World Press Freedom Day: PM lauds journalists for “upholding democracy”

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif acknowledged the vital role journalists and other media workers play in “upholding democracy” and “informing the public” on World Press Freedom Day.

In an official message, the PM paid tribute to journalists world over who “sacrificed their lives” while covering conflicts in dangerous areas such as Gaza. Shehbaz hailed them as “heroes of humanity”. He stated that the point of World Press Freedom Day lies in the relentless pursuit of “truth” and the “fight against oppression”.

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The PM pointed out the importance of cooperation and working together between media personnel and other “stakeholders”. He, however, stated that there is a need for “accurate” and “reliable information dissemination”. Shehbaz said that a “free and vibrant media” is crucial for the functioning of democracy and the “promotion of transparency”.

The PM also noted Pakistan’s improvement on the Press Freedom Index. He stated that the country has climbed seven ranks during his government’s 16-month tenure. He promised to actively “address” issues within the media and work towards its “betterment”.

The World Press Freedom Day is celebrated each year on May 3. Its aim is to raise awareness about the significance of press freedom and to remind governments of their obligation to uphold the right to freedom of expression.

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The day also marks the anniversary of the “Windhoek Declaration”, a statement advocating for press freedom principles. The Windhoek Declaration was drafted by African journalists in Windhoek, Namibia, in 1991.