On August 1, Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari praised the country’s journalist community for its role during the recent Pakistan-India conflict, terming them a national asset.
Speaking at a ceremony held at the Sindh Chief Minister’s House to mark the 75th anniversary of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), Bilawal acknowledged the organization’s continued efforts to safeguard freedom of expression and support democratic values through various political periods. According to a press release issued by the Media Cell Bilawal House, he stated that the PFUJ is not just an organization, but a movement—one in which every generation of journalists has played a vital role.
He highlighted the journalist community’s contribution during past political struggles, including the MRD and ARD movements, saying they stood side by side with political workers and leaders in their pursuit of press freedom. Recalling a past incident, he noted, “I remember the time when the then-dictator, in his final days in power, began imposing restrictions—even on television channels—and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto stood firmly with you (journalists), side by side.”
Commenting on the recent conflict with India, Bilawal stated, “I want to thank all of you for the way Pakistan’s media and journalists countered India’s false and disinformation-driven narrative on the global stage—it is truly commendable.” He added, “I can proudly say that just as Pakistan’s Air Force defeated India with a score of 6-0, our journalist community similarly outclassed the Indian media.”
Bilawal further noted that the conflict underlined the importance of unrestricted digital platforms and acknowledged that restrictions lifted during the conflict have not been reimposed. He expressed appreciation for journalists’ work across traditional and digital media and emphasized their importance in narrative building.
He urged the journalist community to support the Sindh government in drafting legislation to address misinformation and disinformation, stating, “Disinformation and misinformation have become weaponized tools — often used by extremists, terrorists, and hate mongers — and unfortunately, our hostile neighbor India also resorts to such tactics.”
Bilawal also directed the Sindh Information Minister to facilitate visits of journalists from other provinces to promote accurate information about government initiatives. He concluded by reiterating the PPP’s commitment to strengthening the media’s role in a democratic society.
