Report: ANI Correspondent:
ISLAMABAD–President of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) Rana Muhammad Azeem and Secretary General Shakeel Ahmed have said that freedom of expression and freedom of the press are fundamental pillars of democracy, stressing that no democratic system can be strong and effective without these essential rights.
They said the slogan “No Democracy Without Freedom of Expression” reflects the fundamental principle that citizens in a democratic society must have the right to express their views, access information and know the facts. They added that an independent media plays a vital role in promoting transparency, accountability and public awareness.
Rana Muhammad Azeem and Shakeel Ahmed said free and responsible journalism is the voice of the people, with journalists playing an essential role in highlighting public issues, government policies and matters of public interest. They stressed that journalists must be protected from threats, pressure, harassment and unnecessary restrictions.
The PFUJ leadership called for a safe, independent and conducive environment for journalists to perform their professional duties. No journalist should face harassment, intimidation or retaliatory action for carrying out professional responsibilities or exercising the fundamental right to freedom of expression, they said.
They emphasised that protection of press freedom is not merely a journalists’ issue but a matter concerning the entire society. A strong democracy requires tolerance for differing opinions, respect for critical voices and an environment where the media can perform its role independently and responsibly.
The PFUJ leaders reaffirmed that the organisation would continue its struggle for the protection of the fundamental, professional and constitutional rights of journalists and would not compromise on freedom of expression, freedom of the press and democratic values.
Rana Muhammad Azeem said the strength of democracy depends on a free and independent media, while Shakeel Ahmed said genuine transparency and accountability cannot be ensured without protecting freedom of expression.
The PFUJ called upon the government, relevant institutions and media organisations to take effective and practical measures to protect journalists and press freedom and discourage all factors that create obstacles to independent and professional journalism.
