Pakistan has one of South Asia's most vibrant and diverse print media landscapes, with approximately 800 newspapers published in various languages including Urdu, English, Sindhi, Punjabi, Balochi, and Pashto. The country's newspaper industry serves a population of over 240 million people, with Urdu-language publications dominating circulation figures and English newspapers wielding significant influence among the educated elite and policymakers.

This comprehensive guide provides a detailed list of newspapers in Pakistan, covering major national dailies, regional publications, and specialized newspapers across all provinces.

Overview of Pakistan's Newspaper Industry

Pakistan's newspaper industry is characterized by its linguistic diversity and regional concentration. Unlike many Western markets where a few national newspapers dominate, Pakistan's print media landscape features strong regional publications that command loyal readership in their respective provinces.

The All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) serves as the primary representative body for newspaper owners, with hundreds of full members across the country. According to media ownership research, over a thousand newspapers exist in Pakistan, though many are small regional publications with limited circulation.

The industry faces significant challenges in 2026, including rising newsprint costs, shifting advertising revenue toward digital platforms, and declining print circulation among younger demographics. Despite these pressures, major newspapers continue to invest in digital transformation while maintaining their print editions.

Top Urdu Newspapers in Pakistan

Urdu newspapers form the backbone of Pakistan's print media, commanding the largest readership across all socioeconomic groups. The following are the most prominent Urdu dailies:

Daily Jang

Daily Jang stands as Pakistan's oldest and largest Urdu-language newspaper, founded in 1939 by Mir Khalil ur Rehman in Delhi. After partition, the newspaper relocated to Karachi and began publishing in Pakistan on October 14, 1947. With an average daily circulation exceeding 800,000 copies and a readership surpassing 8 million, Jang commands approximately 27% audience share among Pakistani newspaper readers.

The newspaper operates multiple editions from Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Quetta, and Multan, along with an overseas edition printed in London for the Pakistani diaspora. Owned by the Jang Media Group under editor-in-chief Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman, the newspaper has significant political influence, though it has faced periodic tensions with regulatory authorities.

Daily Express

Daily Express emerged as a major competitor in Pakistan's Urdu newspaper sector following its launch on September 3, 1998, by Century Publications, a Lakson Group affiliate. The newspaper pioneered a multi-city simultaneous printing model that enabled nationwide distribution from day one. It is now published in 11 cities, making it one of the country's largest newspaper networks.

With approximately 18% audience share, Express ranks as Pakistan's second most-read Urdu daily. The newspaper is known for its modern layout, comprehensive coverage of national and international news, and strong digital presence.

Nawa-i-Waqt

Nawa-i-Waqt was founded in 1940 by Hameed Nizami as a biweekly periodical that later became a daily newspaper. The publication ardently supported the All-India Muslim League during the Pakistan Movement and continues to champion conservative nationalist values.

The newspaper is published by the Nawa-i-Waqt Group, which also operates The Nation (English daily), Nida-i-Millat, and the children's magazine Phool. With approximately 14% audience share, Nawa-i-Waqt maintains a significant readership among Urdu-speaking audiences interested in political analysis and editorial commentary.

Daily Khabrain

Daily Khabrain was founded in 1992 by Zia Shahid and quickly established itself through investigative journalism, crime reporting, and regional news coverage. Published from Lahore with editions across Punjab and beyond, Khabrain has gained influence in Pakistan's Urdu press and the All Pakistan Newspapers Society.

The newspaper commands approximately 11% audience share, placing it among Pakistan's top four Urdu dailies.

Daily Dunya

Daily Dunya is a relatively newer entrant to Pakistan's Urdu newspaper market, published by Dunya Media Group. The newspaper has gained significant traction in urban centers with its comprehensive coverage of national affairs, business, culture, and regional beats. Dunya Media Group also operates Dunya News television channel, creating synergies between print and broadcast operations.

Daily Pakistan

Daily Pakistan operates multiple editions from Islamabad, Lahore, Multan, and Muzaffarabad, along with overseas prints. The newspaper covers politics, Pakistan Stock Exchange news, and community reporting, serving both domestic and diaspora readership.

Daily Jasarat

Daily Jasarat was established in 1970 and is based in Karachi. The newspaper is widely recognized for its strong editorial focus on Islamic values and conservative socio-political perspectives. It maintains a significant readership among audiences who prioritize religious-nationalist discourse.

Daily Ummat

Daily Ummat is a Karachi-based Urdu daily with an e-paper and coverage of national and city affairs. The newspaper holds approximately 1% audience share and caters to readers seeking traditional journalistic perspectives.

Other Notable Urdu Dailies

Daily Awaz (Lahore) commands approximately 2% audience share. Daily Jinnah publishes from Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi, covering national politics, international affairs, sports, and local news. Daily Jurat is a Lahore-based newspaper known for investigative journalism and socio-political analysis. Daily Millat serves Lahore with comprehensive coverage of local, national, and international news.

Top English Newspapers in Pakistan

English newspapers in Pakistan cater to the educated urban elite, policymakers, and international readers. While their circulation figures are lower than Urdu publications, they exert disproportionate influence on national discourse.

Dawn

Dawn holds the distinction of being Pakistan's most trusted English-language newspaper and is widely considered the country's newspaper of record. The publication was launched in 1941 by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, making it one of the country's oldest continuously published newspapers.

Headquartered in Karachi, Dawn is the flagship publication of the Dawn Media Group, which also owns CityFM89 radio station and Aurora magazine. The newspaper is known for its independent editorial stance, in-depth coverage of politics and international affairs, and commitment to journalistic integrity.

With approximately 3% audience share and 67 million monthly online page visits, Dawn has successfully transitioned to digital platforms while maintaining its print legacy.

The News International

The News International was launched in 1991 as the English-language flagship of the Jang Media Group. Published from Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi/Islamabad, the newspaper has become one of Pakistan's two largest English-language dailies.

The newspaper shares the Jang Group's moderately conservative orientation and political affiliation with the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz). With approximately 4 million monthly online page visits, The News International maintains a strong digital presence alongside its print editions.

The Express Tribune

The Express Tribune was launched in 2010 by the Express Media Group as an English-language companion to Daily Express. The newspaper publishes from Karachi with editions in Lahore, Islamabad, and Peshawar, providing comprehensive coverage of Pakistani politics, business, and international affairs.

The Express Tribune is known for its modern design, investigative reporting, and partnerships with international media organizations including The New York Times.

The Nation

The Nation was founded in 1986 as the English-language publication of the Nawa-i-Waqt Group. Headquartered in Lahore with national distribution, the newspaper is widely recognized for its conservative editorial stance and influential role in shaping public discourse among Pakistan's educated, urban elite.

The newspaper covers policy, economy, and city reporting, maintaining approximately 1.54 million monthly online page visits.

Pakistan Observer

Pakistan Observer was founded in 1988 by Zahid Malik and is headquartered in Islamabad. The newspaper provides extensive coverage of national and international affairs with a particular emphasis on Pakistan's foreign policy and regional geopolitical developments.

The publication serves as a significant media outlet for policy analysts, government officials, and readers interested in Pakistan's strategic affairs, maintaining a long-standing reputation for conservative editorial positions.

Pakistan Today

Pakistan Today is an independent English-language daily headquartered in Lahore with significant national presence. The newspaper is recognized for its incisive political commentary and detailed coverage of economic policy, serving an urban, policy-oriented readership.

Daily Times

Daily Times was launched in 2002 by Salman Taseer and is published by Media Times Limited from Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi. The newspaper provides comprehensive coverage of national and international news with a focus on political analysis and social issues.

Business Recorder

Business Recorder is Pakistan's premier English-language financial daily, founded in 1965 by M. A. Zuberi. Published from Karachi by the Business Recorder Group, the newspaper provides comprehensive coverage of stock markets, corporate news, economic policies, and global business trends.

The publication is essential reading for business leaders, investors, and professionals seeking timely financial information.

The Friday Times

The Friday Times is an independent English newsweekly founded in 1989 by Najam Sethi and Jugnu Mohsin in Lahore. The publication is known for its in-depth political analysis, cultural commentary, and investigative journalism.

Regional English Publications

The Frontier Post is a Peshawar-origin English daily with editions from several major cities, covering Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, national politics, and regional affairs. The Patriot publishes from Islamabad, reporting national news, politics, and opinion. The Financial Daily is an English business daily established in 2006, published from Karachi and Lahore.

Major Sindhi Newspapers

Sindh province has a thriving Sindhi-language press, with several influential publications serving the Sindhi-speaking population.

Daily Kawish

Daily Kawish is the leading Sindhi-language newspaper in Pakistan, established in 1991 by the Kazi family. Based in Hyderabad, the newspaper is part of the Kawish Group, which also operates Koshish (another Sindhi daily), KTN News, and KTN Entertainment television channels.

Kawish commands approximately 5% audience share nationally, making it the most widely read Sindhi newspaper. The group's revenue was reported at USD 3.86 million (PKR 374 million) in 2012-13.

Daily Koshish

Daily Koshish is Kawish Group's second Sindhi daily, also based in Hyderabad. The newspaper commands approximately 2% audience share and complements Kawish in serving Sindhi-speaking readers across Sindh and beyond.

Daily Ibrat

Daily Ibrat was established in 1958 and is published from Hyderabad. The newspaper is widely recognized for its extensive regional coverage and commitment to documenting the socio-political developments of the local community. The Kazi brothers, who later founded Kawish, were previously involved in running Ibrat before launching their own publications.

Daily Mehran

Daily Mehran is a Sindhi-language daily published from Hyderabad, covering regional news, politics, social issues, and current events affecting Sindh province.

Other Sindhi Publications

Daily Awami Awaz (Karachi), Daily Halchal (Hyderabad), and Daily Kaleem (Sukkur) serve Sindhi readers across the province. Daily Sindh News and Sindh Observer are also notable publications in the Sindhi press landscape.

Major Pashto and Regional Language Newspapers

Daily Mashriq

Daily Mashriq has maintained a strong regional presence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa since its inception in 1963 by Inayat Ullah Khan. The newspaper was nationalized by the National Press Trust (NPT) in 1964 and later privatized following the NPT's dissolution in 1994. Published from Peshawar, Mashriq remains a major source of regional and national news, especially in northern Pakistan.

Daily K2

Daily K2 is based in Gilgit and serves as one of the most prominent Urdu-language newspapers in the Gilgit-Baltistan region. The publication provides vital coverage of local news, regional politics, and socio-economic updates for the mountainous territory.

Daily Azadi

Daily Azadi is a Swat-based Urdu daily focused on Malakand Division, local administration, and public interest stories. The newspaper also maintains an e-paper edition.

Balochi and Brahui Publications

Balochistan Express, Balochistan News, and Balochistan Times are English-language dailies published from Quetta, serving the province's English-reading population. Daily Atemad and Daily Awam (Quetta) provide Urdu-language coverage for Balochistan readers.

Regional Newspapers by Province

Punjab

Punjab, Pakistan's most populous province, hosts the largest concentration of newspapers. Daily Jang, Nawa-i-Waqt, Khabrain, Daily Pakistan, and Millat all publish from Lahore. Daily Gujrat serves the Gujrat district with coverage of local news, regional politics, and community events. Daily Inqilab International and Daily Jaiza International publish from Lalamusa in the Gujrat district.

Daily Lahore Post, Daily Jurat, and Daily Millat are prominent Lahore-based Urdu publications. Daily City 42 commands approximately 150,000 circulation from Lahore.

Sindh

Karachi serves as the headquarters for Dawn, Daily Jang, The News International, Business Recorder, and Daily Jasarat. Hyderabad is the center of Sindhi-language publishing, hosting Kawish, Koshish, Ibrat, and Mehran.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Peshawar hosts Daily Mashriq, Daily Aaj, Daily Jiddat, and Daily Jihad. Daily Mahasib is based in Abbottabad, providing coverage of regional news across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Balochistan

Quetta serves as the publishing center for Balochistan Express, Balochistan Times, Daily Atemad, and Daily Awam. These publications provide essential coverage of provincial affairs, security issues, and regional development.

Gilgit-Baltistan

Daily K2 (Gilgit) serves the northern regions with Urdu-language coverage of local governance, development, and community news.

Azad Jammu and Kashmir

Daily Khabrain publishes a Muzaffarabad edition serving AJK readers with politics, community news, and regional reporting.

Digital Transformation and Online Newspapers

Pakistan's newspaper industry has embraced digital transformation, with most major publications now operating comprehensive online platforms. According to media ownership research, major newspapers have developed significant digital presences:

Dawn leads with approximately 67 million monthly online page visits, followed by Daily Jang with 40 million and Daily Express with 6.02 million. The News International records approximately 4 million monthly visits, while The Nation and Nawa-i-Waqt each maintain approximately 1.54 million and 714,950 visits respectively.

Several purely digital news platforms have also emerged, including Urdu Point (founded 2000), Pak Tribune (2002), and Pakistan Daily, which serve audiences seeking online-first news consumption.

Media Groups and Ownership

Pakistan's newspaper industry is dominated by several major media conglomerates:

Media Group: Jang Media Group

Key Publications: Daily Jang (Urdu), The News International (English)

Political Orientation:Moderately conservative, PML-N affiliation

Media Group: Nawa-i-Waqt Group

Key Publications: Nawa-i-Waqt (Urdu), The Nation (English)

Political Orientation: Right-wing conservative

Media Group: Dawn Media Group

Key Publications: Dawn (English), Herald

Political Orientation: Secular/Liberal

Media Group: Express Media Group

Key Publications: Daily Express (Urdu), The Express Tribune (English)

Political Orientation: Moderate, PML-N affiliation

Media Group:Kawish Group

Key Publications: Kawish (Sindhi), Koshish (Sindhi)

Political Orientation: Regional Sindhi interests

Challenges Facing Pakistan's Newspaper Industry

Regional and local newspapers across Pakistan are confronting a slow economic crisis as rising production and distribution costs, shrinking advertising revenue, and falling circulation force reduced pages, newsroom layoffs, and experiments with hybrid print-online models.

Printing costs have increased significantly due to newsprint price hikes, fuel costs for distribution, and general inflation. Smaller publications with limited circulation find it increasingly difficult to remain profitable.

Advertising shifts have been particularly damaging, as advertisers redirect budgets toward digital platforms offering targeted audiences and measurable results. Government advertising remains a critical income source for many regional papers, and delays in payment or policy changes can worsen financial pressures.

Digital migration has accelerated, with some newspapers shifting to "digital-first" strategies while expanding online platforms, newsletters, and social media presence. Others have reduced printing frequency or moved entirely online to cut costs.

Industry analysts warn that the decline of regional newspapers could create information gaps where misinformation spreads more easily through unverified digital channels. For many communities, the local newspaper has traditionally served as both a record of public life and a platform for accountability reporting.

Conclusion

Pakistan's newspaper industry remains remarkably diverse, with approximately 800 publications serving readers across multiple languages and regions. From the dominant Urdu dailies like Daily Jang and Daily Express to influential English publications like Dawn and The News International, from Sindhi stalwarts like Kawish to regional voices in Pashto, Balochi, and other languages, the country's print media landscape reflects its linguistic and cultural diversity.

Despite facing significant economic pressures and the ongoing digital transition, Pakistani newspapers continue to play a vital role in the country's democratic discourse. Major publications have successfully developed digital platforms that extend their reach beyond traditional print boundaries, while regional newspapers struggle to adapt to changing market conditions.

For readers, researchers, and media analysts seeking to understand Pakistan's news ecosystem, this comprehensive list of newspapers provides a foundation for navigating the country's complex and vibrant print media landscape. Whether through traditional print editions or digital platforms, Pakistani newspapers remain essential sources of information, analysis, and opinion for millions of readers across the nation and the global Pakistani diaspora.