The World Press Freedom Day is being observed on Wednesday, to create awareness about importance of press freedom and role of journalists in promoting democracy and defending human rights.

It also aims to remind governments of their duty to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression as enshrined in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The theme for this year's World Press Freedom Day is “Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of Expression as a Driver for all other human rights”.

In a video message in New York on World Press Freedom Day, the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for greater solidarity with media persons saying disinformation, hate speech and deadly attacks against journalists are threatening freedom of the press worldwide.

He said freedom of the press is the foundation of democracy and justice and it gives all of us the facts we need to shape opinions and speak truth to power.

Source: Radio Pakistan