President, PM, CMs laud role of newspapers in creating an informed society
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Chief Ministers of Balochistan, Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have felicitated newspaper readers, publishers, editors and journalists on the National Newspaper Readership Day, while paying tribute to the enduring role of newspapers in promoting public awareness, informed opinion, democratic discourse and responsible journalism.
The National Newspaper Readership Day is observed annually across Pakistan on September 25 to promote reading habits and counter digital disinformation.
In their messages issued on the occasion, the leaders emphasised that although the media landscape has changed rapidly with the emergence of digital and social media, newspapers continue to provide credible information, context, diverse perspectives and informed analysis, particularly at a time when fake news, misinformation and disinformation are spreading rapidly.
President Asif Ali Zardari reaffirmed his faith in a free press and its role as the Fourth Estate in protecting citizens’ rights, reminding them of their duties towards the State and society and holding decision-makers accountable. He observed that newspapers continued to hold an important place in shaping public opinion and promoting an informed citizenry.
He said rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, targeted dissemination of fake news and disinformation campaigns are also influencing our social values, cultural outlook and behaviour. In this environment, credible and balanced reporting, supported by responsible editorial oversight, is more important than ever.
He also urged young Pakistanis to develop the habit of reading newspapers, whether in print or through digital platforms, while equipping themselves with modern technological skills.
He urged APNS and CPNE to continue to contribute to informed national discourse and greater public understanding of regional and global developments.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his message on the occasion, paid tribute to newspapers and the entire journalistic community, particularly members of the All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS), as well as newspaper readers. He highlighted the contribution of newspapers to Pakistan’s political, economic and social life, noting their historic role in promoting awareness, shaping public opinion and providing access to reliable information and diverse viewpoints.
Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti highlighted the contribution of newspapers over generations in chronicling events, bringing important public issues into focus and providing a platform for dialogue and diverse perspectives.
Referring particularly to Balochistan’s geographically diverse communities, he said reliable and credible information was especially important for the province. He encouraged the youth of the province to read newspapers regularly, saying that it broadens knowledge, strengthens awareness and develops critical thinking.
Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah highlighted the historical and cultural significance of the press in Sindh, observing that newspapers had reflected the province’s diverse communities, languages, culture, heritage and traditions while highlighting local issues, achievements and aspirations. He said that despite the rapid transformation in the way people receive information, newspapers, through professional journalism, editorial responsibility and in-depth reporting, continue to help people understand the world around them.
The Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa stressed the contribution of newspapers to Pakistan’s national life and democratic development, saying they had informed the public, brought issues of national importance to wider attention and provided a platform for diverse voices.
All the leaders extended warmest greetings to the All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS), appreciated its continued efforts to promote newspaper readership and acknowledged the valuable contribution of the newspaper industry to the society.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026