ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on World Press Freedom Day reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding and promoting press freedom, as the day was observed this year under the theme “Shaping a Future at Peace.”
Both leaders highlighted the importance of responsible journalism, truth, and credible information in strengthening democracy, fostering national unity, and creating an enabling environment for media freedom.
In his message, President Zardari extended greetings to media workers across the world and warned of growing global threats to press freedom, including misinformation, disinformation, misuse of artificial intelligence, algorithmic manipulation, and pressure from powerful tech platforms and social media companies. He noted that such forces can distort public discourse and weaken democratic values. Reaffirming the constitutional guarantees under Articles 19 and 19-A, he stressed that a free press is essential for accountability, transparency, and democracy.
The president said the theme of this year underscores that peace depends on truth, and truth relies on courageous journalism. He added that while press freedom is vital, it comes with responsibility, cautioning that accuracy must not be sacrificed for speed and balance must not give way to partisanship. He emphasised that public trust — the most valuable asset of a free press — must be earned, protected, and never taken for granted.
He also referred to Pakistan’s unified response during Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, praising the media for countering false narratives and maintaining national cohesion. Paying tribute to journalists who sacrificed their lives in pursuit of truth, he called for stronger protections and safer working conditions for media professionals. He further urged citizens to reject falsehood and support credible journalism, and called upon both federal and provincial governments to ensure enabling laws and a safe working environment for journalists nationwide.
Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to journalists and media professionals around the world for their services, stating that journalism plays a vital role in building an informed society. He stressed that authentic, unbiased, and verified reporting forms the foundation of journalism, and urged media professionals to prevent the spread of propaganda, fake news, and unverified content.
The prime minister said responsible journalism contributes to peace by shaping informed public opinion and strengthening international understanding. He also acknowledged the sacrifices of journalists who lost their lives in the line of duty and highlighted the need to adapt to digital transformation while maintaining credibility.
Warning against the rise of fake news and disinformation campaigns, he called on journalists to uphold verification, integrity, and professional ethics, while reaffirming the government’s commitment to ensuring a safe and enabling environment for press freedom. He added that the media can play a constructive role in strengthening international relations, economic cooperation, and societal harmony, emphasising that while speed is important in the digital era, it must never come at the cost of accuracy and verification, as public trust remains the most valuable asset of journalism.