ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: President Asif Ali Zardari has reaffirmed the support for a free and responsible press which is essential for the successful functioning of democracy as well as forming public opinion on issues of national and international significance.
In his message on the National Newspaper Readership Day being observed on Wednesday, the president extended heartfelt congratulations to the All-Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) on the day.
President Zardari said that Newspapers play a vital role in raising political awareness and informing citizens about their rights and responsibilities, besides providing news and helping citizens make informed decisions.
“On this newspaper readership day, I would like to urge newspapers to play their role in promoting moral, ethical, and democratic values in our society,” he said.
The president said that newspapers should educate the people about socio-economic issues as well as promote tolerance, inter-faith harmony, patriotism, civic responsibility, and respect for human rights.
The president said that in today’s fast-paced digital age, where misinformation and fake news can go viral rapidly, the role of newspapers has become even more critical.
Asif Ali Zardari said that newspapers need to provide accurate and well-researched news to discourage fake news by using modern Information Technology. Their role in promoting facts over sensationalism is essential to counter the spread of false information, he added.
President Zardari was of the view that a responsible press upholds the highest standards of accuracy, fairness and balance in reporting news.
“A responsible press not only provides a platform for marginalized voices to be heard but also generates healthy discussion among the stakeholders on important issues. It is, therefore, imperative that the Press must play a constructive role in guiding and educating the people on important issues,” the president remarked.
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