News Desk
The All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) has strongly condemned the Capital Development Authority (CDA) for arbitrarily sealing the Akhbar Farosh Market in Islamabad. In a joint statement, Senator Sarmad Ali, President, and Mr. Mohammad Athar Kazi, Secretary General, APNS, stated that on October 16, CDA authorities sealed the market without assigning any reason or serving prior notice. The Akhbar Farosh Market has been functioning for decades as the central hub for distribution of newspapers in the federal capital. The office bearers noted that this uncalled-for and high-handed action amounts to an attack on freedom of the press, as it will deprive newspaper readers of the timely delivery of their newspapers. It will also hamper the circulation of newspapers, thereby causing severe financial losses to media houses and newspaper hawkers. The APNS office bearers have urged the Interior Minister to personally intervene in the matter and direct the concerned to immediately to de-seal the market and allow its normal functioning.