World Press Freedom Day: Free and Responsible Media Vital to Defend Democracy

On World Press Freedom Day, it was reaffirmed that a free, responsible, and independent press is not merely a pillar of democracy but its conscience.

In a statement, the President of the All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) and a member of the Senate of Pakistan  Sarmad Ali emphasized that the role of credible, legacy media has become more critical than ever. He noted that at a time when misinformation and disinformation spread rapidly across digital platforms, established media institutions serve as a crucial line of defence—anchored in editorial standards, verification, and accountability.

He stressed that supporting legacy media is not about resisting change, but about preserving truth. It ensures that journalism remains guided by ethics, professionalism, and public interest rather than being driven solely by algorithms and virality.

The statement further highlighted that a society which values facts over falsehoods must invest in, protect, and strengthen its credible media institutions. Press freedom, it said, must go hand in hand with responsibility, as together they safeguard the integrity of public discourse.

The statement concluded with a call to reaffirm collective commitment to upholding the principles of a free press, while empowering institutions that defend truth in an increasingly uncertain information landscape.