President Asif Ali Zardari emphasized the role of the newspaper in strengthening democracy and promoting an informed society on Thursday, and urged youth to develop the habit of reading newspapers and urge educational institutions to actively promote it.
In his announcement on the National Avis -Reader Day, the president expanded greetings to readers, journalists, editors, publishers and others associated with the journalism profession. He also praised the All-Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) to mark the day annually to encourage the culture of newspaper reading in the country.
President Zardari emphasized that an informed citizenship forms the basis of a vibrant democracy, which allowed people to make better choices not only during elections but in all aspects of life. He noted that newspapers have historically been central to Pakistan’s national discourse, informed citizens, exposed injustices, delivered debate platforms and the protection of the public’s right to know. For this priceless service, he said, generations deserve generations of journalists nation’s respect.
By reflecting on his personal experience, the president said he learned early on that newspapers guarantee a responsible stream of information in which editors play a key role in deciding what is highlighted and what is set aside. However, he regretted that the increase in social media has eroded this editorial function, fuel for disinformation and propaganda. This, he noted, makes the values of responsible journalism carried by newspapers, all the more critical today.
“In today’s digital era, where news often spreads before it is verified, newspapers remain a symbol of trust,” he said, adding that they give depth, context and thought -provoking analysis, which helps readers understand not only what has happened but also why it matters.
Read: Zardari Visit adds new chapter to China -tape
President Zardari, while recognizing the serious challenges that confront the printed media industry, expresses optimism that Pakistani newspapers, such as many leading publications around the world, have the potential to thrive. He emphasized that their survival should not hang on government support or business protection, but about the confidence and loyalty of readers whose right to know they have been advancing for decades.
The president called on the youth to cultivate reading habits, called on educational institutions to promote newspaper reading among students and asked the print media to maintain high standards of ethics, impartiality and responsibility.
He emphasized that although freedom of press is important for democracy, it must always be exercised with truth, balance and justice.
“I hope that newspaper reader in our country will continue to grow and help us build a more informed, thought -provoking and democratic Pakistan,” the president concluded.
