ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in their messages on World Press Freedom Day on Friday emphasized the need to initiate measures for the safety and security of the journalists enabling them to freely report on important issues.
They paid tribute to the journalists, media workers, writers and cameramen and lauded their fight for truth. In his message, President said an independent press is essential for highlighting issues of global importance, dispelling fake news and myths, and serving as a watchdog for society.
He said media also has a crucial role in creating awareness about issues of global concern, including climate change, green technologies, pollution, and global warming.
In his message, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the freedom of press and expression are the foundation of democracy and protection of civil rights as well as the voice of truth in the society.
He urged the collective role of media and other stakeholders to create conducive atmosphere to ensure smooth media functioning.
The Prime Minister said the government firmly believed that freedom of media and expression provide guarantee for democratic durability.
He assured that the incumbent government will make all-out efforts to uplift the media industry and resolve the issues confronting it.