Call for joint efforts for freedom of press

Pakistan faces serious challenges concerning press freedom, the safety of journalists, privacy

ISLAMABAD:

Speakers of a moot Wednesday stressed the need for making efforts to ensure press freedom for a pluralistic society and an enabling environment to enjoy human rights. According to a statement, the event was held to mark the 30th-anniversary celebration of World Press Freedom Day here in the federal capital.

Addressing the event organised by UNESCO, the speakers said during the past three decades, the world had seen significant advancements in terms of press freedom such as an increase in independent media outlets and the rise of digital media platforms.

However, media freedom, the safety of journalists, and freedom to express opinions remain under a constant threat that has not only impacted press freedom but also the realisation of other human rights.

"This has led to polarised political and societal discourse, erosion of trust, impositions of states of emergency, and internet shutdowns,” they said.

Therefore, events across the globe are being organised that highlight the link between press freedom, freedom of expression, and other rights. Like many other countries, Pakistan also faces serious challenges concerning press freedom, the safety of journalists, privacy, and limited access to information, the participants said.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, May 4^th, 2023.