CM Sarfraz Bugti highlights responsible journalism on World Press Freedom Day

QUETTA, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 3rd May, 2026) Balochistan Chief Minister, Mir Sarfraz Bugti, has emphasized that responsible journalism was the cornerstone of true press freedom. In his message on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day on Sunday, he praised the resilience of Balochistan’s journalists who continue to perform their duties under difficult circumstances.

Sarfraz Bugti announced that the provincial government is introducing its first-ever social media policy to counter negative propaganda. He stressed that constructive criticism is always welcomed as an effective tool for government reform.

The chief minister urged national media outlets not to restrict their coverage to crime-related stories but to also highlight Balochistan’s social issues and positive developments.

He criticized media houses for closing bureau offices and laying off staff, calling such actions violations of PEMRA agreements.

Highlighting the challenges of the digital era, Bugti underscored that verifying news was an essential ethical responsibility of journalists. He paid tribute to journalists who sacrificed their lives in pursuit of truth, declaring them the pride of the state and assuring that their sacrifices will not be forgotten.

CM Sarfraz Bugti further directed all private tv channels to activate their bureau offices in Balochistan, promising full security support from the government. He added that press freedom and truth-based reporting are indispensable for stability of the country.