• September 25, 2024
• Print Media
• Web Desk

On the occasion of National Newspaper Readership Day, President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and other key leaders, including the Chief Ministers of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh and the Chairman of the Senate, emphasized the importance of newspapers in fostering democratic values, combating misinformation, and shaping a well-informed society.

In his message, President Zardari called upon newspapers to champion moral, ethical, and democratic principles, emphasizing their role in promoting tolerance, interfaith harmony, patriotism, and human rights. “In today’s digital age, where fake news spreads rapidly, newspapers must uphold the highest standards of truth, using modern technology to counter misinformation,” Zardari said. He congratulated the All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) for its contributions and reaffirmed the importance of a free, responsible press to sustain a vibrant democracy.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif echoed these sentiments, encouraging citizens to cultivate newspaper reading habits as a means to counter fake news and nurture a responsible, informed society. Sharif described newspapers as the “cornerstone of democracy,” stressing their role in shaping public discourse throughout Pakistan’s history, from the independence movement to present day. He noted that while social media provides quick access to information, the editorial rigor of newspapers offers unmatched reliability.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur emphasized the critical role of newspapers in building an informed society. “Promoting reading habits among citizens is essential to combat the challenges posed by the unchecked spread of unverified news. Without press freedom and ensuring people’s right to know, we cannot achieve our goal of a strong and democratic Pakistan,” he said. He further highlighted his government’s commitment to positive journalism and welfare for journalists, adding, “Guiding society in the right direction is a shared responsibility, and print media has a prominent role in this.”

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah also acknowledged the vital role of newspapers in preserving the province’s rich cultural heritage. “Newspapers have been instrumental in informing the public about Sindh’s social, political, and economic developments. They provide a platform for diverse voices and offer a window into the global landscape while focusing on local issues that matter to our citizens,” he said. The Chief Minister stressed the need for newspapers to maintain quality and integrity, especially in the face of growing digital misinformation. “By promoting newspaper readership, we can combat the spread of fake news and nurture a more informed and tolerant society,” he added.

Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani also weighed in on the importance of newspapers in fostering accountability and promoting national discourse. “Newspapers are more than just a source of news; they are a repository of knowledge, a mirror reflecting the diverse voices of our society, and a guardian against misinformation,” he said. “In order to engage meaningfully in civic discourse and make informed decisions that affect our country, we must cultivate the habit of reading newspapers,” the Chairman emphasized. He also highlighted the importance of supporting the press, saying, “The role of newspapers in providing credible and balanced perspectives is indispensable for the healthy functioning of our democracy.”

Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting, National Heritage, and Culture Attaullah Tarar added that newspapers continue to uphold the values of truth, integrity, and accountability in an era when misinformation threatens the fabric of society. He credited newspapers with maintaining a level of reliability unmatched by other media platforms and urged the public to embrace newspaper reading as a vital tool for staying informed.