Retired Justice Maqbool Baqar Stresses Free Press as Cornerstone of Democratic Continuity

Karachi:Retired Justice Maqbool Baqar said that democracy is not merely about holding elections but is a continuous political and civic process that requires a free and independent press to flourish.
He made these remarks as the chief guest at a seminar titled **”Press Freedom and Challenges Facing the Media”** held at the Karachi Press Club. Participants urged the government and relevant institutions to take immediate practical steps to address unemployment in the media industry, unpaid salaries, and censorship, calling for the restoration of an environment that supports independent journalism.
The seminar was hosted by veteran journalist and human rights activist Hussain Naqi and featured speeches by Karachi Union of Journalists leader Tahir Hassan Khan, Professor Riaz Sheikh, senior journalists Tauseef Ahmed and Mazhar Abbas, and HRCP Vice Chairperson Asad Butt.
The speakers highlighted the serious challenges confronting journalism in Pakistan, including restrictions on freedom of expression and the growing economic hardships faced by media workers.
National Trade Union Federation General Secretary Nasir Mansoor said that the struggle for freedom of expression is a double battle for journalists, while seminar president Hussain Naqi emphasized that promoting leadership among students is essential for developing future national political leaders.
Addressing the gathering, retired Justice Maqbool Baqar reiterated that democracy cannot thrive without an independent media, describing a free press as an indispensable pillar of democratic continuity.