The importance of print media in Balochistan is seen in a special perspective and context, because this province is not only geographically spread but also linguistic, cultural and social diversity is found here. Below are some basic points of the importance of print media in Balochistan:
1. Source of access to information. In remote and backward areas like Balochistan where access to the internet or electronic media is limited, print media, especially local newspapers, are the main source of information to the public.
2. Platform for public voice and expression Print media provides a platform to the citizens of Balochistan where they can highlight their opinions, complaints and problems. Newspapers published in regional languages (such as Pashto, Brahui, Balochi) play an important role in promoting local culture and language.
3. Awareness of political consciousness. Print media also plays an important role in political awareness. Print media has done in-depth and investigative reporting on political issues, rights, and the turbulent situation in Balochistan, which has increased public awareness.
4. Educational and literary promotion. Through literary pages, articles, and columns, print media has promoted literary activities in Balochistan. Newspapers are an important medium, especially for local writers, poets, and intellectuals, to reach the public with their creations.
5. Cultural and linguistic preservation. Balochistan is home to many languages and cultures. Print media, especially newspapers published in local languages, play a key role in preserving and promoting these cultures and languages.
6. Investigative journalism and identification of issues. Issues in Balochistan that are ignored by national or international media are highlighted by local media. Print media often highlights them – such as water scarcity, lack of educational institutions, lack of health facilities, etc.
Although digital media is emerging rapidly, print media still retains its importance in a region like Balochistan. It not only provides information but also highlights the voice of the people, preserves culture, and promotes democratic values. The economic difficulties faced by print media in Balochistan, especially the ban on advertising, have taken the form of a serious crisis.
The most prominent manifestation of this came in the form of a strike by newspaper owners, which has raised questions not only about journalism but also about democracy and freedom of expression; such as the ban on advertising. Most newspapers in Balochistan depend on government advertising. However, in recent years, the distribution of advertising has become opaque. Some newspapers have been deliberately deprived. Advertising payments are stopped for months or years. The government is beginning to stop print media under the pretext of cuts in the name of digital shift.
Sometimes the government justifies that it is giving preference to digital media over print media, but in a region like Balochistan where internet access is limited, this argument becomes weak. Due to financial difficulties, it has become impossible to pay salaries to journalists. Printing costs are not being borne. Despite repeated negotiations with the government, the demands were not implemented. Newspaper publication was stopped in some cities.
Transparent distribution of advertisements and due payments were demanded. Due to the stoppage of newspaper publication, the people of Balochistan did not have access to important local, political and social information. Dozens of journalists, sub-editors, designers and other staff lost their jobs. When the government influences the media through advertisements, the concept of independent journalism is undermined. A transparent policy should be formulated for the distribution of advertisements.
All registered newspapers in Balochistan should be given equal opportunities. Due amounts should be paid immediately. It is time for news organizations to speak from a united platform. That is to strengthen legal action and journalistic unity. For civil society and the journalist community, a voice is raised in support of press freedom. There is an urgent need to highlight the media crisis in Balochistan at the national level. The closure of print media advertisements in Balochistan and the resulting strike by newspaper owners is not only an economic crisis but has also become a political and constitutional issue. Unless the state, journalism institutions and civil society jointly take serious steps to resolve this issue, it will not only harm journalism but also public awareness, democracy and regional stability because, being the largest but sparsely populated province of Pakistan, print media is not only a means of keeping the public informed but also an important democratic pillar.
However, in recent years, the print media has been facing a severe economic crisis, the main reason for which is the closure and non-payment of government advertisements. This crisis has severely affected journalism, public information and freedom of expression. Most newspapers in Balochistan are financially dependent on government advertisements. This situation has become even more serious when government institutions started cutting down on print media advertisements in the name of “digitalization”, although internet and digital access are impossible in Balochistan.
