Staff ReporterExpressing its displeasure for not clearing dues of newspapers, a divisional bench of Sindh
High Court has ordered officials of Sindh Information Department to present record of payments made
to advertising agencies during last many years by government of Sindh at the pretext of newspapers
dues.The divisional bench of SHC, comprising Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar and Justice Syed Yousuf Ali,
heard the contempt of court case filed by the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) on Tuesday
here. The CPNE was represented by Dr. Jabbar Khattak, its Secretary General, whereas a large number of
editors and journalists were also present in the court room. Dr Khattak informed the court that CPNE
members had not received their entire dues till date despite clear orders of this honourable court and
complained that process of payment of dues by government is much slow.“Newspapers of CPNE
members have been paid very little amount while major chunk of dues is still outstanding. No dues of
advertisements issued through advertising agencies, has paid to newspapers. Moreover, illegal
deductions from our dues have been made in the name of tax of Sindh Revenue Board (SRB),” Secretary
General submitted. “CPNE has been demanding from government of Sindh to release its payments of
advertisements directly to newspapers for last five years but this demand has been given cold shoulder
by the officials of Sindh Information Department,” Dr. Jabbar Khattak added. Justice Muhammad Ali
Mazhar asked from officials of Sindh Information Department who will pay newspapers dues of
advertisements issued through advertising agencies?“Why newspapers have not been paid their dues of
advertisements issued through advertising agencies till date? When newspapers will receive their dues,?
Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar asked. The court ordered officials of Sindh Information Department to
present record of payments made to advertising agencies by government of Sindh at the pretext of
newspaper dues citing newspapers should have information of payments made to advertising agencies
in the name of newspapers. Next hearing of case was fixed on February 06, 2020.
