KARACHI
\nChairman, Pakistan People\u2019s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari Friday extended sincere solidarity to journalists and media professionals worldwide on the World Press Freedom Day.
\nEmphasizing the paramount importance of press freedom, he reaffirmed his paarty\u2019s staunch support for the invaluable role of a free and independent press in fostering democracy. The PPP Chairman, in his message, underscored that press freedom was not merely a cornerstone of democracy, but also vital for nurturing transparency, accountability, and the proliferation of diverse ideas within society.
\nHe urged that safeguarding and upholding this fundamental right should be the responsibility of every democratic government and party. Bilawal said that historically, the press in Pakistan had served as a watchdog, uncovering injustices, exposing corruption, and amplifying the voices of the marginalized.
\nExpressing concern over challenges such as censorship, fake news, and violence faced by journalists, he urged media organizations to uphold journalistic integrity, impartiality, and professionalism in their reporting. The PPP Chairman reiterated the party\u2019s unwavering support for press freedom, grounded in democracy and liberty principles.
\nHe underscored the 1973 Constitution\u2019s guaranteed freedom of expression, including press freedom, a legacy of Quaid-e-Awam Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. \u201cUnder his leadership, reforms liberalized media policies, fostering greater independence,\u201d he noted.
\nHe highlighted former Prime Minister Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto\u2019s efforts to promote press freedom, including abolishing censorship laws and supporting independent media growth, adding that she also championed press freedom and human rights globally, underscoring their significance in democratic governance and seeking international support during dictatorial regimes.
\nThe PPP chairman noted that President Asif Ali Zardari honored the vision and guiding principles of Shaheed Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto by enshrining the \u201cRight to Know\u201d into the Constitution through the 18th Constitutional Amendment.
\nBilawal expressed PPP\u2019s solidarity with journalists in conflict zones like Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and Gaza, Palestine, praising their courage in reporting on human rights abuses despite grave risks.
\n\u201cLet us carry forward the torch of press freedom, illuminating pathways of accountability and fostering dialogue. Through our unwavering support, let\u2019s empower journalists to fearlessly navigate the realms of truth, shaping a brighter future for all,\u201d he concluded. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
KARACHI Chairman, Pakistan People\u2019s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari Friday extended sincere solidarity to journalists and media professionals worldwide on the World Press Freedom Day. Emphasizing the paramount importance of press freedom, he reaffirmed his paarty\u2019s staunch support for the invaluable role of a free and independent press in fostering democracy. The PPP Chairman, in […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":399397,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-404438","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-top-news"},"yoast_head":"\n