President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have reaffirmed their commitment to maintain and promote a free and responsible press in Pakistan.
In their separate messages on World Press Freedom Day, they paid tribute to media workers around the world, including those in Pakistan, for their efforts and sacrifices in pursuit of the truth.
President Zardari said the media is essential to promote dialogue, highlighting issues of social, economic and environmental importance, discovering corruption and pleading for the marginalized.
He honored the sacrifices made by journalists who lost their lives in pursuit of the truth, in particular by bringing in areas of conflict like Gaza and in Palestine and recognized that their courage and their dedication continue to be inspiring.
“Article 19 of the Constitution of Pakistan guarantees the right to freedom of expression and to a free press, subject to certain restrictions. The media are essential to promote dialogue, highlighting questions of social, economic and environmental meaning, discovering corruption and pleading for marginalists, “he added.
The president said: “We have taken a number of measures for the protection and well-being of journalists, but we must do more by providing them with a safe, secure and empowering environment.”
He added that a culture where journalists felt safe to exercise their functions without fear and harassment was the need for time. The president urged the media to meet the highest standards of journalism, accuracy and professionalism.
“Media responsibility has become expensive given the environment of false news, disinformation and sensationalism undermining public confidence,” he said.
In addition, the media play an essential role in raising awareness of the rights and responsibilities of citizens, socio-economic issues, promoting civic education and the encouragement of informed public participation in the democratic process, he said, adding that the press should serve as a bridge between people and public institutions, and give voice to the voiceless.
“That day, let’s renew our determination to protect and promote press freedom as an essential element of our democracy.”
“I hope that the government will continue to work to protect the freedoms of the press and ensure the security, dignity and independence of journalists. I also hope that our media will continue to play its role in the education and information of our nation on matters of national and global importance,” added the president.
Prime Minister Shehbaz said: “The protection of freedom of expression requires ensuring that the media is not used to distribute lies, false news, propaganda, foreign agendas or political interests.”
The Prime Minister congratulated the responsible role of the Pakistani media in the fight against the aggression of water and the baseless accusations of India through the truth and the facts.
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