Karachi, September 27, 2021 (PPI-OT):September 25 was observed as the “National Newspaper Readership Day” in Pakistan. On the occasion, the newspapers published special supplement to urge the people to read newspapers. The supplement covered message of the President, Prime Minister, Provincial Governors, and Chief Ministers as well as the Federal Minister for Information. Pakistan Post issued a special stamp to commemorate the occasion.
In his message President, Dr. Arif Alvi, stated that we need to encourage and educate our people about developing reading habits as it will contribute greatly towards the intellectual development of the nation. He said that reading played a significant role in his daily routines and it was almost at the top of his pleasures in life. He appreciated the efforts of APNS for celebrating “National Newspaper Readership Day” and congratulated them for spearheading the cause.
Prime Minister Imran Khan, in his message appreciated the efforts of APNS on behalf of the Government of Pakistan for observing the “National Newspaper Readership Day” in order to acquaint the nation about the significance of newspaper reading. He opined that newspapers are a source of reliable and authentic information in an era of massive proliferation of fake news. He stated that it was encouraging to see that newspaper have upheld their authenticity and reliability despite advent of digital media.
He also commended the newspapers and media for its role in aiding the government to combat COVID-19 pandemic. He further stated that newspapers have also helped in putting Pakistan’s stance across the globe. He reiterated his government’s resolve to promote freedom of expression and urged the newspapers to join hands with government to develop an educated and enlightened nation.
The Governors of all four provinces, Chief Ministers and the Federal Information Minister also commended the APNS for its role in promoting newspaper readership across Pakistan and providing reliable and authentic news to readers. September 25, was dedicated by APNS in 2019 as “National Newspaper Readership Day”. The significance of this date is that on this day world’s first multipage daily newspaper “Public Occurrences” was published in 1689 from the U.S.
The APNS thanked the Pakistan Post for issuing the commemorative stamp and urged the public not only to use this stamp but also to inculcate the habit of reading amongst their children. The best way to encourage your children to read is to start them from newspapers, the APNS added. The APNS also ran an advertising campaign to mark the occasion.
For more information, contact:
All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS)
32, Farid Chamber Abdullah Haroon Road,
Karachi Post Code 74400
Tel: +92-21-5671256, +92-21-5671314
Fax: +92-21-5671310
E-mail: apns@apns.com.pk
URL: www.apns.com.pk