ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding press freedom, emphasizing the vital role of credible and responsible journalism in strengthening democracy and national cohesion.
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In separate messages issued on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, both leaders underscored that Pakistan remains firmly dedicated to promoting a free, independent, and responsible media landscape.
President Zardari, in his message, highlighted this year’s theme, “Shaping a Future at Peace,” stating that lasting peace is impossible without truth. Referring to Article 19 of the Constitution, he noted that freedom of the press is guaranteed, subject to reasonable legal restrictions.
“A free, independent and diverse media is not a threat to a confident nation, but a proof of one,” the president remarked. However, he stressed that press freedom must be exercised responsibly, warning against compromising accuracy for speed or allowing bias to replace balance.
He also raised concerns over growing disinformation campaigns targeting Pakistan, saying such efforts aim to create division and undermine national unity. Praising the media’s response during last year’s conflict with India, he said it stood firm “with facts and clarity” against false narratives.
President Zardari called on federal and provincial governments to ensure a safe and enabling environment for journalists, while urging media organizations to uphold ethical standards. He also cautioned against the misuse of artificial intelligence and social media platforms, which he said are increasingly being used to promote divisive and misleading content.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stressed that timely, accurate, and unbiased information remains the cornerstone of credible journalism. He urged journalists to uphold professional integrity by actively countering fake news, propaganda, and unverified reporting.
“Journalists are not only custodians of professional standards but also guardians of societal values,” the prime minister said, adding that misinformation and coordinated disinformation campaigns pose a serious threat to national unity and global credibility.
He emphasized that in today’s fast-paced digital environment, maintaining both speed and accuracy is critical, and competition should never come at the cost of truth.
The prime minister also commended the national media for its responsible role during critical moments, including the May 2025 conflict with India, where it helped reinforce national unity and effectively counter misinformation.
Highlighting the evolving media landscape, he noted the growing influence of digital platforms in shaping public opinion and called on media institutions to adapt to technological changes while maintaining responsibility and professionalism.
According to a recent report by the Pakistan Press Foundation, Pakistan’s media continues to face multiple challenges, including legal pressures, physical threats, digital harassment, and financial constraints. The report documented at least 233 incidents involving journalists between January 2025 and April 2026, including assaults, arrests, detentions, and abductions.
Both leaders reaffirmed that ensuring press freedom, while maintaining responsibility and ethical standards, remains essential for fostering informed public discourse and building a peaceful and resilient society.
