ISLAMABAD: Reaffirming their faith in a free press, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif felicitated the nation on National Newspaper Readership Day, emphasising their continued importance at a time when fake news, misinformation and disinformation are spreading rapidly.
According to a statement issued by the All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS), President Zardari reaffirmed the role of the press as the Fourth Estate in protecting citizens’ rights.
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, targeted dissemination of fake news and disinformation campaigns are also influencing our social values, cultural outlook and behaviour. In this environment, credible and balanced reporting, supported by responsible editorial oversight, is more important than ever.
He urged APNS and CPNE to continue to contribute to informed national discourse and greater public understanding of regional and global developments.
Meanwhile, PM Shehbaz Sharif recalled the press’s role during the freedom movement and its contribution to democracy and transparency since independence.
He stressed that in an age of fake news and misleading information, professional journalism, responsible reporting and credible editorial systems had become even more important.
He also encouraged the younger generation to make newspaper reading a habit as a means of expanding knowledge and understanding current affairs.
Published in Dawn, September 25th, 2026
