Times of Pakistan

VC issues urgent call for 'Color-Blind' journalism on 'World Press Freedom Day'

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ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 3rd May, 2026) Vice Chancellor (VC), Federal urdu University of Arts, Sciences and Technology, Professor Zabta Khan Shinwari, on Sunday called for "Color-Blind" journalism, emphasizing that freedom without responsibility is a catalyst for chaos.

On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day being observed on May 3, he issued message addressing the deteriorating state of global discourse and the vital necessity of a "color-blind" approach to modern journalism.

"The pen remains mightier than the sword, but in the digital age," he said, adding, "True press freedom is not the liberty to amplify personal biases; it is the protected right to seek the truth. Journalists today carry the weight of social cohesion on their shoulders."

"To achieve true equity in information, reporting must be color-blind. Whether covering conflict, scientific breakthroughs, or economic crises, the integrity of the fact must transcend the race, religion, or nationality of the individuals involved," he underscored.

Prof. Shinwari identified three major threats confronting modern journalism, including the “AI information paradox,” where the rise of generative artificial intelligence has made fabrication of content easier, necessitating strict ethical frameworks to safeguard credibility. He also pointed to algorithmic polarization, saying social media platforms prioritise engagement over accuracy, creating echo chambers that reward sensationalism and sideline balanced reporting, as well as growing safety risks that endanger investigative journalists. He reiterated the need for balanced reporting.

Prof. Shinwari concluded his statement with a call for a return to nuanced moderation. "The world is rarely black and white," Shinwari noted. "Balanced reporting requires the courage to admit complexity. On this World Press Freedom Day, let us recommit to a media landscape that prioritizes the humanity of the story over the hostility of the headline."

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