ISLAMABAD: Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said press freedom is not only vital for democracy, but also a cornerstone of peace, economic recovery, sustainable development, and the protection of human rights.
“Where truth flows freely, societies breathe; where it is silenced, hope begins to fade,” he said on the eve of Press Freedom Day, which is to be observed today (Sunday).
Bilawal paid rich tribute to journalists and media professionals, lauding their courage as steadfast guardians of truth and democracy throughout the nation’s history.
He urged journalists, media bodies, and state institutions to collectively safeguard the integrity of information and counter the growing threat of disinformation, warning that in the digital age, falsehoods erode public trust and distort democratic discourse.
The PPP chairman stressed that press freedom must remain anchored in truth, accuracy, and ethical responsibility.
He pointed out that the leadership of the PPP has long faced sustained misinformation and media trials driven by entrenched biases, aimed at weakening its bond with the people, yet such efforts have consistently failed.
Despite this, he reaffirmed the PPP’s unwavering commitment to press freedom, emphasizing that the answer to misinformation lies in transparency, ethical journalism, and a stronger culture of truth. “On this day, let us stand in solidarity with those who risk their voices for truth, and renew our collective resolve to build a society where facts are not feared, and where a free press lights the way to a more just, informed, and peaceful future,” Bilawal said.
