President and Prime Minister 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 the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, emphasizing the importance of responsible journalism, truth and media ethics.

In his message, President Zardari said that Pakistan as a state remains firmly committed to press freedom as a constitutional guarantee and democratic necessity.

He extended his greetings to journalists, editors, media professionals in Pakistan and around the world, noting that this year’s theme, “Shaping a Peaceful Future”, emphasized that peace cannot be built without the truth, and that the truth depends on those who have the courage and integrity to seek, verify and present it.

He said the challenges facing press freedom were immense, adding that misinformation was eroding public trust while disinformation was distorting democratic discourse. He said artificial intelligence held both promise and risk, while journalists around the world continued to face harassment, legal intimidation, economic pressure and physical danger.

Read: Prime Minister renews commitment to protection, security and independence of media and journalists on World Press Freedom Day

He further said that the powerful global media, especially social media, with the help of artificial intelligence and deepfake technology, were promoting chauvinistic, xenophobic, racist, populist, fascist and might-mighty agendas. He said tech giants with social media platforms looked at nation states with disdain and attempted to gain consent, often against workers and oppressed nations, through algorithmic interventions. He added that the free press was increasingly under threat from non-state actors, including tech giants and big businesses.

President Zardari said that 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 as part of the 18th Amendment, guaranteed the right of the people to know. He said a free, independent and diverse media was not a threat to a confident nation, but evidence of it.

He said accountability, transparency and investigation were the foundation of democracy, adding that with freedom also comes accountability. 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 that the deliberate campaigns of lies targeting Pakistan sought to sow division and weaken national cohesion. Referring to May 2025, he said when aggression was directed against Pakistan, the nation stood united during Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos, the Unbreakable Wall. He said Pakistani media also stood firmly against disinformation, responding with facts and clarity, and helping to maintain a credible information environment.

He paid tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the quest for truth, especially in conflict zones, and urged the 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 lies and support credible journalism.

Furthermore, Prime Minister Shehbaz, in his message, reaffirmed his government’s commitment to safeguarding and promoting press freedom while ensuring a conducive environment for the functioning of the media.

Learn more: Prime Minister pledges to defend press freedom

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

He said timely dissemination of accurate, unbiased and unbiased information remained the cornerstone of credible journalism. He added that journalists have a responsibility to uphold professional ethics by combating propaganda, fake news and unverified information, and said they are the guardians of professional standards and societal values.

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

He said Pakistan is a peace-loving country which prioritizes dialogue and negotiation to resolve 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 recognized 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, combating 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 freedom of the press a precious and invaluable asset.

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

Also read: Press freedom vital for democracy, says Shafi Jan

He warned that fake news and coordinated disinformation campaigns posed a threat to national cohesion and global credibility, urging journalists to demonstrate verification, integrity and professionalism so that speed never comes at the expense of the 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 that the media could carry out its responsibilities with truth and integrity.