Newspapers to play vital role in providing credible info: Speaker

ISLAMABAD: National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has said that newspapers continue to play a vital role in providing credible information and fostering political, social and constitutional awareness despite the rapid expansion of digital and social media.

In his message on World Newspaper Reading Day, the speaker said newspapers remained a reliable source of authentic news, comprehensive analysis and serious information, particularly at a time when the spread of fake news and rumours on social media had become a major challenge.

He said newspapers, through editorial responsibility and verification of information, helped provide the public with reliable news and contributed significantly to the development of an informed society.

“An independent and responsible press is the foundation of a democratic society,” Sadiq said, adding that Pakistan’s journalistic community had always upheld the principles of freedom of expression and truth.

The speaker paid tribute to journalists, columnists and newspaper workers for their services, saying their contributions to society were commendable.

He stressed the need to promote the habit of newspaper reading and study among the younger generation. He said young people should be encouraged to move beyond superficial information and develop a habit of reading and serious thinking.

Newspaper reading, he added, was important for developing critical thinking and intellectual maturity among young people and played a key role in building a conscious and informed society.

Sadiq said Parliament was committed to safeguarding freedom of expression and protecting the rights of journalists and workers associated with the newspaper industry.

He further observed that responsible journalism played an important role in promoting positive dialogue and democratic values in society.

On World Newspaper Reading Day, the speaker also paid tribute to all those associated with journalism and acknowledged their contributions to the promotion of informed public discourse.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026