Brief History:

The Associated Press of Pakistan started its life in 1947, with the independence of Pakistan. Initially it was run through a trust, but owing to financial problems, it was taken over by the Government through an Ordinance called; "Associated Press of Pakistan (taking over) Ordinance 1961", on 15th June 1961, to put it on a sound financial footing. The journalists were allowed to retain their independent status under this ordinance. They are not regarded as government or semi-government employees. They are governed by Labour Laws as is the case with the newspaper industry in Pakistan. It is administered through the Director General APP, who is appointed by the Government.

Today APP is the nation's premier news agency which comprises highly qualified and professionally competent journalists. APP remains committed to excellent journalistic traditions by objective and accurate reporting. A contradiction of an APP story is a rare phenomenon.

Beginning its life in small buildings in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi, with the reporters relaying on bulky typewriters and noisy teleprinters, the APP, over the years, has grown into a modern news organization.

Computers have replaced typewriters and the Agency's offices are connected through Local, and Wide Area Networks. From a transmission speed of 50 words per minute, it now provides news at a speed of 1200 WPM, most of which is directly fed into the computers of the subscribers simultaneously throughout Pakistan and overseas. APP currently has its own buildings at Islamabad and Lahore.

Role: APP's main role is to report, gather and distribute domestic and foreign news. Besides economic, financial and sports reports, it projects national events. Its charter of functions is to:

- Ensure free and efficient flow of news to people, electronic media including radio and television and newspapers as well as business and non-media subscribers for which they pay a regular monthly subscription to APP - Supply unbiased and reliable news speedily and supply features to newspapers, other national/international news agencies, and national and international radio and television networks with which it has entered into agreements

- Supply correct and reliable economic, financial and commercial services, including national and international rates of commodities to its subscribers; expand and develop news service into the country; - ensure high journalistic standards.