THE All Pakistan Newspaper Society has decided to withdraw its decision to suspend publication of government advertisements to press for payment of Rs1.6 billion arrears for the 2008-2012 period.

The APNS said in a press release that it had taken the decision as a gesture of support for the new government which it hoped would reciprocate positively and help the newspaper industry overcome the financial problems caused by non-payment of the outstanding dues by the federal government.

It requested the incoming government to hold a meeting with the APNS soon after assuming office.The society has called upon all member publications to accept ads released by federal ministries, departments and autonomous and semi-autonomous bodies.