UNESCO, partners mark Press Freedom Day to Promote Information as a Public Good

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published May 03, 2021

ISLAMABAD—The World Press Freedom Day 2021 was marked with a “Webinar: Promoting Information as a Public Good” on May 3, 2021, by UNESCO in partnership with the European Union Delegation to Pakistan, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Embassy of Sweden in Pakistan and the High Commission of Canada in Pakistan.

The webinar was attended by more than 50 participants from civil society, youth, media professionals, academia, international organizations, and diplomatic missions.

This year’s theme – “Information as a Public Good”, highlighted the significant role of media in bringing authentic information to the public and how this depends on a broader ecosystem, enabling information as a public good. Experts explored the crucial role of media in these changing times, highlighting the criticality that freedom, independence, and viability remain intact.

Patricia McPhillips, Country Representative and Director, UNESCO Islamabad, welcomed the participants and emphasized that, “Credible information helps us realize our fundamental rights and promotes accountability and transparency in societies and it is only through journalists working without fear and intimidation, that credibility and authenticity of information can be ensured.”

While moderating the webinar, Usama Khilji from Bolo Bhi highlighted the need to create an enabling environment for upcoming journalists to maintain the free flow of information. Myra Imran stressed journalism as a public good and its importance in today’s evolving media dynamics. Shehzad Ghias, a digital content producer, shared his experience while elaborating on the need to devise hybrid economic viability models.

During the webinar, Maria Nadir, a young media and information literacy trainer from Balochistan, explained the importance of media and information literacy to counter fake news and disinformation.

In his concluding remarks, Chargé d’Affaires a.i., European Union Delegation to Pakistan, Mr. Thomas Seiler reiterated that journalists are the frontline workers of every democracy. They must be able to work freely. They help detect and counter disinformation. COVID-19 has shown us drastically how vital reliable and fact-checked information is for a functioning democratic state. On World Press Freedom Day, we reiterate our commitment to protecting those who use this fundamental freedom to keep us informed every day.

The World Press Freedom Day was commemorated under UNESCO’s Multi-Donor Program for Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists (MDP). The MDP strengthens UNESCO’s work at global, regional, and national levels by channeling funds towards emerging priorities and the most pressing needs to achieve its mandate on freedom of expression. A UNESCO press release

'Who will be responsible if my sons are harmed?' mother pleads in court

 March 24, 2025:  Who will be responsible if my sons are harmed?" cries a mother in Islamabad High Court, pleading for justice after her sons' alleged abduction. The court summons the IG police over the alleged kidnapping. The family claims intelligence agencies are involved.

Puppet Press: How Pakistan's media sold its soul to the highest bidder

 March 24, 2025:  Explore the 10 critical reasons why Pakistan's legacy media continues to disappoint, from political bias and corporate influence to digital transition failures and unsustainable business models in Pakistani journalism.

State as judge: Dawn criticizes Farhan Mallick’s arrest under PECA

 March 22, 2025:  The arrest of journalist and Raftar founder Farhan Mallick under PECA violations has sparked concerns over press freedom in Pakistan. Digital rights activists warn of increasing state suppression.

Outrage as Geo security guards attack workers protesting unpaid wages

 March 21, 2025:  Geo Group’s security guards allegedly led an assault on protesting journalists in Islamabad, dismantling their camp and threatening them. The hypocrisy of a media giant advocating press freedom while suppressing its workers is exposed.

CPJ urges Pakistan to reveal whereabouts of missing journalist and Noorani's brothers

 March 21, 2025:  CPJ demands Pakistani authorities reveal the whereabouts of journalist Asif Karim Khehtran and the abducted brothers of US-based journalist Ahmad Noorani, condemning the ongoing media crackdown.

FIA arrests journalist Farhan Mallick over YouTube content

 March 20, 2025:  The FIA has arrested journalist and Raftar founder Farhan Mallick over his YouTube content, sparking concerns over press freedom. His family and media organizations demand transparency and his immediate release.

Pakistan delegation's secret visit to Israel sparks controversy

 March 20, 2025:  A Pakistani delegation, including journalists and filmmakers, secretly visited Israel, sparking controversy. The visit, facilitated by Israeli NGO Sharaka, aimed to promote cultural diplomacy. Read more on this developing story.

Amnesty International urges safe return of journalist Ahmad Noorani’s brothers

 March 20, 2025:  Amnesty International calls for an investigation into the enforced disappearance of journalist Ahmad Noorani’s brothers, condemning it as an attack on press freedom and human rights.