Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has said that oppression and violence against journalists who speak the truth must end.
In her message on the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists (IDEI), she said that press freedom, exercised with a sense of responsibility, forms the foundation of democracy and is essential for a strong and just society.
The chief minister said that journalists are the voice of the people and defenders of social justice, adding that those who expose oppression, injustice, and falsehood are the true heroes of society.
CM Maryam Nawaz said the Punjab government is committed to protecting press freedom and journalists’ rights, noting that several steps have been taken in this regard. She said the Punjab government is determined to realize the dream of providing housing for homeless journalists and stands by all those who pursue truth with integrity and courage.
She added that the purpose of observing this international day is to prevent violence, imprisonment, or intimidation of individuals in their pursuit of truth and justice, and to honor journalists who have suffered for these principles.
The CM expressed gratitude that, by the grace of Allah Almighty, there have been no incidents of journalists’ killings or torture in Punjab, saying that journalists and journalism are safe in the province.
Separately, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif held a detailed meeting with members of the National and Provincial Assemblies and party ticket holders from Sahiwal Division to review progress on public welfare projects, law and order, road restoration, the “Suthra Punjab” initiative, and ongoing reforms in the health and transport sectors.
The CM said that public service, rapid development, and transparent governance are core priorities of the PML-N government. She observed that the crime rate in Punjab has significantly declined, contributing to improved peace and stability in both urban and rural areas.
CM Maryam Nawaz said that rehabilitation of public transport and road infrastructure is not only an investment in mobility but also a means of generating employment and economic activity across districts. She added that “Suthra Punjab” is more than a cleanliness campaign, it marks the beginning of a new civic culture in the province.
Parliamentarians and party representatives from Sahiwal Division lauded Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s leadership, particularly the rehabilitation of 20,000 kilometers of roads across Punjab and the establishment of a modern cath lab and electrobus service in Sahiwal. They said that under her dynamic leadership, Punjab has emerged as a peaceful, clean, and fast-developing province. They described initiatives such as the cath labs and electrobus service as symbols of people-friendly governance, benefiting citizens from all walks of life.