By Qudrat Ullah
On National Newspaper Readership Day 2025, we are reminded of a striking reality: information today moves faster than ever. Artificial intelligence now powers social media feeds that deliver news, images, and opinions in seconds. But in this flood of content, truth and falsehood often collide, leaving citizens unsure of what to trust.
That is why newspapers continue to matter. They offer not speed but certainty — the discipline of verification, the weight of editorial responsibility, and the clarity of context. In a restless media environment, this steadiness is invaluable. Readers know that behind every headline stands an editor, a newsroom, and an institution accountable for accuracy.
For a country like Pakistan, where literacy remains uneven and misinformation spreads easily, reliable information is not a luxury but a necessity. Citizens depend on credible reporting to make sense of decisions that affect their lives — from reforms to governance. Newspapers serve as the bridge between government actions and public understanding, ensuring that people are not left at the mercy of rumors or unchecked narratives.
The role of newspapers is especially critical for Pakistan’s youth. With more than half of the population under 30, young people represent both the promise of the future and the group most vulnerable to digital manipulation. Social media entertains and informs them, but it also exposes them to AI-generated rumors, deepfakes, and unverified claims. In contrast, newspapers slow down the rush of information. They explain not only what happened but also why it matters, encouraging readers to reflect, analyze, and form their own independent opinions. For youth, this habit builds resilience against propaganda and prepares them to participate more responsibly in civic life.
Beyond providing information, the media industry itself has become a field of opportunity. Careers in journalism, multimedia production, data-driven reporting, and digital advertising are expanding, and young Pakistanis are increasingly needed to fill these roles. AI tools may transform the way stories are told, but human judgment, creativity, and integrity remain central to journalism. The Government of Punjab has recognized the dual role of the media — as both a safeguard for democracy and a sector of economic opportunity — by linking universities with news organizations, investing in professional training, and encouraging innovation. For ambitious youth, this opens doors not only to jobs but also to entrepreneurship in media and communication.
Strong readership habits are directly tied to the health of democracy. When citizens read critically, they hold governments accountable, demand transparency, and resist manipulation. Newspapers nurture this questioning culture, making sure public policy is shaped by informed debate rather than misinformation. A society that reads is a society that engages — it challenges authority, debates ideas, and builds trust between people and institutions. In Pakistan, where democratic institutions need constant reinforcement, the act of reading a newspaper is itself a civic duty.
The credibility of newspapers also rests on the framework of law and ethics that governs them. The Press Council of Pakistan Ordinance 2002 emphasizes professional standards and accountability; the Defamation Act 2002 protects individuals against false or malicious reporting; and Article 19 of the Constitution guarantees freedom of speech, with reasonable restrictions to safeguard national interests. Pakistan’s commitments under international instruments like the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) further reinforce the balance between independence and responsibility. Unlike unverified online posts, newspapers are anchored in constitutional, legal, and ethical obligations, making them more credible in the eyes of the public.
None of this would be possible without journalists. Despite financial constraints, safety risks, and political pressures, they continue to report with honesty and courage. Their work amplifies the concerns of ordinary people, exposes corruption and injustice, and ensures that those in power remain accountable. On this day, it is fitting to recognize their role as custodians of public trust.
For young readers in particular, newspapers are not just sources of daily news. They are classrooms of critical thinking and guides to responsible citizenship. They encourage readers to move beyond headlines, to question assumptions, and to engage in informed dialogue. In doing so, they help raise a generation better equipped to lead Pakistan into a more democratic and prosperous future.
Strengthening this culture of readership is a collective duty. Governments must provide an enabling environment where press freedom is protected. Media houses must adapt to technological change without compromising credibility. Citizens, too, must play their role by engaging with newspapers critically and thoughtfully — and by supporting the industry financially through regular purchases. Only then can newspapers sustain their role as watchdogs of democracy.
If each plays their part, newspapers will not only endure but thrive. They will remain trusted companions in turbulent times — steady voices of truth amid the noise of AI-driven content. Far from being relics of the past, they are essential guides for the future, where informed youth carry forward the torch of accountability, creativity, and hope.
(The writer is a Lahore-based public policy analyst who can be reached at qudratu@gmail.com)
