations of unregistered or fake publications are cancelled, it will ensure that only genuine and active journalists are admitted to press clubs.
Similarly, in the modern media landscape, electronic media cannot be ignored. Today, television channels, digital platforms, and bureau offices have become an integral part of the journalistic environment. Therefore, it is necessary that along with provincial-level records, district offices should also maintain a proper registry of electronic media representatives. Membership in press clubs or journalistic bodies should only be granted to representatives who are affiliated with a recognized on-air channel or an authentic media organization’s bureau office. Such measures would help improve the professional standards of the media.
The reality is that media reflects the intellectual and democratic progress of any society. If illegal and unprofessional elements infiltrate the media, it not only lowers journalistic standards but also erodes public trust. For meaningful media reforms in Punjab, it is essential to ensure full implementation of the Press and Publications Ordinance 2002, conduct regular scrutiny of newspapers at the district level, strengthen press branches on legal and professional grounds, and preserve records of authentic newspapers in digital form.
The situation of the Press Branch at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Multan appears particularly unfortunate and alarming, where even basic records related to newspapers are almost nonexistent. In March 2023, on the direction of the then Additional Deputy Commissioner General (Media), Abida Fareed, a list of newspapers published in Multan was compiled following our request. Regrettably, that list has still not been computerized. Moreover, the officer in charge of the press branch or the relevant clerk lacks adequate knowledge of the fundamental provisions of the Press and Publications Ordinance 2002, resulting in an almost complete absence of administrative oversight. It is particularly astonishing that a newspaper titled “Apna Akhbar” continues to be published on the basis of a self-created declaration bearing an allegedly fake seal of the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, yet the press branch has not filed any legal case regarding this serious forgery. Similarly, a newspaper that obtained its declaration in the year 2000 failed to complete its registration even by 2026, and although the Press Registrar ordered the cancellation of its declaration, no effective legal action has been taken by the Deputy Commissioner of Multan. Under such circumstances, the incompetence and irresponsible conduct of the district administration and the press branch staff have severely undermined the legal status of newspapers and the discipline of journalism.
We urge Maryam Nawaz, the Chief Minister of Punjab, that freedom of the press and responsibility in journalism are inseparable. In this context, the supremacy of press laws and a transparent regulatory system must be ensured. This will not only restore the dignity of journalism but will also help eliminate fake news in society and strengthen the process of truth and accountability. This is the path through which the foundation of a responsible, dignified, and effective media system can be established in Pakistan, particularly in Punjab.
