World Press Freedom Day being observed today

KARACHI: World Press Freedom Day is being observed on Friday (today) across the world including Pakistan, with an aim to keep pursuing the mission inform others.

The United Nation General Assembly declared May 3 as World Press Freedom Day in 1991 to raise awareness of the importance of freedom of the press and remind governments of their duty to respect and uphold the right of freedom of expression.

This year’s theme is “Media for Democracy: Journalism and Elections in Times of Disinformation.”

In his message on the occasion, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said a free press is essential for peace, justice sustainable development and human rights in the society. He said no democracy is complete without access to transparent and reliable information.

He said free press is the cornerstone for building fair and impartial institutions, holding leaders accountable and speaking truth to power.

“No democracy is complete without access to transparent and reliable information,” he said, describing unfettered journalism as “the cornerstone for building fair and impartial institutions, holding leaders accountable and speaking truth to power.”