By Shakeel Ahmed
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Shibli Faraz on Sunday said the government firmly believes in the fundamental, constitutional and legal right of freedom of expression.
In a series of Tweets in connection with World Press Freedom Day, he expressed the determination to provide all possible facilities for the promotion of independent and responsible journalism.
He said freedom of expression is the basis of a civilized democratic society and the fundamental right of a human. Shibli Faraz applauded the immense sacrifices rendered by the journalists for the sanctity of the pen.
Like elsewhere in the world, Press Freedom Day is being observed in Pakistan on Sunday. The theme of this year is ‘Journalism without Fear or Favour.’
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres in his message on World Press Freedom Day said the media has a crucial role in helping the people make informed decisions amidst the coronavirus challenge. He said the media provides an antidote to the misinformation surrounding Covid-19.
Meanwhile, press freedom is under a severe and sustained attack in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir where journalists are being booked under draconian laws for reporting the truth.
Indian govt has banned social media networking sites to suppress public dissent in the occupied territory.
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Senator Shibli Faraz said on Sunday Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government firmly believed in the fundamental, constitutional and legal right of freedom of expression and would continue to provide all possible facilities for the promotion of independent and responsible journalism.
In a tweet, the Minister termed freedom of expression the foundation of a civilized democratic society and a fundamental human right.
The Minister stated that a responsible press played a key role in building and developing a society.
“On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, I pay tribute to the journalists who made unprecedented sacrifices for the sanctity of the pen”, the Minister said.
He paid tributes to the martyrs of journalism who kept the candle of freedom of thought burning by offering sacrifice of their blood.
