Lahore: Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan reaffirmed the Pakistan People’s Party’s (PPP) commitment to upholding press freedom and supporting the growth of a responsible media, emphasizing its crucial role in addressing societal issues and strengthening democratic values. However, he highlighted the need for a structured mechanism to counter the spread of fake news on social media platforms.  

The governor shared these remarks during a meeting with a delegation from the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) at the Governor House Lahore. The delegation, led by CPNE President Kazim Khan, included prominent media figures, while PPP Central Punjab General Secretary Hassan Murtaza was also present.  

Governor Sardar Saleem Haider underscored the media’s pivotal role in shaping public discourse and maintaining political stability in the country. He reiterated the PPP’s historical stance on press freedom, recalling that despite facing a media trial between 2008 and 2013, the party never supported restrictions on freedom of expression.  

Addressing concerns over the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), the governor called for stakeholder consultations to ensure a balanced approach. While acknowledging that traditional media maintains relatively low instances of fake news, he expressed concern over its rampant spread on social media and proposed collaborative efforts with journalists to establish an effective counter-mechanism.  

The CPNE delegation raised reservations regarding potential misuse of the PECA Act, stressing the importance of inclusive discussions before any amendments are made. They agreed on the necessity of controlling fake news but cautioned against legal overreach that could stifle press freedom.  

The delegation included Senior Vice President Ayaz Khan, Free Media Committee President Irshad Arif, Secretary General Ghulam Nabi Chandio, Deputy Secretary General Tanveer Shaukat, and other officials. Governor Sardar Saleem Haider also congratulated the newly elected CPNE members and extended his best wishes for their tenure.  

The meeting concluded with a mutual understanding on the need for responsible journalism and collaborative efforts to safeguard both media freedom and public interest.