Islamabad: On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that as a responsible democratic society, Pakistan considers independent, dignified, and fact-based journalism as an important pillar of social development.
In his special message, the prime minister appreciated the prudent and responsible reporting of national issues by the Pakistani media and said the government is taking comprehensive steps for the welfare, protection, and professional freedom of journalists. He made it clear that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and its subsidiaries are actively working to resolve the problems of media workers, pay their dues, and improve the journalistic environment.
In particular, freedom of expression and freedom of the press are under severe pressure in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
He stressed that the protection of freedom of expression is possible only by keeping the press free, but at the same time it is important not to allow the media to be used for misinformation, fake news, propaganda, and foreign interests.
The prime minister reiterated that Pakistan considers journalism a sacred duty and will take all possible steps to ensure professional autonomy, protection of life and property, and financial stability for journalists.
