President Asif Ali Zardari has called on newspapers to champion democratic values, raise awareness of socio-economic issues, and promote tolerance, interfaith harmony, patriotism, and respect for human rights.

In his message on the National Newspaper Readership Day, he said newspapers need to provide accurate and well-researched news to discourage fake news by using modern information technology. He stressed that their role in promoting facts over sensationalism is essential to counter the spread of false information.

The President said a responsible press not only provides a platform for marginalized voices to be heard but also generates healthy discussion among the stakeholders on important issues. It is, therefore, imperative that the press must play a constructive role in guiding and educating the people on important issues.