Pakistan Press International (PPI), the country's independent news agency, was established in 1956. The agency enjoys the respect of national and international media and has distinguished itself as an instrument of credible, objective, and ethical journalism.
PPI has an extensive news file prepared by over 300 staffers and stringers in all parts of the country. All major newspapers, radio and television stations in Pakistan and a number of international news and database organisations subscribe to PPI's text, photo and audio news services in English and Urdu.
Besides political news, PPI also lays special emphasis on the coverage of economic, social, cultural and sports news, particularly projection of activities in the rural areas. PPI has one of the most extensive coverage of rural Pakistan of any media organisation.
The agency encourages news of social programmes, such as human rights, women's empowerment, literacy, children's rights, family planning and environmental issues. PPI's policy is to help make people aware of social problems such as dangers of drugs, smoking and other health hazards.