Free press vital for democracy: Shafi Jan

Free and responsible journalism forms the bedrock of any democratic society, playing a pivotal role in fostering transparency, accountability, and public awareness, said Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister's Special Assistant on Information and Public Relations, Shafi Jan, in his message on World Press Freedom Day, observed on May 3.

He emphasized that the media's role in ensuring access to reliable information, promoting dialogue, and building mutual trust is indispensable for peace, economic stability, sustainable development, and the protection of human rights.

Shafi Jan noted that while the dissemination of information has become faster than ever in the current era, new challenges such as fake news, propaganda, and the misuse of artificial intelligence have also emerged, which undermine public trust.

He expressed concern over the pressures faced by press freedom globally, stressing that threats to journalists' safety and their economic hardships demand immediate attention.

The Special Assistant reaffirmed that the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government remains committed to protecting press freedom, ensuring the safety of journalists, and promoting their professional rights, adding that all possible measures are being taken in this regard.