On September 25, President Asif Ali Zardari, in his message on National Newspaper Readership Day, emphasized the vital role newspapers play in strengthening democracy and fostering an informed society. He urged the youth to cultivate a habit of reading newspapers and called on educational institutions to actively promote readership among students, stressing that access to credible information is the foundation of responsible citizenship.
The President praised the All-Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) for its ongoing efforts to encourage newspaper reading and acknowledged the historical contribution of the press in shaping national discourse. He highlighted how newspapers have long played a key role in promoting accountability, exposing injustice, and informing public opinion—essential components of a healthy democracy.
President Zardari also voiced concern over the rising spread of disinformation through social media platforms. He reaffirmed that newspapers remain a trusted and verified source of information and should be sustained by public confidence rather than government or commercial dependency. He concluded by urging the print media to uphold high ethical standards and encouraged the public to support responsible journalism.
Meanwhile, Punjab’s Minister for Information and Culture, Azma Bokhari, reiterated the provincial government’s commitment to addressing the challenges facing the print media industry. During a meeting with APNS representatives, she shared key initiatives being undertaken under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to support journalists and safeguard the future of the print media in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
The APNS delegation welcomed the government’s proactive approach and expressed gratitude for its continued support. Members praised Bokhari’s efforts, noting that her responsiveness to industry concerns had helped restore confidence among media stakeholders. They reaffirmed their commitment to working with the government to promote press freedom and sustainability.
Minister Bokhari announced her intention to file a defamation lawsuit against anchors Mubasher Lucman and Naeem Hanif, accusing them of attributing false statements to her. She condemned what she described as a serious breach of journalistic ethics and urged media organizations to take a firm stand against disinformation and character assassination within the profession.
