ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on World Press Freedom Day honoured the sacrifices made by the journalists who have lost their lives in pursuit of truth.

In his message on the May 3, the World Press Freedom Day, the president reaffirmed the government’s commitment to upholding and promoting a free and responsible press in Pakistan.

“Article 19 of the Constitution of Pakistan guarantees the right to freedom of speech and a free press, subject to certain restrictions.

The media is indispensable for promoting dialogue, highlighting issues of social, economic and environmental significance, uncovering corruption and advocating for the marginalised. We have taken a number of steps for the protection and welfare of journalists, but more needs to be done by providing them a safe, secure, and enabling environment,” President Zardari said.

Moreover, the media has a critical role in raising awareness of citizens’ rights and responsibilities, socio-economic issues, promoting civic education, and encouraging informed public participation in the democratic process, he said and added that the press should serve as a bridge between the people and public institutions, and give voice to the voiceless.

Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has paid rich tribute to journalists, editors, photographers and media workers across Pakistan and around the world.

On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, he is reaffirming his party’s unwavering commitment to freedom of the press, protection of journalists and the people’s fundamental right to truth and information.

Chairman PPP said that World Press Freedom Day serves as a poignant reminder that journalism is not merely a profession—it is a public service, a shield against tyranny, and a lifeline for any democratic society.

Bilawal Bhutto pointed out that the unanimously passed Constitution of 1973, which guarantees the freedom of speech, expression and the press, was a historic gift from Quaid-e-Awam Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, the country’s first elected Prime Minister.