Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif have said that challenges confronting press freedom today are immense. They said in the current global context, Pakistan continues to play a positive role in promoting de-escalation, dialogue, and norms of stability.
This was stated by President Asif Ali Zardari and Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani in their separated messages on World Press Freedom Day.
President Zardari in his message 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'.
President Zardari said that 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 said that 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 national 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.
President Zardari said that Pakistan as a state, remains firmly committed to freedom of the press both as a constitutional guarantee and a democratic necessity. 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.
President Zardari said that 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.
President Zardari said that we face a moment of particular urgency. Deliberate campaigns of falsehood targeting Pakistan seek to sow division and weaken our national cohesion. 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.
President Zardari said that 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' President Zardari concluded.
Meanwhile in his message PM Shehbaz Sharif said 'on World Press Freedom Day, I extend my sincere appreciation to journalists, columnists, reporters, editors, broadcasters, and all those associated with the field of media in Pakistan and across the world for their selfless services'.
He said that the conscientious professionalism by media practitioners is essential for fostering an informed and enlightened society. Timely dissemination of accurate, impartial, and unbiased information remains the cornerstone of credible journalism.
He said that it is the responsibility of every journalist to uphold professional ethics by countering propaganda, fake news, and by effectively discouraging the spread of unverified information. Journalists are not only the custodians of professional standards but are also the guardians of societal values.
PM Shehbaz Sharif said this year, World Press Freedom Day is being observed under the theme 'Shaping a Peaceful Future.' This theme aptly reflects the callings of our time. Journalists deserve to perform their duties in a dignified, secure, and an enabling environment.
PM Shehbaz Sharif said in today's world, peace is not achieved through diplomacy alone. The availability of credible information, responsible journalism, and informed public discourse play a decisive role in shaping sustainable peace globally. The media holds immense potential to promote constructive engagement and strengthen diplomatic, economic, and social ties among nations. Often, accurate representation of perspectives can help resolve complex issues, this stands as a hallmark of responsible journalism.
He said that Pakistan is a peace-loving country that prioritizes dialogue and negotiation, whether in addressing differences of opinion or resolving complicated conflicts.
PM Shehbaz Sharif said that in the current global context, Pakistan continues to play a positive role in promoting de-escalation, dialogue, and norms of stability. In this regard, international media has acknowledged Pakistan's constructive efforts.
He said that besides in times of peace and on the front of diplomacy, the national media has also demonstrated commendable responsibility during critical conflict moments, including Marka-e-Haq and Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos. During those crucial moments in national history media contributed to a coordinated national response, reinforced unity, and presented Pakistan's position with clarity and accuracy. The media kept the public informed while countering misinformation effectively. These defining moments reflected not only the capabilities of our armed forces but also the strength of national cohesion, in which responsible media played a vital role.
He said that today, we also pay tribute to those journalists who laid their lives in the line of duty. Their courage reminds us that press freedom is a precious and invaluable asset.
PM Shehbaz Sharif said that the media landscape is rapidly evolving with technological advancements. Digital platforms now play a pivotal role in shaping both national and global public opinion. In this changing environment, the media has an important responsibility to effectively project Pakistan's national identity and perspective on the global stage. Media institutions must adapt to digital transformation with both speed and a strong sense of responsibility. The spread of fake news and coordinated disinformation campaigns poses a real threat to national cohesion and global credibility. Ensuring both speed and credibility in news dissemination is imperative. 'I urge all journalists to uphold the highest standards of verification, integrity, and professionalism, so that in this fast-paced digital era, competition never comes at the cost of truth' PM Shehbaz Sharif said.
He said that the media not only reflects our social, political, and economic diversity but also plays a vital role in promoting national unity and stability. Journalism serves as a powerful tool for highlighting public issues of social and economic importance and for enhancing public awareness.
PM Shehbaz Sharif said 'On this occasion, I reaffirm my government's commitment to safeguarding and promoting press freedom, while ensuring a conducive environment for the media to operate. Let us renew our collective resolve to protect journalistic freedom. The government will continue to play its role in this regard, enabling the media to fulfill its responsibilities with truth and integrity. Together, we shall strive to build a strong Pakistan, a country that is peaceful, confident, and respected on the global stage'.
Meanwhile in his message Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani said that May 3 symbolizes a renewed global commitment to press freedom, freedom of expression, access to information, and the promotion of democratic values. He said that World Press Freedom Day was established in 1993 following a resolution of the United Nations General Assembly, and since then, it has been observed worldwide to highlight the role of journalists, acknowledge their sacrifices, and emphasize the universal importance of a free press.
The Chairman Senate emphasized that a free, responsible, and empowered media is an indispensable pillar of any democratic society. It not only provides timely and credible information to the public but also plays a crucial role in ensuring transparency, accountability, social justice, and shaping the national narrative. He further stated that this day also aims to raise awareness about the fundamental principles of journalism, as well as the challenges faced by journalists and media organizations, including professional pressures and security concerns.
Paying tribute to journalists in Pakistan and around the world, he commended their services and sacrifices, stating that the protection, freedom, and professional independence of journalists are essential for the strengthening of democracy.
He highlighted that the Constitution of Pakistan guarantees freedom of expression and press freedom, and the Senate of Pakistan has consistently played a proactive role in safeguarding these constitutional rights and promoting the welfare of journalists. He added that the Upper House has undertaken significant initiatives through legislation, resolutions, and parliamentary debates to ensure journalists' safety, enhance access to information, and uphold freedom of expression.
The Chairman Senate made it clear that violence, harassment, intimidation, and any undemocratic restrictions against journalists are unacceptable, and such practices must be firmly discouraged.
He further observed that in today's fast-paced information age, where challenges such as fake news, propaganda, and misinformation are increasing, the importance of responsible, principled, and nationally conscious journalism has become even greater. He urged the media to uphold truth, research, balance, and national responsibility, and to promote constructive and positive discourse within society.
Chairman Senate reaffirmed his commitment that Parliament, particularly the Senate, will continue to play an active and effective role in promoting democracy, upholding constitutional supremacy, and strengthening freedom of expression and press freedom in Pakistan.