The All Pakistan Newspapers
Society is a premier body of newspaper publishers, which has been headed by
such august personalities as Mr. Hamid Nizami, Mir Khalil-ur-Rahman, Mian Iftekharuddin,
Mr. Fakhre Matri, Mr. Hamid Mahmood, Mr. Yousuf Haroon, Mr. Mahmood Haroon, Mr.
Majid Nizami, Kazi Mohammad Akber, Mr. Hameed Haroon, Mir Shakil-ur-Rehman, Mr.
K.Μ. Hamid Ullah and Mr. Anwarul Islam of Pakistan Observer Dacca.
The Pakistan Newspapers Society,
a precursor to the APNS, was established in 1950, primarily due to the efforts
of the late Messrs Hameed Nizami and Hamid Mahmood. It functioned for a number
of years but could not receive much support or recognition either from the publishers
and advertising agencies in general and the authorities in power in particular.
Publishers' organizations also functioned in East Pakistan and Karachi but these
provincial bodies could not effectively represent the interests of the
newspaper industry.
In the year 1953, it was decided
to form the All Pakistan Newspapers Society, merging all the existing groups of
publishers. It was also decided to establish the headquarters of this organization
at Karachi, as at that time the majority of the major publications originated
from there. It took some time to be organized on a professional basis. A rented
premises for the office was obtained in Farid Chambers, from where it continued
to function till the end of 2011 when a beautiful and huge building was constructed
at Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Karachi.
The formation of an organization
of publishers was critically required to facilitate the exchange of their views
on matters of common interest among newspaper owners. The APNS successfully
afforded to newspaper owners the means to watch over, protect, preserve and
promote the rights and interests of the newspaper industry on matters directly
or indirectly affecting their rights and interests. The APNS remained very
active in handling the problems faced by its members vis-a-vis the provincial
and central governments relating to advertisements, clearance of dues, taxes
and duties and newsprint. It became a force to be reckoned with in the
publishing and advertising world and laid down rules of conduct for member publications
as well as the advertising agencies.
The significance of this
organization is duly reflected in the fact that it provides a bridge between
the governments, newspapers and the advertising agencies. The Society also
endeavored to encourage, promote and develop the science and art of journalism
and newspaper industry and in this connection, in 1981, the APNS instituted
advertising awards in various categories to promote advertising, particularly
designing and copy writing. giving a big fillip to advertising profession in
Pakistan. Subsequently the Journalist Awards were launched in 1982. The awards
ceremonies are being regularly held since 1981 and so far, 22 annual award
ceremonies have been held.
The APNS has extended its
protective umbrella to publications from small towns and also to the regional
language press that had enhanced the representative character of the Society.
Over the years the APNS has grown into a true representative body of newspapers
and magazines all over the country. In 1971 there were 41 publications on the
role of the Society whereas by the end of 2012, the number rose to 393.
The APNS, throughout its history
has originated and promoted improvements in the press laws and supported or
opposed alterations therein, The Society had launched a protracted struggle
against the PPO along with organizations of editors and journalists. The
struggle resulted in the quashing of this anti-press law and the introduction
of relatively better law in the form of the RPPO. In 1999, the APNS had prepared
a set of press laws including the Draft for the formation of Press Council in
Pakistan, Registration of Printing Presses, Newspapers Ordinance and a draft
Freedom of Information Act. After thorough discussions among the APNS, CPNE and
the Ministry of Information, the draft on the Press Council and the
Registration of Presses and Newspapers were finalized and enacted in 2002.
The member publications are
rapidly adopting modern techniques and facilities and trained manpower in all
fields to cope with the challenges ahead especially due to the growth of the
electronic media. It is heartening that many newspapers and magazines brought
out in Pakistan maintain journalistic and publishing standards in line with the
international press and are enjoying the facilities offered by information
technology.
The APNS is recognized by
international newspapers fraternity and was accepted as member by the World
Association of Newspapers in 2009.
On 60 Years of All Pakistan News Papers Society (APNS). Pakistan Post is issuing a commemorative postage stamp of Rs.8/-denomination on June 20, 2013.
No comments:
Post a Comment