Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah drew historical parallels
between PPP and the journalist community, citing
shared resistance against authoritarianism
Staff Reporter
Karachi: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has praised the journalist community and Generation Z for their powerful role on the digital front during the recent Pakistan-India conflict, calling them a “national asset.”
Addressing a ceremony at the Sindh Chief Minister’s House to mark the 75th anniversary of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), Bilawal highlighted the journalist community’s historic struggle for press freedom and democracy. “PFUJ is not just an organization—it is a movement that has stood firm during every era of repression,” he said.
Bilawal credited journalists for their resilience during the MRD and ARD movements and recalled Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto’s unwavering support for press freedom. He thanked Pakistan’s media for effectively countering India’s misinformation campaign during the conflict, stating, “Our journalists defeated propaganda just like our Air Force defended our skies.”
He contrasted the Pakistani media’s responsible reporting with Indian media’s disinformation-driven narratives, adding, “Pakistan’s transparent, fact-based journalism won the narrative war on the global stage.”
Digital Media and Gen Z Applauded
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari emphasized the importance of digital platforms, especially during times of conflict, saying the restrictions placed on them earlier were rightly lifted. “Generation Z performed exceptionally well during this information war. Their contributions on digital platforms are commendable,” he added, urging the government to formally recognize their role.
He called for stronger legislation against disinformation and misinformation, terming them as tools often used by extremists and hostile foreign forces. He invited PFUJ to assist the Sindh government in drafting robust laws to counter such threats.
Call for Accurate Representation of Sindh and Balochistan
Chairman Bilawal instructed Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon to facilitate visits by journalists from other provinces to showcase Sindh’s development projects, especially the world’s largest 2.1 million home reconstruction initiative for 2022 flood victims. He also urged journalists to visit Balochistan to better understand its challenges and appreciated the Balochistan government’s scholarship program for students under CM Sarfraz Bugti.
CM Murad Ali Shah’s Tribute to Press Freedom
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah drew historical parallels between PPP and the journalist community, citing shared resistance against authoritarianism. He traced the PFUJ’s founding back to 1950 and paid homage to journalism legends like Minhaj Barna and Nisar Usmani.
He recalled significant milestones, including the 1970 17-day newspaper strike and the lashes faced by journalists under General Zia. Murad also mentioned PPP’s support for press freedom during crackdowns on Daily Jang in 1998 and emergency censorship in 2007.
The CM highlighted Sindh’s pioneering role in media welfare, such as establishing Pakistan’s first Journalists Protection Commission and allocating funds for press club development and journalists’ housing in the provincial budget.
A Shared Commitment to Democratic Values
The event concluded with renewed solidarity between the Sindh government and the journalist community, emphasizing their joint responsibility to uphold truth, transparency, and democratic freedoms.
