ISLAMABAD - The World Press Freedom Day observed across the world including Pakistan on Friday to celebrate hard work, dedication and services of the journalists for bringing positive change in the society by unearthing truth.
A number of walks, events and special ceremonies were held across the country including Azad Jammu Kashmir (AJK) to uphold the international right of press freedom and promoting responsible journalism.
In Islamabad, the Press Council of Pakistan (PCP), National Press Club and other media organizations held seminars, walks and special events to recognize the contributions of journalists’ community to the society, and also highlight importance of responsible journalism.
President Asif Ali Zardari has emphasized the need to initiate measures for the safety and security of the journalists enabling them to freely report on important issues, without fear.
“The Constitution of Pakistan guarantees the freedom of the press; however, it is also the responsibility of the media to abide by journalistic ethics and report responsibly and accurately, keeping in view the national interest,” the president said in his message on the occasion of the World Press Freedom Day.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his message, assured that the incumbent government would make all-out efforts to uplift the media industry and resolve the issues confronting it.
The prime minister also reiterated the resolve for government’s maximum cooperation to protect the rights of media industry as well as the media workers.
He paid tribute to the journalists, media workers, writers and cameramen and lauded their fight for truth.
Chairman Senate Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani called for collective working for the collective rights and welfare of the journalist community.
On the World Press Freedom Day, the Senate Chairman extended his profound acknowledgement and commendation to journalists in Pakistan and across the globe for their invaluable contributions to society.
“On this important day, let us reaffirm our shared commitment to guarding and sustaining freedom of the press which plays a pivotal role in upholding democracy, promoting accountability, and providing a platform for diverse voices”, he said.
Chairman Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has extended sincere solidarity to journalists and media professionals worldwide on World Press Freedom Day.
Emphasizing the paramount importance of press freedom, he reaffirmed his party’s staunch support for the invaluable role of a free and independent press in fostering democracy.
President approves Tax Laws (Amendment) Bill 2024
President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday approved the Tax Laws (Amendment) Bill 2024 under Article 75 of the Constitution.
The bill aims to amend taxes and duties’ related laws, a President House news release said.
The amendments made through the bill include changes to sections 30DDD, 43, 45B, 46 and 47 of the Sales Tax Act 1990.
Similarly, through the amendment bill, changes to sections 29, 33, 34 and 38 of the Federal Excise Act 2005, and sections 122A, 124, 126A, 130, 131, 132, 133, and 134A of the Income Tax Ordinance 2001 have also been made.
The Tax Laws (Amendment) Bill 2024 was passed by the National Assembly on April 29, 2024.
The president approved the bill on the advice of the prime minister.
