KARACHI, March 30: The All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) has criticised what it says a deliberate attempt by a section of the media to mislead public opinion and scandalise the issue of a grant of Rs300 million approved by the prime minister and paid to the All Pakistan Newspapers Society.

It clarified in a statement that the payment had been approved by the prime minister to clear outstanding bills of accredited advertising agencies and newspapers for the advertisements already published in newspapers as released by the PID.

It said the cheque was given to the All Pakistan Newspapers Society along with a list of verified claims of 19 advertising agencies and 10 newspapers by the Press Information Department.