QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Abdul Quddus Bizenjo has promised to look into the issue of imposition of 15 per cent sales tax on newspapers and directed the information secretary and other officials concerned to make suggestions.

Talking to newspaper editors at the CM Secretariat on Sunday, he assured them his government would try to resolve all issues pertaining to the industry.

He praised the media’s role, especially the print media, in highlighting the common man’s problems and helping the government solve pressing problems.

Mr Bizenjo said his government would welcome positive criticism from the press.

Anwar Sajidi, president of the Editors’ Council of Balochistan Newspapers, informed the chief minister about problems newspapers were facing in the province.

He said the main issue was the recently imposed sales tax on newspapers.

Mr Sajidi suggested an increase in the government’s budget for display advertisements.

Mir Jan Mohammad Jamali, a former chief minister of Balochistan, was present on the occasion and helped Mr Bizenjo in the discussion with the editors.

Published in Dawn, January 23rd, 2018