Balochistan Digital Media Alliance forms new cabinet, criticizes government, hints of possible boycott
Quetta: An important meeting of the Balochistan Digital Media Alliance (BDMA) was held in Quetta in which the organization’s new cabinet was elected, the organization’s registration, membership expansion, and detailed consultations were held on the issues facing digital media in the province.
In the meeting, Murtaza Zehri was unanimously elected as the president of the alliance, Ismat Samalani as general secretary, Abdul Wakil as vice president, and Sikandar Parkani as secretary finance.
The organizations participating in the meeting included Sami Khan of Quetta Viral News, Khair Muhammad Baloch of Balochistan Media, Nawaz Baloch of Balochistan Awami Media, Murtaza Zehri of Balochistan 24, Sikandar Parkani of BNC, Ismat Samalani of Ahaag Balochistan, Abdul Wakil of BNN, and Abdul Waheed Imrani of Quetta News Network.
The meeting expressed serious reservations over the policies of the DGPR and strongly criticized the government, saying:
> “In the name of digital media, the same traditional newspapers are taking funds worth crores of rupees, which have no online presence, while the real digital media that highlights real reporting and public issues is constantly being ignored.”
The participants clarified that the most and most effective coverage of government activities in Balochistan is being done by those institutions that are part of the Balochistan Digital Media Alliance.
Despite this, the government’s neglect is unacceptable.
The meeting indicated that if the government’s attitude continues, the Balochistan Digital Media Alliance may consider collectively boycotting government news.
In addition, the meeting strongly condemned the sending of these non-journalists, social media TikTokers and some government employees abroad as “media representatives” at government expense.
At the end of the meeting, a humorous and enjoyable “tea party” was also organized where digital media journalists from Balochistan had a pleasant chat about the future of journalism over hot tea, local biscuits, and a simple but sincere atmosphere.
