World Press Freedom Day was observed today (Monday) to emphasize on the fundamental principles of press freedom and pay tribute to journalists for their efforts in the line of duty.                         

This year theme of the Day is: 'Information as a Public Good' to explore what can be done in utilizing journalism to advance empowerment of people across the world and tackle misinformation and harmful content.

In his message on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhary Fawad Hussain reiterates government's commitment to ensure free and independent media in the country.

He said the government regards the freedom of press as a fundamental, democratic and constitutional right of Journalists.

The Information Minister made it clear that there is no concept of media censorship in the country and the media in Pakistan enjoys unprecedented freedom. He said the government encourages self-regulation by media.    

In his tweets, Chaudhary Fawad Hussain also paid tributes to journalists, who laid down their lives in the line of duty.

The Minister pointed out that the journalists in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Palestine and other areas face difficulties in search of truth and for promoting it.

Chaudhary Fawad Hussain said it is part of our agenda to introduce new media technologies and new projects will also be brought this year especially for the young journalists.

Meanwhile, at a meeting with Chairman Naya Pakistan Authority in Islamabad, Information Minister and Minister of State for Information discussed matters pertaining to inclusion of journalists in the Prime Minister's Housing programme. 

Later on, the programme will be extended to Karachi, Lahore, Faisalabad and Gujranwala.

The Information Minister said the program will be taken to Peshawar and Quetta