Veteran journalist Mazhar Abbas calls govt ads disguised as news 'disinformation'

Veteran journalist Mazhar Abbas addresses how newspapers across Punjab published government content as editorial material this week. He analyzes how this practice impacts media credibility when readers can't distinguish paid content from reporting.

Pakistani newspapers faced criticism this week after publishing a front-page advertisement showcasing Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz's one-year performance record, in which many leading newspapers controversially designed their front-page adverts to resemble news content rather than clearly marking them as paid promotions.

"When advertisements are designed to look like news stories, especially on front pages, readers initially mistake them for legitimate news," Abbas said. "This falls into the category of disinformation."

His analysis covers the economic realities forcing media outlets to accept such arrangements, as print publications face declining revenues and increasing pressure.

Abbas told Nuktathe practice represents a concerning trend where government advertising is used as both reward and punishment within Pakistan's media landscape.

Additionally, a 60-page government advertisement supplement on the same subject was recently issued.

Abbas argued that effective governance should speak for itself without extensive advertising campaigns. "If people see improvements like better streets and resolved water issues, they naturally recognize government accomplishments," he said. "Performance is your advertisement."

Media watchdogs have long criticized the Pakistani government's use of advertising budgets to influence coverage, with Abbas noting that journalistic unions have consistently condemned the practice as harmful to press freedom and public trust.