Islamabad, May 02, 2023 (PPI-OT):Minister of State/Special Assistant to the Prime Minister of Pakistan for Public Communication and Digital Platforms, Mr. Fahd Haroon had a meeting with Mr. Saeed Sarbazi, the President, of Karachi Press Club, he congratulates the media and journalists community on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, which will be celebrated on May 3rd, 2023.
The theme for this year’s celebrations is “Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of Expression as a Driver for all other human rights,” which highlights the importance of freedom of expression in the enjoyment and protection of all other human rights.
Fahd Haroon discussed, the theme for this year’s World Press Freedom Day, “Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of Expression as a Driver for all other human rights,” He said that “highlighting the crucial role of freedom of expression in promoting and protecting all other human rights.
Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right, and it serves as a cornerstone for democracy, good governance, and sustainable development.” He further said, “It is through the exercise of this right that individuals and communities can voice their opinions, share information, and engage in public debates that lead to the realization of their other rights.”
This year’s theme is a call to action for governments, civil society, and media organizations to work together to promote and protect the freedom of expression and to recognize its indispensable role in shaping a future of rights for all.
He further said, “As we celebrate the 30th anniversary of World Press Freedom Day, it is crucial to remember the significance of press freedom in ensuring transparency and accountability in a democratic society.”
The Government of Pakistan recognizes the importance of press freedom and is committed to protecting the rights of journalists and content creators. In line with this commitment, the government is working on developing a policy framework that will protect social media content creators against illegal harassment, undue pressures, and actions from unwanted elements.
These initiatives will help Pakistan in shaping the future of rights, especially in the digital age of public communication. The framework for social media will also empower citizens to protect their rights to express themselves.
Fahd Haroon said that “As we celebrate World Press Freedom Day, let us also remember the contributions of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) in safeguarding the journalist’s right to write and speak the truth. The PPP has a rich history of advocating for press freedom and has been a driving force behind many of the initiatives that have been implemented to promote this fundamental right.”
The party’s efforts have been crucial in ensuring that journalists are free to report on issues of public interest without fear of retribution. We applaud the PPP’s contributions to safeguarding press freedom in Pakistan and acknowledge their continued support for the media and especially the Karachi Press Club for their efforts to promote freedom of expression and access to information.
President of Karachi Press Club, Saeed Sarbazi, expressed his gratitude to the Minister of State/Special Assistant to the Prime Minister of Pakistan for Public Communication and Digital Platforms, Mr. Fahd Haroon, for discussing the importance of press freedom on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day.
He also highlighted the significant contributions made by Karachi Press Club in the struggle for press freedom in Pakistan. The Karachi Press Club has always been a beacon of hope for journalists’ independence and has played a crucial role in promoting freedom of expression in the country.
Sarbazi emphasized that press freedom is essential for democracy to thrive and that journalists must be allowed to report freely and without fear of retribution. He also acknowledged the contributions of the Pakistan People’s Party in safeguarding the journalist’s right to write and speak the truth. He further said, “On this occasion of World Press Freedom Day, we must renew our commitment to promoting press freedom and freedom of expression in Pakistan and around the world.”
The Karachi Press Club will continue to work towards the promotion of press freedom and ensuring that journalists can report freely and without fear, he said. The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has played a crucial role in safeguarding the journalist’s right to write and speak the truth.
The PPP has been at the forefront of the struggle for press freedom in Pakistan, and its contributions cannot be overlooked. The party has faced numerous challenges, including the assassination of its leader and former Prime Minister, Benazir Bhutto, who was a staunch advocate of press freedom.
Despite these challenges, the PPP remains committed to the cause of press freedom and will continue to support the media in its efforts to promote freedom of expression and access to information. Fahd Haroon also said, “On this occasion of World Press Freedom Day, let us remember the sacrifices of those who have fought for the right to free expression and renew our commitment to promoting press freedom and freedom of expression in Pakistan and around the world.”
Pakistan salutes these brave journalists and acknowledges their contributions to safeguarding press freedom and freedom of expression worldwide. Fahd elaborated that the government of Pakistan stands committed to promoting press freedom and freedom of expression in the country.
We reiterate our support for the media, civil society, and academia in their efforts to promote these fundamental rights. We hope that this year’s World Press Freedom Day will provide a platform to re-centre and reaffirm freedom of expression as a necessary precondition for the enjoyment of all other human rights.
The Karachi Press Club (KPC), is an association of primarily news journalists, and cameramen photographers, but also includes academics, business people, and members of the public service, and is located at Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan.
KPC is Pakistan’s first press club, established in December 1958 by a group of enthusiastic journalists in a Victorian-style bungalow at Sarwar Shaheed Road (previously called “Ingle Road”). I.H. Burney was the first President of the KPC and today more than 2,100 working journalists, associated with electronic and print media, are members of this prestige club. KPC always plays a vital role in the democratic struggle in general and the struggle for press freedom in particular.
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