Multan- Stating that freedom of the press was essential for strengthening democracy; former Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) government had given "unprecedented freedom" to the press.
Speaking to media persons today, Gilani said that PPP believes in freedom of media adding that media should also show responsible attitude.
"The PPP-led government has extended unprecedented freedom to the press which was not given by any government in the past,” Gilani said at Multan airport.
He said that the PPP governments had always provided freedom without discrimination and had never imposed restrictions on media institutions.
Acknowledging the role of journalists against dictatorial and autocratic regimes in the country, he said their sacrifices for the freedom of expression and social liberties had paved the way for rejuvenated democracy in the country. Democracy and the media go hand in hand and freedom of the media guarantees sustained and stable democracy, said the former prime minister.