OOHAA Delegation Meets CM Punjab’s Adviser to Discuss Outdoor Industry Challenges
A delegation from the Out of Home Advertising Association Lahore (OOHAA) held a meeting with Zeeshan Ashiq Malik, Political Adviser to the Chief Minister of Punjab, to discuss key challenges facing the outdoor advertising sector.
According to OOHAA, the delegation—comprising Chairman Adyan Sadiq Lone, President Nisar Ahmed Siddiqui, and General Secretary Imran Hameed—highlighted pressing industry issues during the discussion and emphasized the need for government support, policy reforms, and a business-friendly regulatory framework.
OOHAA stated that Zeeshan Ashiq Malik assured the delegation of the Punjab government’s support and cooperation in addressing these concerns to promote the sector’s long-term sustainability and growth. The association reiterated its commitment to continuous engagement with relevant authorities to protect industry interests and contribute to the economic development of Punjab.
Reports from The News Pakistan and Dawn (published in May and October 2026) regarding municipal crackdowns and removal orders against illegal billboards in Karachi highlight ongoing regulatory pressures within the outdoor advertising sector. These reports provide background context and do not independently verify the submitted organization statement, meeting, disputed dimensions, totals, or legal interpretation.
OATAS Managing Body Rejects Commissioner Karachi Billboard Size Limits, Seeks High-Level Intervention
KARACHI — The managing body of the Outdoor Advertising Trade Association Sindh (OATAS) has raised serious concerns over the recent directive issued by the Commissioner Karachi regarding billboard sizes, according to an association announcement issued on October 24, 2026.
An emergency meeting of the OATAS managing body was held at the camp office of Senior Vice President Ahmad Hussain, chaired by Association President Rahat Muhammad Ali. The meeting was attended by Vice President Muhammad Ali, General Secretary Syed Yasir Ali, Joint Secretary Usman-uz-Zaman, and Executive Member Ashraf Omar.
The participants reviewed the Commissioner Karachi’s letter specifying dimensions of 30×90 feet for rooftop billboards and 20×60 feet for ground-mounted advertising sites. According to the association, Senior Vice President Ahmad Hussain has initiated contact with Sindh Minister for Local Government Syed Nasir Hussain Shah to schedule a meeting, while a formal request has been made to Commissioner Karachi Hassan Naqvi for a meeting on Monday.
Furthermore, the association approved sending a formal letter to the Chief Secretary Sindh regarding the proposed size restrictions. The managing body also decided to approach chairmen of various town municipal corporations to seek the approval of relevant resolutions. The association noted that Jinnah Town council has already passed a resolution on the matter, and efforts will continue with other town councils to protect industry interests.
During the meeting, final preparations for the launch of the Skill Technical Institute were reviewed, with members expressing satisfaction over the arrangements. The managing body also discussed participation in the upcoming PAS & WOO Out of Home Conference to ensure effective representation and professional networking for the outdoor advertising sector.
Reporting by Bloom Pakistan and Dawn in October 2026 highlights a crackdown and removal orders issued in Karachi against illegal billboards. These reports provide background context on regulatory actions regarding outdoor advertising in the city. They do not independently verify the statements, meetings, disputed dimensions, totals, or legal interpretations of the Out of Door Advertising Trade Association Sindh (OATAS).
Commissioner Karachi Orders Removal of Unauthorized OOH Structures Following Industry Meeting
According to the Sindh Outdoor Advertising Association (SOAA), Commissioner Karachi Hasan Naqvi chaired a detailed meeting on outdoor advertising at his office on October 12, 2026, bringing together municipal authorities and industry representatives.
During the session, SOAA President Aamir Siddiqui represented the stance of lawful advertising businesses, pointing out that existing regulations do not explicitly prohibit multiple sites or skins on a single building. He also highlighted disparities in billboard sizes across different cities and urged that authorities first target installations lacking any regulatory provision before addressing private site dimensions.
Commissioner Karachi stated that town councils can amend regulations through resolutions, advising advertisers to either secure proper rule amendments or install sites matching permitted dimensions. Following observations by the Deputy Commissioner regarding unremoved illegal installations, Commissioner Karachi ordered the immediate removal of several panels and gantries, including Tidal Flow on I.I. Chundrigar Road.
The meeting also emphasized activating vigilance committees and involving reputable engineers to inspect structure stability. The association noted it will continue legal and organizational efforts to protect members’ lawful media sites.
SOAA Managing Committee Meets FPCCI Senior Vice President to Discuss OOH Industry Challenges
The Managing Committee of SOAA held a meeting with FPCCI Senior Vice President Saquib Fayyaz to discuss key issues concerning the out-of-home (OOH) advertising industry.
According to the association, the discussion focused on identifying industry challenges and exploring practical solutions to strengthen the OOH sector. The managing committee expressed appreciation to the FPCCI senior vice president for his time and support, with hopes that the engagement will lead to meaningful industry outcomes.
Sindh Local Government Minister Directs Rule Amendments for Outdoor Advertising Sizes Following OATAS Meeting
According to the Outdoor Advertising Trade Association Sindh (OATAS), Sindh Local Government Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah has directed the local government department to immediately incorporate specified billboard size provisions into the Sindh Local Councils (Advertisements) Rules, 2021.
The directive was issued during a meeting between the minister and an OATAS delegation led by President Rauf Muhammad Ali, Senior Vice President Ahmed Hussain, and Finance Secretary Mohsin rahat at the minister’s office on Monday, October 5, 2026.
During the discussion, the delegation apprised the minister of ongoing challenges faced by the outdoor advertising industry and advertisers, specifically drawing attention to difficulties encountered in Gulberg Town. The association requested formal rule amendments to include provisions for 30×90-foot rooftop advertising boards and 20×60-foot ground-mounted advertising boards on private properties.
According to OATAS, the minister appreciated the delegation’s presentation of technical survey details concerning advertising boards across various towns and reiterated his support for resolving industry issues. Senior Vice President Ahmed Hussain thanked the minister for his time and attention to the sector’s concerns.
The meeting was also attended by Information Secretary Kamran Saleem.
Numan Nabi Ahmed Elected Pakistan Advertising Association Chairman for 2026-2028
Numan Nabi Ahmed has been elected Chairman of the Pakistan Advertising Association (PAA) for the 2026-2028 term during the association’s 11th Annual General Meeting held in Karachi.
The newly elected leadership includes a 14-member Central Executive Committee and a new Advisory Group. Outgoing Chairman Ahmed Kapadia will serve as Chairman Emeritus under the new structure.
According to the PAA, the newly elected team’s agenda centers on regulatory reform, expanding association membership, and fostering stronger collaboration between the advertising industry and government stakeholders.
POMA has extended its congratulations to the newly elected PAA leadership team, wishing them a successful and productive term ahead.
Jawad Humayun Elected as Senior Vice Chairman of Pakistan Advertising Association
Jawad Humayun, Chairman of Channel 7 Group of Companies, has been elected as the Senior Vice Chairman of the Pakistan Advertising Association (PAA).
The election marks a notable leadership development within the industry association, bringing representation from the corporate media sector to its senior executive ranks. Industry stakeholders have welcomed the appointment as the PAA continues to address key advertising and media sector matters across Pakistan.
Outdoor Advertisers Association Chairman Meets Provincial Minister Bilal Yasin to Discuss Industry Challenges
According to the Out Of Home Advertisers Association Lahore, Chairman Adeyan Sadiq Lone held a meeting with Provincial Minister Bilal Yasin to address various legal, administrative, and business hurdles confronting the outdoor advertising industry.
During the meeting, the association’s chairman briefed the provincial minister on the regulatory and operational difficulties faced by industry representatives, emphasizing the urgent need for their resolution.
Provincial Minister Bilal Yasin assured the delegation of full cooperation and possible legal and administrative support to resolve legitimate industry grievances, stating that steps would be taken on a priority basis in coordination with relevant authorities.
Expressing gratitude to the provincial minister, Chairman Adeyan Sadiq Lone reaffirmed that the association will continue playing its role for the promotion and legal stability of the sector, alongside maintaining positive engagement with the government and relevant bodies.
Gulberg Town ad-site action deferred to Oct 1, association says
Karachi: The Outdoor Advertising Trade Association Sindh (OATAS) says a delegation met District Central and Gulberg Town officials over a dispute involving outdoor advertising sites in Gulberg Town, with discussions focusing on the installation of two advertising sites on the same rooftop or building.
According to the association’s announcement, the delegation was led by President Rahat Muhammad Ali and included General Secretary Syed Yasir Ali, Joint Secretary Usman-ul-Zaman, Executive Member and Technical Committee Chairman Jahangir Ahmed, along with other office-bearers.
The association said the delegation presented its position before Deputy Commissioner District Central Taha Saleem, Municipal Commissioner Gulberg Town Humair Ahmed and Director Advertisements Shamona Sadaf. The delegation maintained that the sites in question had been installed with the relevant authority’s permission and in accordance with prescribed legal requirements. It also argued that the Sindh Local Councils (Advertisement) Rules 2021 do not expressly prohibit two advertising sites on the same rooftop.
According to the announcement, the deputy commissioner took the position that only one advertising site could be permitted on a single rooftop or building and that the second site would have to be removed.
The delegation requested that a final decision be taken after a meeting scheduled at the Commissioner Karachi office on October 1, 2026, with relevant stakeholders consulted and the applicable law, rules and available record considered, so that advertisers or advertising companies do not face avoidable financial loss.
The association said the deputy commissioner agreed that further action would follow directions issued after the October 1 meeting. It also said that, at the association’s request, action in the matter would remain deferred until October 1.
Relevant applications, resolutions and supporting documents were also presented during the meeting, according to the announcement. The association expressed hope that the matter would be resolved through consultation after considering the positions of all concerned parties and the available legal record.
