Summary In a message on World Press Freedom Day, falling on May 3, the president extended "warmest greetings to journalists, editors, media workers and media professionals in Pakistan and across the world"
ISLAMABAD (APP) – President Asif Ali Zardari said Pakistan as a state, remained firmly committed to freedom of the press both as a constitutional guarantee and a democratic necessity.
In a message on World Press Freedom Day, falling on May 3, the president said, “I extend my warmest greetings to journalists, editors, media workers and media professionals in Pakistan and across the world. This year’s theme, ‘Shaping a Future at Peace,’ underscores a fundamental truth that peace cannot be built without truth and in the modern world, truth depends on those who have the courage and integrity to seek it, verify it and bring it to light.”
“The challenges confronting press freedom today are immense. Misinformation erodes public trust. Disinformation distorts democratic discourse. Artificial intelligence offers immense promise, yet it also carries significant risk. Across the world, journalists continue to face harassment, legal intimidation, economic pressure and in far too many cases, physical danger,” he added.
“Sadly, powerful global media, specially social media with the help of artificial intelligence, deep fake, today is promoting jingoistic, xenophobic, racist, populist, fascist and might is right agendas. Tech giants that own social media platforms today look at the nation states with disdain and try to manufacture consent, many a times against the working people and oppressed nations using their algorithmic interventions. Today, the free press is threatened more by the non-state actors, and that include tech giants and big business,” he continued.
He said, “Article 19 of the Constitution of Pakistan guarantees the right to freedom of the press subject to any reasonable restrictions imposed by law. A free, independent and diverse media is not a threat to a confident nation, rather a proof of one. Article 19-A, added under 18th amendment provides nuts and bolts to operationalise and guarantee the peoples’ right to know, which is also the mission of the free press. Accountability, transparency and open inquiry form the foundation of a healthy democracy, and a strong press is essential to each.”
“At the same time, freedom brings responsibility. Accuracy must not be sacrificed for speed and balance must not give way to partisanship. Public trust, the most valuable asset of free press, must be earned, protected and never taken for granted,” he remarked.
“We face a moment of particular urgency. Deliberate campaigns of falsehood targeting Pakistan seek to sow division and weaken our national cohesion,” he said adding, “In May 2025, when aggression was directed at our homeland, the nation stood united. Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos, the Unbreakable Wall, was not only a demonstration of military resolve but a reaffirmation of sovereignty. Pakistan’s media also rose to the occasion, standing firm like a wall against the wave of misinformation directed at the country. It responded not with force, but with facts. Not with noise, but with clarity. A nation that aspires to be a trusted voice in the world needs a credible information environment at home.”
The President said, “We also honour those journalists who have laid down their lives in pursuit of the truth specially in the conflict zones. I call upon the federal and provincial governments to ensure enabling laws and safe environment for journalists. I also urge media institutions to uphold rigorous ethical standards and call upon the citizens to reject falsehood and support credible journalism.”
“I am sure that together we can build an information ecosystem that is resilient, responsible and anchored in truth. This is essential not only for democracy but for peace, stability and Pakistan’s rightful place in the world,” he added.
