The launch is tentatively scheduled for March 2010, with initial plans to print in Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore.
The agreement between the IHT and CPPL represents the ninth of its kind worldwide for the IHT, and the third in the Asia-Pacific region, where the international newspaper already has agreements in Korea with JoongAng Ilbo and in Japan with The Asahi Shimbun.
Stephen Dunbar-Johnson (pictured), publisher of the IHT, said: “This exciting alliance with CPPL will not only bring the IHT’s unique global perspective to new readers but it will also deliver a great new English-language newspaper for Pakistan. This is a testament to our mission of bringing quality journalism to as many people as possible. It is especially important, at this time, to deliver independent journalism to Pakistan, a country that is at the center of world attention.”
CPPL currently publishes Pakistan’s leading Urdu-language newspaper, the "Daily Express,” which is distributed nationally in Pakistan from 11 cities. CPPL also broadcasts the 24-hour English-language news channel "Express 24/7" and a 24-hour Urdu-language news channel.
Bilal Lakhani, the publisher of the forthcoming English newspaper from CPPL, said: “We are delighted to create a publishing alliance with the International Herald Tribune. Working with an independent and credible newspaper like the IHT will not only make their brand of high-quality news and analysis accessible to Pakistani readers but also raise the quality of journalism in Pakistan.
"Pakistan is undeniably facing much social and political turmoil at present but we believe that this only increases the need for a credible and authoritative news source. This alliance – the first of its kind in Pakistan whereby two well-known and respected brands work closely together – reflects our strong belief that the broader trends in Pakistan such as rising literacy, a growing middle-class and growth of English-language usage are positive."
About the International Herald Tribune
The IHT says: The International Herald Tribune (IHT) is the premier international newspaper for opinion leaders and decision-makers around the globe. It combines the extensive resources of its own correspondents with those of The New York Times, is printed at 35 sites throughout the world and is for sale in more than 180 countries. Based in Paris since 1887, the IHT is owned by The New York Times Company.”
About Century Publications Pvt Limited
Century says: “Century Publications Pvt Limited is a leading Pakistani media company that publishes two daily newspapers and a monthly information technology magazine. The company’s flagship newspaper, The Daily Express, is published from 11 cities across the country as well as online. The Company’s core mission is to strengthen civic society and foster the growth of literacy in Pakistan by investing in human resource and technological capital in the Pakistani media sector.”
