MUZAFFARABAD: Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq has expressed the hope that media professionals would uphold the same high standards they expected from politicians, government officials and institutions, maintaining that truth, honesty and impartiality were essential to holding those in power accountable.
“Integrity, ethics, and accountability should be the hallmarks of journalism. The public trusts you to provide authentic, unbiased, and fact-based information. Honouring this trust is your fundamental responsibility. Misinformation and sensationalism harm not just journalism but society as a whole,” he said while addressing a gathering of media persons after administering oath to senior journalist Sardar Zulfiqar Ali as the newly-elected Vice Chairman of the AJK Press Foundation, a body founded by the government through an Act of Assembly in 2003 with a serving high court judge as its chairman.
He noted that while journalism played a crucial role in exposing corruption and misconduct, it should also acknowledge progress and achievements. Balanced reporting, he said, strengthens the credibility of the profession and earned public respect.
Having studied and practiced journalism himself, Mr Haq said he understood both its strengths and challenges.
“Constructive criticism is essential for progress. However, I urge you to ensure neutrality and balance in your reporting. A free press must challenge facts but also present them responsibly.”
Highlighting the dominance of social media and digital platforms in modern information flow, he stressed the increased responsibility of professional journalists.
“Fake news spreads faster than the truth. It is your duty to counter this trend with reliable and verified reporting.”
Inviting professional journalists to draft legislation that would help classify news reports as entirely false or misleading and take action accordingly, he said, “Then you will realise the power of truth and how those who spread falsehoods are held accountable. Unrestrained discussions on every platform lead to chaos.”
“Just as my cabinet and I are accountable to the media, journalists should also be accountable. If you propose regulations, we will ensure their implementation,” he added.
Denouncing personality cults, he stressed the need for institutional reforms, adding that fear of losing power often led to compromises.
“If you free yourself from this fear, no one can force you to compromise your authority.”
Mr Haq remarked that governance must be conducted through constitutional and legal frameworks rather than personal whims. “Those who deviated from this have become examples of disgrace in history. I do not wish such a fate for myself.”
He challenged his critics to prove financial misconduct against his government and claim a cash reward if they succeeded. “Various mafias in Azad Kashmir have used self-proclaimed journalists against me. But did the state’s system stop? Did my authority to govern diminish?”
Addressing national security, he criticised calls for the removal of Pakistan Army’s presence from the Line of Control (LoC), questioning what alternative security measures were in place. “If Pakistan’s armed forces leave, what power will protect you from the brute occupying [Indian] forces? Reckless statements only lead to destruction. Think of future generations.”
He clarified that he was not averse to the ideology of an independent Kashmir but maintained that its time would come only when the one million occupying forces left Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir and a UN-supervised plebiscite was held.
The prime minister announced an increase in the annual grant for the Press Foundation from Rs5 million to Rs10 million. He also raised the financial assistance for families of deceased foundation members from Rs400,000 to Rs1 million.
He said he had also directed officials to allocate land for the construction of an office for the foundation.
Published in Dawn, March 3rd, 2025