President, PM vow to safeguard, promote press freedom

Islamabad: On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in their messages, emphasized the importance of journalism, truth, and responsible reporting.

According to details, President Asif Ali Zardari stated that peace is not possible without truth, and journalism plays a key role in a democratic society.

In his statement, he warned that disinformation is distorting democratic discourse, while the irresponsible use of social media platforms is also a matter of concern. He said that journalists around the world face harassment and pressure, therefore it is essential to ensure a safe environment for them.

The President further stated that Article 19 of the Constitution guarantees freedom of the press, and that a free press is indispensable for accountability and transparency. He stressed the need to prioritize accuracy in journalism, urged the public to reject falsehood and support truth, and called for countering organized disinformation campaigns against Pakistan.

Prime Minister’s Statement:

On the other hand, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that the publication of unbiased news is the foundation of journalism, and preventing the spread of unverified information is the responsibility of every journalist. He added that journalists deserve a respectful and conducive working environment, and that the media landscape is rapidly evolving.

In his statement, the Prime Minister also emphasized that Pakistan is a peaceful country and prefers dialogue for a lasting resolution of tensions in the region. He said that Pakistani media has demonstrated responsibility on important occasions by countering misinformation and effectively presenting the national narrative.