MIRPUR (AJK), Jul 31 (APP): Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister, Chaudhry Anwar ul Haq while lauding the sacrifices rendered by media men globally, has said that from Gaza to Kashmir, journalists had paid the price for standing by the truth.
He emphasized that journalists were responsible for exposing societal wrongs and journalism must be based on principles, not sponsorship.
Addressing the oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected office bearers of the Central Press here Thursday, the prime minister described journalism as one of the most sacred professions. Tracing its lineage to the tradition of prophethood, the PM said, “Speaking or writing the truth is the very essence of journalism”.
Journalists, he said, bear the critical responsibility of exposing the hidden and unpleasant truths of society.
“Journalists’ role is not to please but to show a mirror to society regardless of how uncomfortable the reflection may be”, the PM said, adding that there was a clear line between authentic journalism and yellow journalism—a line that only well-trained, ethical journalists respect.
Terming accountability as essential, he said, ” In a just society, accountability must apply to everyone—without fear or favor . “Just as journalists hold others accountable, they too must be accountable for what they write and say”, the PM remarked.
He maintained that accountability in both speech and writing was essential and must apply to everyone.
“The Central Press Club is the most influential journalistic body in the capital. It is heartening to see representatives from print, electronic, digital, and social media united on one platform,” he remarked.
Referring to past criticism directed at him on social media, the prime minister said he always accepted it with an open heart.
The PM, on the occasion, announced a special grant of Rs. 2.5 million for the Press Club and pledged the construction of a journalist colony in two phases under the government’s support.
Highlighting his commitment to transparency, he said, “Have you ever seen a press secretary with me? I surrendered that post the day I took oath.PM vowed legislative protection for journalists and offered alternative land for Journalist Colony. Emphasizing the need for legislative protection for journalists, he said that an alternative location would be provided for the proposed journalists colony to avoid environmental hazards.
The prime minister urged journalist bodies to review Pakistan’s recently passed Journalist Protection Bill and consult relevant stakeholders in AJK. He stressed that legislative protection provided constitutional backing that empowers journalists to hold even the most powerful individuals accountable.
“If there is truth behind your words, no one can silence you”, he remarked.
Calling for a shift in societal attitudes, he said, “The tragedy of Azad Kashmir is that while everyone talks about rights, our collective journey as a society is turning dangerously away from fulfilling our own duties. If this continues unchecked, it may lead us to a tragic outcome.”
The PM said that he had directed the Law Department to immediately draft the “Journalists’ Freedom and Rights Bill” in AJK. The legislation, he said, would be made in consultation with local journalists and their representative forums, ensuring that media professionals were empowered, protected, and held accountable within the legal framework.
The event was attended among others by the AJK Legislative Assembly, Speaker , Chaudhry Latif Akbar, Senior Minister Colonel (Retd) Waqar Ahmed Noor, Ministers, Pir Muhammad Mazhar Saeed Shah, Chaudhry Javed Iqbal Badhanvi, Chaudhry Azhar Sadiq, Syed Bazal Ali Naqvi, Chaudhry Muhammad Rashid, Akmal Sargala, President, Seerat Committee Muzaffarabad, Atiq Kiyani, senior journalists and others.