Rana Tahir Shahbaz

Islamabad, 11 June 2026 – The 1st / 2026 meeting of FPCCI Central Standing Committee on “Media & Broadcasting” was held today at FPCCI Capital Office in Islamabad, under the convenership of Mr. Faisal Zahid Malik, Chairman and CEO of Pakistan Observer.

The meeting focused on crisis management in the media industry regarding advertisements and delayed recoveries, along with detailed discussion on the upcoming federal budget.

The session began with the recitation of the Holy Quran. Opening remarks were delivered by Mr. Faisal Zahid Malik, Convener of the Committee, who thanked all members who traveled from Karachi, Lahore, Faisalabad, Bahawalpur and Islamabad to attend. Members from Karachi also joined via Zoom.

Mr. Faisal shared his views and recalled his decades-long interaction with the top business community in Karachi alongside his journalism services. He noted that the visionary founder of Pakistan Observer, Mr. Zahid Malik (SI, HI), had advised him to build strong relations with the business community to develop a direct, productive link between media and business.

Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh, President of FPCCI, highlighted the role of media in the country’s economic development and its direct productive relation with the business community. He emphasized media’s contribution to employment generation, presenting a soft image of Pakistan globally, and its transition into the digital space. He firmly stated his belief that a stronger relationship between media and FPCCI would have an excellent impact on Pakistan’s further development.

He added that FPCCI will definitely take the concerns of media outlets to the National Assembly and other higher forums. He further proposed that this meeting be held on a monthly basis to resolve industry problems on a regular basis.

Senator Dr. Sarmad Ali, President APNS and Managing Director of Jang Media Group, also addressed the meeting and spoke about the upcoming budget. He stressed that it should be business-friendly, especially regarding the import of electric vehicles and solar products. Mr. Tariq Khan Jadoon, Vice President of FPCCI, praised the vision of Mr. Faisal Zahid Malik and his strong relations with the business community. Mr. Jadoon emphasized the need to facilitate entrepreneurs and startups to the maximum possible extent.

To further develop relations between media and FPCCI, Mr. Adnan Arif, Member of the Committee, suggested regular organization of Round Table Conferences. The proposal was appreciated by all participants. Members of the Committee from other cities also shared their points of view. Mr. Shahab Zubairi, Vice President of APNS and CEO of Aaj TV, presented his views on the crises being faced by the media industry, especially the issue of much-delayed recoveries from the public sector.

The meeting concluded with closing remarks by Mr. Faisal Zahid Malik, who thanked all participants. The session ended on a pleasant note with a cake-cutting ceremony to celebrate the birthday of Mr. Faisal Zahid Malik.

Also Read: Adnan Arif appointed to FPCCI Central Standing Committee on Media Broadcasting