National Press Trust (Appointment of Chairman) Act, 1972

The National Press Trust (Appointment of Chairman) Act, 1972 (Act XIV of 1972) governs how the Chairman of the National Press Trust is appointed and removed. Section 1 says it came into force at once. Section 2 defines the "National Press Trust" as the trust referred to in the Trust Deed dated 8 April 1964, and defines "Trust Fund" by reference to that same Deed.

Section 3 gives the Act overriding effect over any other law, the Trust Deed itself, or any regulations, bye-laws, or rules made under it.

Section 4 is the operative provision: the President appoints a person of eminence, repute and integrity as Chairman of the National Press Trust; the Chairman holds office at the President's pleasure, receives remuneration and allowances from the Trust Fund's income on terms the President determines, and may resign by writing to the President. Anyone already serving as Chairman when the Act commenced is deemed to have been appointed under this section.

Section 5 was later omitted by a 1981 revision ordinance, per the extract's footnote. The National Press Trust itself was a state-controlled body historically used to influence Pakistan's press; this Act is a narrow appointment-mechanism statute and does not itself regulate press content or the Trust's broader functions.