By Wadood Mehsud
PESHAWAR: World Press Freedom Day on May 3 served as a reminder that freedom of expression, access to information and the right to report facts remain essential for any civilised society.
The rise of digital and social media has transformed journalism, allowing citizens with smartphones to share information, images and videos instantly. This shift has made citizen journalism a visible and growing reality.
Article 19 of Pakistan’s Constitution guarantees freedom of expression and press freedom, while Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights also protects the right to hold opinions and share information. Social media, in this context, has reduced traditional editorial control and expanded opportunities for writers and journalists.
However, professional journalism still requires formal education and training. Degrees in journalism reflect a structured understanding of media laws, ethics, reporting techniques and the history of the profession, built through years of study and practice.
At the same time, freedom of expression does not mean unchecked freedom. Whether in mainstream or social media, journalism must remain bound by ethics, responsibility and truth. The spread of fake news, hate speech, unverified information and character attacks continues to harm both journalism and society.
The growing use of artificial intelligence has further accelerated the flow of information, but credibility still depends on integrity, research and factual accuracy. Public trust ultimately rests with those who remain responsible and truthful.
On World Press Freedom Day, there is a need for social media platforms to avoid unnecessary censorship while taking firm action against misinformation and harmful content. Responsible and ethical journalism remains vital for a democratic and informed society.
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