ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has urged the youth to develop the habit of reading newspapers and called upon educational institutions to encourage newspaper reading among their students.
“I also call upon the print media to continue upholding the highest standards of ethics, impartiality, and responsibility. Press freedom is essential to democracy, but it must always be exercised with truth, balance, and fairness,” he said in a message on the occasion of National Newspaper Readership Day, being observed today (Thursday).
President Zardari hoped that newspaper readership in the country would continue to grow and help build a more informed, thoughtful, and democratic Pakistan. On this occasion, he extended his warmest greetings to readers, journalists, editors, publishers, and all those who have dedicated themselves to the noble profession of journalism.“I commend the All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) for its initiative in commemorating this day each year to encourage the culture of newspaper reading across the country,” he added.
The president said he firmly believed that an informed citizenry is the foundation of a vibrant democracy. “When citizens have access to reliable information, they are empowered to make better choices—not only in elections but in every sphere of life,” he said.He observed that from the days of the Pakistan Movement to the present, newspapers have been central to national discourse. “They have informed the people, exposed injustices, provided a platform for debate, and upheld the public’s right to know. For this invaluable service, generations of journalists deserve our deepest respect,” he remarked.
Reflecting on his own experience, President Zardari said he had learned early on that newspapers guarantee a responsible flow of information. He said that the institution of the editor ensures responsibility by deciding what deserves to be highlighted and what must be set aside.
“Sadly, with the advent of social media, the role of the professional editor is in decline, giving rise to disinformation and propaganda. This makes the values of responsible journalism carried by newspapers all the more precious today,” he said.The president emphasized that in today’s fast-paced digital era, where news often circulates before it is verified, newspapers remain symbols of trust, providing depth, context, and thoughtful analysis—helping readers understand not just what has happened, but why it matters.
“While I do recognise that the industry faces severe challenges, it is heartening to see that the best newspapers around the world have not only survived but flourished,” the president said, adding: “I am confident that our newspapers too can do the same, not by waiting for government support or big business patronage, but by relying on the trust and loyalty of the people whose right to know they have championed for generations.”President Zardari hoped that newspaper readership in Pakistan would continue to grow and contribute to creating a more informed, thoughtful, and democratic society.
