World Press Freedom Day was observed across the globe including Pakistan to pay tribute to journalists who lost their lives in the exercise of their profession. The day was first announced in 1993 by the United Nations General Assembly following a recommendation adopted at the 26th Session of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s General Conference in 1991. Giving his message for the day, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif said that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz government values freedom of press as an essential part of democracy. Sharif said that responsible media helps in eliminating corruption, lawlessness and terrorism by playing its role neutrally. Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that any attempt for gagging freedom of press would be tantamount to weaken democracy and encourage discrimination and disparity in the society. He said PPP leadership had undergone world’s worst media trial in the history at the hands of tin-pot dictators and other opponents but it always stood for freedom of press because our Party’s ideology was to build a society based on tolerance and proactive progress. He expressed concern that Pakistan’s ranking on the World Press Freedom Index has come down to 139th position in 180 countries, which is very poor and needs to be improved to create better image of our nation in the world.
To highlight the importance of the day, Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists called upon journalists to observe the day by holding rallies throughout the country. Several media houses aired stories, interviews, seminars, conferences and in-depth reports in connection with press freedom issues. According to Reporters without Borders website, Pakistan was at 147th position in the ranking; however, in the 2017, it is now ranked at 139. The organization said, that the Pakistani media were regarded as among the freest in Asia but are targeted by extremist groups, Islamist organizations, and the feared intelligence agencies, all of which are on RSF’s list of Predators of Press Freedom. Pakistan Electronic Media Regulator revoked the license of Bol TV citing lack of security clearance. The government has also issued direction against newspaper regarding Panama Leaks case. All of this is happening on the watch of a democratic government. The safety of journalists should be ensured at any cost and legislation be introduced under UN Resolution 1736, which demands the safety and welfare of the media persons. A free press is essential for Pakistan’s journey towards a tolerant and democratic society. Government and state institutions need to provide an enabling environment to the press. Pakistan is most vulnerable country for journalists and steps are needed to provide foolproof security to journalists. The free and strong media is imperative for the strengthening democracy in the country. A media as fourth pillar of the state can play a watchdog role to promote transparency and good governance in the country. The steps should also be taken to revamp media and improve its quality.
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