Rallies, seminar held in DIKhan to highlight press Freedom

Dera Ismail Khan, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 3rd May, 2026) Journalists and academics in Dera Ismail Khan marked World Press Freedom Day with rallies and a seminar, highlighting the importance of press freedom and the challenges faced by media professionals.

A rally was organised by Dera Press Club under the leadership of its President Ahmad Khan Kamrani. A large number of journalists, including members and office-bearers, participated, carrying placards inscribed with slogans supporting freedom of expression and independent journalism.

Addressing the participants, Ahmad Khan Kamrani said that a free press is the cornerstone of any democratic society and plays a vital role in bringing truth to the public. He paid tribute to journalists who lost their lives in the line of duty and emphasised that journalism must be practised with integrity, courage and impartiality.

Meanwhile, another rally was taken out by journalists from urban and rural areas, including Prova, Paharpur and Daraban. The procession started from GPO Chowk, passed through Circular Road and culminated at Topanwala Chowk, where it turned into a public gathering.

The rally was led by senior journalists Saeedullah Marwat, Muhammad Irfan Mughal, Sheikh Tauqeer Akram, Iqbal Bhatti and Abul Muazzam Turabi. A large number of journalists, including Usman Ghani Isra, Ahmad Mughal, Malik Adnan, Abu Shan and Adil Waqar, participated in the rally.

Participants carried banners and placards in support of press freedom, journalists’ safety and the right to truthful reporting. Speakers highlighted the challenges faced by journalists, and urged the government to take effective measures for their protection and welfare.

In a separate ceremony, Vice Chancellor Gomal University, Prof Dr Zafar Iqbal, said freedom of expression is a fundamental right and a key pillar of a democratic society. He stressed the need for responsible media, reduction in conflict-driven content, and greater focus on public issues.

The events concluded with a renewed commitment by journalists to uphold truth and continue highlighting issues of public interest.