Chief Minister of Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah has paid tribute to journalists on World Press Freedom Day, here on Sunday.
The Chief Minister said that the Sindh government is taking all possible measures for the rights and protection of journalists.
Murad said that journalism is the fourth pillar of the state and its freedom must be respected by all, adding that the freedom of the press is essential for strengthening democracy. He said that journalists, who raise the voice of truth, are the pride of society. The Chief Minister said that the strict implementation of the ‘Protection of Journalists Act’ is ongoing in Sindh.
He also paid tribute to journalists, who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty, and said that without press freedom, a transparent society cannot be established.
He said that the Sindh government is at the forefront in welfare initiatives and the endowment fund for journalists.
Shah reaffirmed full protection and support for the journalist community, adding that maintaining journalistic values in the digital age is a major responsibility.
The Chief Minister also appreciated the democratic role of press clubs and journalistic organizations.
Sindh Senior Minister and Provincial Minister for Information, Transport and Mass Transit, Sharjeel Inam Memon, paid tribute to journalists across the country and said that a free, responsible, and informed media is the foundation of any democratic society.
In his message on World Press Freedom Day, he said that journalism is an effective means of conveying the public’s voice to the authorities and holding government institutions accountable, which is essential for strengthening democracy.
He said that the Pakistan Peoples Party has always waged a historic struggle for press freedom, and that this freedom has been an important part of the vision of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto. He added that during periods of dictatorship, the PPP made enduring sacrifices for media freedom.
Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said that the Sindh government will continue to take all possible steps to protect freedom of expression and the fundamental rights of journalists. He said that the PPP, under the leadership of Asif Ali Zardari and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, remains at the forefront of protecting journalists’ rights, and that its manifesto is based on freedom of expression and the promotion of democratic values.
He said that the Sindh government has introduced schemes such as health insurance, financial assistance, and housing for journalists. He reiterated the commitment that the Sindh government considers the protection of journalists a top priority, and that no form of harassment or pressure will be tolerated. He added that journalists have the right to perform their duties without fear, and it is the government’s responsibility to safeguard this right.
Moreover, Pakistan Peoples Party Vice President Senator Sherry Rehman on Sunday paid tribute to the journalist community, acknowledging their vital role in public awareness and accountability and reaffirmed that the party remains resolute in its commitment to protecting journalists’ rights on World Press Freedom Day.
On this occasion, she conveyed an exclusive message to media channels, highlighting the essential role of the press in strengthening democracy, raising public awareness, ensuring accountability and emphasizing that journalism remains a cornerstone of transparent and truth-oriented governance.
She noted that Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, President Asif Ali Zardari and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari have always served as strong supporters of the journalist community, consistently upholding and amplifying its voice during critical moments.
She further stated that the Pakistan Peoples Party continues to play a central role in advocating for press freedom, standing firmly for independent and factual journalism and remains committed to protecting the rights and dignity of journalists across the country.
She stated that the Pakistan Peoples Party had always taken steps in every era to promote free and transparent journalism and has consistently supported press freedom as a fundamental pillar of democracy.
She emphasized that this day was meant to recognize the importance of journalism and its role in society.
She further said that the challenges faced by the journalist community required urgent attention and collective action, adding that there was a strong need to take practical measures to address their issues and ensure a safe, free and enabling environment for media professionals.