Speakers at a seminar on “Press Freedom and Challenges Facing the Media” held at the Karachi Press Club called for urgent measures to address unemployment, unpaid salaries and censorship in Pakistan’s media industry.
The event featured former Supreme Court judge and former caretaker Chief Minister of Sindh Justice (R) Maqbool Baqar as the chief guest. It was hosted by senior journalist and human rights activist Hussain Naqi, while KUJ leader Tahir Hasan Khan, Professor Riaz Sheikh, senior journalists Tauseef Ahmed and Mazhar Abbas, Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) Vice Chair Asad Butt, and National Trade Union Federation Secretary General Nasir Mansoor also addressed the gathering.
Participants urged the government and relevant institutions to take practical steps to end unemployment, salary delays and censorship in the media sector, arguing that these issues are undermining independent journalism in the country.
Addressing the seminar, Justice (R) Maqbool Baqar said democracy is not merely about holding elections but is a continuous political and democratic process that depends on a free, independent and responsible press.
Nasir Mansoor said the struggle for freedom of expression has become a dual challenge for journalists, while Hussain Naqi stressed that encouraging leadership among students is essential for developing future national political leaders.
