KARACHI, July 29: The All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) has expressed its concern over curtailment or suspension of government ads to certain publications on the whims and wishes of the federal government and the ministry of information.

APNS Secretary-General Mohammad Aslam Kazi announced the decisions taken by the executive committee of the society at its meeting held on Tuesday under the chairmanship of APNS President Arif Nizami.

He said the executive committee, while discussing the advertisement policy of the government, has taken note of the complaints of some member publications that the government has suspended or curtailed the flow of advertisements.

The executive committee was of the opinion that the policy to use advertisements as a lever not only infringes upon freedom of press but also negates the democratic posture of the government.

The executive committee discussed in detail matters relating to press-government relations and noted that despite announcement by the Punjab chief minister, increase in the advertisement budget has not yet been implemented. It noted that the assurance to clear the SPL outstandings is yet to be honoured by the Punjab government.

The executive committee strongly condemned police excesses against Khalid Mahmood Shah, editor of the Shahrag-i- Pakistan, who was harassed and threatened if he continued to publish material against the government. The executive committee noted that the action was violative of freedom of press.

The APNS president was requested to take up the issue with the chief minister.

The executive committee welcomed the decision of the federal cabinet to allow newspaper publishers to set up TV channels and to withdraw the ban on cross media ownership of electronic media.

The members hoped that the Pemra Ordinance would be suitably amended to incorporate the decision in letter and spirit.

The committee considered the report of the Scrutiny-cum- Enrolment Committee and decided to grant full membership to daily Azadi (Swat), Beopar (Karachi), Dawn (Islamabad), Dopaher (Islamabad), Nida-i-Millat (Lahore), Spider (Karachi), Koshish (Hyderabad), Tijarat (Quetta), Shaam (Hyderabad) and Pak Sindh (Sukkur).

The APNS executive committee also decided to confirm accreditation of Oasis Advertising and Communications, Karachi.