The details of official advertisements issued by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information and Public Relations Department in 2024 have come to light. The year-long data has exposed the government’s biased policies, where specific newspapers were awarded advertisements worth millions, while dozens of credible and regional newspapers were consistently ignored. This report is based on a comprehensive analysis of official advertisements issued over 12 months, revealing which newspapers received the most advertisements, which were completely deprived, and the impact of the government’s advertisement policies on journalism.
Newspapers Receiving the Most Government Advertisements
In 2024, a select few newspapers received the bulk of government advertisements, amounting to crores of rupees.
- Roznama Mashriq (Urdu) – Total Advertisements: 40,562 cm, Total Value: PKR 22,648,312
- Roznama Aaj Peshawar (Urdu) – Total Advertisements: 38,971 cm, Total Value: PKR 21,234,508
- Roznama Nawa-i-Waqt (Urdu) – Total Advertisements: 14,867 cm, Total Value: PKR 6,283,419
- Roznama Ausaf Islamabad (Urdu) – Total Advertisements: 13,146 cm, Total Value: PKR 4,802,814
- Roznama Pakistan Islamabad (Urdu) – Total Advertisements: 9,238 cm, Total Value: PKR 2,897,162
These newspapers benefited the most from government policies, receiving heavy advertisements throughout the year.
Newspapers Receiving Limited Advertisements
Some newspapers were given advertisements, but their quantity and value were significantly lower compared to the major outlets.
- Roznama Dunya Islamabad (Urdu)* – Total Advertisements: 7,856 cm, Total Value: PKR 2,450,218
- The Express Tribune (English)* – Total Advertisements: 4,387 cm, Total Value: PKR 1,298,312
- Roznama Ummat Karachi (Urdu)* – Total Advertisements: 2,136 cm, Total Value: PKR 712,509
- Roznama Al-Akhbar (Urdu)* – Total Advertisements: 984 cm, Total Value: PKR 312,342
Newspapers Completely Ignored in 2024
Several credible newspapers did not receive a single government advertisement in 2024.
- Roznama Jang Rawalpindi/Lahore
- Roznama Awam-e-Nas Rawalpindi
- Roznama Frontier Post Karachi
- Roznama Khabrona
- Roznama Begram
- Roznama Dhan
- Roznama Akhbar Khyber
- Roznama Awami Dastak Kohat
- Roznama Siaq
- Roznama Raees
- Roznama Hashtnagar Times Charsadda
- Roznama Nawai Hazara
- Roznama Pine Abbottabad
- Roznama Qaid Peshawar
- Roznama Waqt
These newspapers remained sidelined throughout the year, with no advertisement funds allocated to them.
Impact of Unequal Distribution of Government Advertisements
Media experts and journalistic organizations have strongly criticized the unequal distribution of government advertisements, stating that such policies pose a serious threat to press freedom. By favoring specific media houses, the government is attempting to influence news coverage in its favor. Smaller and independent newspapers are being pushed into financial crises, silencing their voices. Such discriminatory practices could weaken journalism and strengthen state propaganda in the future. Journalistic organizations have warned the government that if transparency in the distribution of advertisements is not ensured, distrust in the media industry will grow, and smaller newspapers may face closure.
Serious Questions on Government’s Advertisement Policy
The 2024 data clearly demonstrates that unequal policies were adopted in the distribution of government advertisements. The government must ensure fairness and transparency in the allocation of advertisements, or else the trend of favoring specific newspapers while sidelining others will continue into 2025.
Note: The Northern Post holds all 2024 newspaper reports.
Also read: China rejects NYT report about building military equipment under CPEC
