Media-Business partnership key to economic growth: Atif Ikram Sheikh

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Jun, 2026) The 1st/2026 meeting of FPCCI Central Standing Committee on “Media & Broadcasting” was held here at FPCCI Capital Office, under the convenership of 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 a detailed discussion on the Federal budget 2026-27, said a press release.

The session began with the recitation of the Holy Quran. Opening remarks were delivered by 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.

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, 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.

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 the 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.

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He added that FPCCI will definitely take the concerns of media outlets to the relevant 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 budget and the sectors important for the general public. Tariq Khan Jadoon, Vice President of FPCCI, praised the vision of Faisal Zahid Malik and his strong relations with the business community. Jadoon emphasized the need to facilitate entrepreneurs and startups to the maximum possible extent.

Members of the Committee from other cities also shared their points of view. Shahab Zubairi, Vice President of APNS and CEO of Aaj tv, presented his views on the crises being faced by the media industry.

Other distinguished Panel of Members included Rafay Khan Niazi – Member, Roze news, Islamabad; Syed Muhammad Munir Jilani – Member (Daily Paigham: Lahore, Faisalabad & Sahiwal) also expressed their views.

To further develop relations between media and FPCCI, Adnan Arif, Member of the Committee, suggested regular organization of Round Table Conferences.

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