ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has vowed that his government will provide a conducive environment for the media to operate in the country, as the world marks World Press Freedom Day today, Sunday.
The international community marks May 3 as World Press Freedom Day every year to remind governments to respect their commitment to press freedom. It is also a day of reflection among media professionals about issues of press freedom and professional ethics.
Journalists in Pakistan have increasingly complained about the alleged declining space for freedom of expression in the country. Media workers have complained of harassment, intimidation, violence and threats of violence at the hands of authorities over the past couple of years. Pakistan’s government denies these allegations categorically, saying it encourages press freedom.
“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,” Sharif said in his message on World Press Freedom Day.
Sharif noted that it is the responsibility of every journalist to uphold professional ethics by countering propaganda, fake news and effectively discouraging the spread of unverified information.
He said the media has immense potential to promote constructive engagement and strengthen diplomatic, economic and social ties among nations in today’s age.
Sharif reminded the media that it has an important responsibility to project Pakistan’s national identity and perspective on the global stage in the current era, when digital media is making inroads into the media landscape.
“The spread of fake news and coordinated disinformation campaigns poses a real threat to national cohesion and global credibility,” he warned.
Separately, President Asif Ali Zardari said Pakistan remains firmly committed to ensuring freedom of the press, both as a constitutional guarantee and a democratic necessity.
“I call upon the federal and provincial governments to ensure enabling laws and safe environment for journalists,” he said.
“I also urge media institutions to uphold rigorous ethical standards and call upon the citizens to reject falsehood and support credible journalism.”
In its annual report released this week, local media watchdog Freedom Network noted that Pakistani journalists faced a total of 129 “violations” over the past year.
These violations included two murders, five cases of threats to murder, 58 legal cases (mostly related to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act), 16 cases of assault, 11 cases of threats to harm and two cases of kidnapping and enforced disappearance, the report said.
