Press Freedom Day

World Press Freedom Day has greater significance this year because of new challenges to the fundamental principles of press freedom. This day reminds us to evaluate press freedom, defend the media from attacks on its freedom and pay tribute to those journalists who have lost their lives while on duty. This year’s theme is: Let journalism thrive towards better reporting, gender equality and media safety in the digital age.
Despite our constitution guaranteeing freedom of the press, journalism has become a risky profession marked with hurdles and restrictions in our country. In the past journalists were threatened, but now a new trend of killing them has created an atmosphere of fear and trepidation. During the past 12 years, more than 100 journalists have been targeted and their families have not received justice yet. Recently two voices of truth – Sabeen Mahmud and Professor Waheed-ur–Rehman – have been silenced. Whatever be the theme of press freedom day, the media in our country is still in chains.
Aiman Mahmood
Karachi