Journalist organizations and the public applaud Nisar Ali Khan’s courageous voice as debate gains momentum on social media
Islamabad (May 3, 2026): On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, a reality-based analysis by a suburban journalist in response to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s message has gone viral on social media, receiving widespread appreciation from media circles and the general public.On Sunday Renowned journalist Nisar Ali Khan, who belongs to District Attock and is currently residing in Malaysia with his family due to pressures from police and administrative authorities, shared his views on his popular social media platform Chhachh News Network. In his statement, he described the Prime Minister’s message on press freedom as “limited to words,” while effectively highlighting the ground realities.He stated that journalism in the country continues to face pressures and obstacles at multiple levels, where the environment for free press remains unconducive—from lower administrative tiers to the highest corridors of power.He further emphasized that journalists working in the field are fully aware of how difficult it has become to speak the truth, and how various tactics are employed to restrict independent journalism.Following the circulation of his analysis, a fresh debate has emerged on social media. Numerous journalist bodies, media professionals, and members of the public have termed his stance courageous and close to reality. A large number of users stressed the need to translate claims of press freedom into concrete actions.According to analysts, this response not only reflects the sentiments of the journalistic community but also highlights the gap between official claims and ground realities.
