LAHORE: Speakers at a seminar at the University of Okara say there could be no social and economic development in any country without its press being free from all biases and pressures.

The Department of Communication Studies of the university organised a webinar in connection with the World Press Freedom Day on Monday.

The keynote speakers were UO Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Zakria Zakar, in-charge Communication Studies Dr Zahid Bilal, journalist Wajahat Masud and University of Punjab’s chairperson Department of Film Studies Dr Lubna Zaheer. The speakers discussed the current state of the press freedom in Pakistan and argued that there could be no development in any country without free press.

Dr Zakar said: “Empowerment of the society is linked with the right to freedom of expression and access to information. If we need to remove poverty and illiteracy, our press has a crucial role to play”.

Dr Zahid Bilal said the missionary journalism of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar and others enlightened and empowered the Muslims.

Commenting on the press freedom in Pakistan, Dr Lubna said: “The situation of the press freedom in Pakistan, according to the Reporters without Borders, is very precarious. This is the time we must take practical steps in this regard”.

Wajahat Masud maintained Pakistan must learn from the past and mend the future accordingly. “We need to formulate concrete strategies to ensure the positive role of press for the betterment of the society”.

Published in Dawn, May 4th, 2021