PAT calls for free media to protect human rights, freedom

LAHORE: Pakistan Awami Tehreek’s Secretary for Information, Noorullah Siddiqui, in his statement on World Press Freedom Day, said that for the protection of fundamental human rights and freedom, a free media is as essential as a healthy, beating heart is for the human body. He stated that restricting or eliminating press freedom would prevent Pakistan’s positive image from reaching the world, and the country would not be able to remain part of the global stream of development. He further said that limiting press freedom is equivalent to halting a nation’s journey of awareness and consciousness. He added that whether in developed countries or developing nations of the third world, journalism does not always enjoy the level of freedom required for its positive role; however, compared to developed countries, press freedom in developing nations faces numerous threats and obstacles. The Central Secretary for Information remarked that journalism always presents the other side of the picture, and this perspective helps guide society back to the right path. He also noted that the report of the Pakistan Press Foundation presents a very grim picture of press freedom in Pakistan, which undoubtedly does not create a positive impression at the global level. He concluded by stating that Parliament, being the supreme institution, should debate the Pakistan Press Foundation’s report and make efforts to improve the situation regarding press freedom. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

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