Islamabad: Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has congratulated the newly elected office-bearers of the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE), expressing hope that the new leadership will play a proactive role in promoting freedom of expression and responsible journalism in the country.In his congratulatory message issued from Islamabad, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman extended best wishes to CPNE President Kazim Khan, Secretary General Ghulam Nabi Chandio, Senior Vice President Ayaz Khan, Vice Presidents Shakil Ahmed Turabi and Anwar Sajdi, as well as Information Secretary Munazza Saham on assuming their respective offices.Hafiz Naeemur Rehman stated that a free, independent, and responsible media is an essential pillar of any democratic society. He emphasized that freedom of expression is a constitutional right, and professional journalistic bodies have a crucial role in safeguarding and strengthening it. He expressed confidence that the new CPNE leadership will take effective steps to prot ect journalists' rights, improve professional standards, and promote constructive and responsible journalism in Pakistan.The JI Emir further noted that the media plays a key role in strengthening democracy, ensuring transparency, and highlighting public issues. He expressed the hope that CPNE would continue to contribute towards promoting democratic values and addressing national challenges through principled journalism. He added that Jamaat-e-Islami remains committed to working alongside CPNE in the struggle for press freedom and the protection of journalists' rights.