Bilawal vows legislation against disinformation
Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has announced plans to introduce legislation to counter disinformation campaigns being used to mislead the nation, declaring that such efforts would be made in collaboration with the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ).
He was addressing journalists from across the country at a dinner hosted by Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah in honour of the PFUJ's Federal Executive Council at a local hotel on Thursday evening. The event also featured prominent addresses by Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti and Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah.
Bilawal said the state must win hearts, not impose control by force, especially in conflict-affected areas like Balochistan. "We must earn people's trust with sincerity, not suppression. The right way forward is through unity, truth, and transparency," he said.
He hailed the lifting of restrictions on digital media, calling it a "national asset" and a sign of democratic maturity. "Our media is our frontline defender. Even in times of war, our journalists have shown more responsibility and credibility than the Indian media," he remarked.
Bilawal urged journalists to highlight the positive side of Pakistan, especially development efforts such as the Sindh government's initiative to allot housing units to women, making them rightful property owners. "This is not just about homes. It's about empowering women. It's a silent revolution," he said, requesting extensive media coverage of the programme.
He also reiterated PPP's commitment to fully implement the Journalist Protection Law, ensuring a secure environment for media professionals.
Earlier, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah described PFUJ not merely as a union but as a "movement" with a proud history of resisting authoritarianism and defending press freedom.
Highlighting past struggles, he recalled the 17-day wage board strike in 1970, the public floggings of journalists during General Zia-ul-Haq's regime, and the clampdown on the Jang Group during Nawaz Sharif's second term, which the then-opposition leader Benazir Bhutto defied through a rally in their support.
He also cited the 88-day sit-in by journalists in 2007 against then military ruler Pervez Musharraf, stating, "At every critical juncture in Pakistan's history, journalists have stood for the people's right to know - and we, as a party, have always stood by them."
Murad highlighted key steps taken by the Sindh government, including, establishing Pakistan's first-ever Journalist Protection Commission; allocating funds for journalists' housing; providing financial support to press clubs across the province. "We have always safeguarded journalists' rights, and we will continue to do so," he affirmed.
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, speaking at the event, acknowledged the serious challenges in his province but urged journalists to also highlight the positive changes taking place. "The perception about Balochistan is worse than the reality. Things are improving, and the media has a role to play in bridging that gap," he said.
The event served as a rare moment of unity between political leadership and the journalistic community, with speakers stressing mutual trust, transparency, and responsible reporting as the way forward for a more informed and democratic Pakistan.
Senior journalists and office bearers of PFUJ, including President Afzal Butt, Secretary General Arshad Ansari, and other representatives from various parts of the country were also present. The gathering concluded with a note of appreciation for the provincial governments' support for the journalistic fraternity.