Press Freedom Day: PU students, faculty call for protection of journalists

LAHORE:

Students and faculty of the Punjab University’s (PU) Institute of Communication Studies (ICS) took out a rally on Tuesday in connection with the Press Freedom Day.

They held banners and placards carrying statements on protection of journalists.

ICS In-charge Director Noshina Saleem said faculty members and students advocated freedom of the press. She said the freedom required responsibility on part of media organisations and journalists. “Without responsible journalism press freedom cannot be ensured,” she said.

Saleem said only those societies prospered where the press had freedom. She said the race to break news and sensationalism were among the challenges faced by the Pakistani media. She said the media should formulate and enforce a code of ethics. There is a need for the press to play its role for society, she said.

“The Press Freedom Day reminds us of sacrifices rendered by journalists,” said Student Adviser Shabbir Sarwar. He said this year’s theme Let Journalism Thrive focused on the safety and security of working journalists.

Faculty members, including Seemab Far Bukhari and Shafique Kamboh, were also present.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 6^th, 2015.