Press freedom requires responsibility: Dr Noshina

Says only those societies prosper where press enjoys complete freedom

LAHORE: (Tuesday, May 05, 2015): Punjab University (PU) Institute of Communication Studies (ICS) organised a rally to mark the World Press Freedom Day in which a large number of students and faculty members participated, here on Tuesday.

On the occasion, students were holding banners and placards inscribed with slogans to ensure safety of journalists and for responsible journalism. Faculty members, including Shabbir Sarwar, Seemab Far Bukhari and Shafique Kamboh also participated in the rally.

PU ICS Incharge Director Dr Noshina Saleem, while talking to media persons, faculty members and students said that press freedom required responsibility on part of media organisations and journalists, and without responsible journalism press freedom could not be ensured.

Dr Noshina said only those societies prosper where press enjoys complete freedom. She said misinformation, race to break the news and sensationalism to get higher ratings were the main challenges being faced by Pakistani media today. She said media should strive to improve itself by making and implementing code of ethics, so that press could play a better role for the society. She said, “We have to improve journalism in the country, because that is the only way we can ensure press freedom in Pakistan.”

Student Advisor Shabbir Sarwar said that the World Press Freedom Day reminded us of the sacrifices made by journalists, in which many, especially in Pakistan, laid down their lives for their work. He said this year's theme “Let Journalism Thrive”, focused on the safety and security of working journalists. He said that this day was marked to pay tribute to the martyrs of journalism and to create awareness among the masses about this profession.