President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the chief ministers of Sindh, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have felicitated newspaper readers, publishers, editors and journalists on the National Newspaper Readership Day, falling on Friday (today).
National Newspaper Readership Day is observed annually across Pakistan on September 25 to promote reading habits and counter digital disinformation. In their messages on the occasion, the leaders paid tribute to the enduring role of newspapers in promoting public awareness, informed opinion, democratic discourse and responsible journalism.
They emphasised that although the media landscape has changed rapidly with the emergence of digital and social media, newspapers continue to provide credible information, context, diverse perspectives and informed analysis, particularly at a time when fake news, misinformation and disinformation are spreading rapidly.
President Zardari reaffirmed his faith in a free press and its role in protecting citizens' rights, reminding them of their duties towards the State and society and holding decision-makers accountable. He observed that newspapers continued to hold an important place in shaping public opinion and promoting an informed citizenry.
"Rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, targeted dissemination of fake news and disinformation campaigns are also influencing our social values, cultural outlook and behaviour," he said. "In this environment, credible and balanced reporting, supported by responsible editorial oversight, is more important than ever."
The president urged young Pakistanis to develop the habit of reading newspapers, whether in print or through digital platforms, while equipping themselves with modern technological skills.
He urged the All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS), and the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) to continue to contribute to informed national discourse and greater public understanding of regional and global developments.
Prime Minister Shehbaz, in his message, paid tribute to newspapers and the entire journalistic community, particularly members of the APNS, as well as newspaper readers. He highlighted the contribution of newspapers to Pakistan's political, economic and social life, noting their historic role in promoting awareness, shaping public opinion and providing access to reliable information and diverse viewpoints.
He recalled their historic role in promoting political awareness and unity during the freedom movement and their continued contribution after independence to strengthening democracy, promoting transparency and keeping citizens informed on matters of national and international importance.
He further stressed that in an age of fake news and misleading information, professional journalism, responsible reporting and credible editorial systems had become even more important. He also encouraged the younger generation to make newspaper reading a habit as a means of expanding knowledge and understanding current affairs.
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, while referring to Balochistan's geographically diverse communities, said reliable and credible information was especially important for the province. He encouraged the youth of the province to read newspapers regularly, saying that it broadens knowledge, strengthens awareness and develops critical thinking.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah highlighted the historical and cultural significance of the press in Sindh, observing that newspapers had reflected the province's diverse communities, languages, culture, heritage and traditions while highlighting local issues, achievements and aspirations.
He said while digital platforms have transformed access to news, they have also increased the need to verify information and understand it in context. "Newspapers, backed by professional journalism, editorial responsibility and in-depth reporting, continue to play a vital role in providing credible and well-informed perspectives," he said.
K-P chief minister Sohail Afridi said that in an age when news travels instantly, understanding issues in their proper context has become increasingly important, with newspapers enabling readers to go beyond headlines and examine different perspectives.
He also described a free, responsible and independent media as "an essential pillar of democracy and an important bridge between citizens, institutions and the state," while urging the younger generation to make newspaper reading part of their daily routine.
The leaders extended warmest greetings to the APNS, appreciated its continued efforts to promote newspaper readership and acknowledged the valuable contribution of the newspaper industry to the society.
Source link
