‘ABC Is Now DEF’: Minister’s Witty Remark Goes Viral as Pakistan Overhauls Newspaper Circulation

Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has set social media abuzz with a clever quip during a Senate committee hearing. While announcing the government’s decision to scrap the decades-old Audit Bureau of Circulations system, Tarar remarked, “ABC is no longer ABC; it has become DEF.” The line, which suggests the system has lost its original purpose, quickly became a viral talking point.

The minister’s comment came as he admitted the ABC system is outdated and susceptible to irregularities. The government plans to replace it with a modern digital system to verify newspaper circulation and determine advertising rates. The remark has been widely shared on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), with users praising the minister’s wit while debating the system’s failures.

Under the current setup, a newspaper’s circulation figures determine its government advertising rates, meaning inflated numbers could lead to unfair advantages. Tarar said the existing categories—such as 10,000, 20,000 and 40,000 copies—are unrealistic. He noted that almost no newspaper has a certified circulation below 10,000, raising questions about accuracy.

The system overhaul, expected next month, aims to merge ABC with the Press Registrar’s Office and introduce digital record submissions. While the policy change is serious, Tarar’s memorable punchline has ensured the news reaches a wider audience, blending accountability with entertainment.

Article source: minutemirror.com.pk | Image credit: Pakistan Today