Free media vital for democracy: Shafi

Special Assistant to the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister on Information and Public Relations, Shafi Jan, has said that a free and independent media is essential for the survival of democracy, describing it as the fourth pillar of the state. Addressing a provincial convention on media laws, regulations, and ethics at the Peshawar Press Club, Shafi Jan warned that any attempt to suppress truth only creates space for misinformation and weakens democratic institutions. The event was jointly organised by the Khyber Union of Journalists, Peshawar Press Club, and the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists. "Journalism is a noble but highly demanding profession, and journalists have rendered unmatched sacrifices in the performance of their duties," Shafi Jan said. He pointed out that Article 19 of the Constitution of Pakistan guarantees freedom of expression to every citizen, yet certain legislative measures have been misused to curtail media freedom. Criticizing the federal government, he alleged that several journalists were sidelined during its tenure simply for speaking the truth. He added that even raising issues related to public welfare, utilization of taxpayers' money, or matters of public importance in the federation and Punjab often invites undue pressure, resulting in the silencing of media voices.