President, PM reaffirm commitment to press freedom on World Press Freedom Day

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to press freedom on World Press Freedom Day, stressing the importance of responsible journalism, truth and media ethics.

In his message, President Zardari said Pakistan as a state remained firmly committed to freedom of the press as both a constitutional guarantee and a democratic necessity.

He extended greetings to journalists, editors, media workers and media professionals in Pakistan and around the world, noting that this year’s theme, “Shaping a Future at Peace,” underscored that peace could not be built without truth, and that truth depended on those with the courage and integrity to seek, verify and present it.

He said challenges confronting press freedom were immense, adding that misinformation eroded public trust while disinformation distorted democratic discourse. He said artificial intelligence carried both promise and risk, while journalists globally continued to face harassment, legal intimidation, economic pressure and physical danger.

Read: PM renews commitment for protection, safety and independence of media and journalists on World Press Freedom Day

He further said powerful global media, especially social media, with the help of artificial intelligence and deepfake technology, were promoting jingoistic, xenophobic, racist, populist, fascist and might-is-right agendas. He said tech giants owning social media platforms looked at nation states with disdain and attempted to manufacture consent, often against working people and oppressed nations, through algorithmic interventions. He added that the free press was increasingly threatened by non-state actors, including tech giants and big business.

President Zardari said Article 19 of the Constitution of Pakistan guaranteed the right to freedom of the press subject to reasonable restrictions imposed by law, while Article 19-A, added under the 18th Amendment, guaranteed the people’s right to know. He said a free, independent and diverse media was not a threat to a confident nation but a proof of one.

He said accountability, transparency and open inquiry formed the foundation of democracy, adding that freedom also brought responsibility. He stressed that accuracy must not be sacrificed for speed and balance must not give way to partisanship, while public trust must be earned and protected.

He also said deliberate campaigns of falsehood targeting Pakistan sought to sow division and weaken national cohesion. Referring to May 2025, he said when aggression was directed at Pakistan, the nation stood united during Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos, the Unbreakable Wall. He said Pakistan’s media also stood firm against misinformation, responding with facts and clarity, and helping maintain a credible information environment.

He paid tribute to journalists who lost their lives in pursuit of the truth, especially in conflict zones, and urged federal and provincial governments to ensure enabling laws and a safe environment for journalists. He also called on media institutions to uphold ethical standards and urged citizens to reject falsehood and support credible journalism.

Separately, PM Shehbaz, in his message, reaffirmed his government’s commitment to safeguarding and promoting press freedom while ensuring a conducive environment for the media to operate.

Read more: PM vows to uphold press freedom

He expressed appreciation for journalists, columnists, reporters, editors, broadcasters and all media workers for their services, saying conscientious professionalism was essential for an informed society.

He said the timely dissemination of accurate, impartial and unbiased information remained the cornerstone of credible journalism. He added that journalists had a responsibility to uphold professional ethics by countering propaganda, fake news and unverified information, and said they were custodians of professional standards and societal values.

The prime minister said this year’s theme, “Shaping a Peaceful Future,” reflected the importance of credible information and responsible journalism in building sustainable peace. He said the media had immense potential to promote constructive engagement and strengthen diplomatic, economic and social ties among nations.

He said Pakistan is a peace-loving country that prioritises dialogue and negotiation in resolving differences and conflicts. He added that Pakistan continued to play a positive role in promoting de-escalation, dialogue and stability, and said international media had acknowledged its constructive efforts.

He noted that during critical moments, including Marka-e-Haq and Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos, the national media demonstrated responsibility by contributing to unity, countering misinformation and presenting Pakistan’s position with clarity and accuracy.

He paid tribute to journalists who lost their lives in the line of duty, calling press freedom a precious and invaluable asset.

He said the media landscape was rapidly evolving with digital platforms shaping public opinion globally. He stressed that media institutions must adapt to digital transformation with speed and responsibility.

Also read: Free press vital for democracy: Shafi Jan

He warned that fake news and coordinated disinformation campaigns posed a threat to national cohesion and global credibility, urging journalists to uphold verification, integrity and professionalism so that speed never came at the cost of truth.

He said the media played a vital role in promoting national unity and highlighting public issues, adding that the government would continue to support press freedom so the media could fulfil its responsibilities with truth and integrity.