Senior journalist Arif Yousafzai has said that if raising one’s voice against bad governance, corruption, and the alleged misconduct of ministers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is considered a crime, then journalists will continue committing that “crime,” because the fundamental purpose of journalism is to bring the truth before the public.
In an interview given to Azad Digital, Arif Yousafzai said that under the current circumstances, attempts are being made to pressure journalists and silence them. However, he stated that journalists are not afraid of any pressure or threats. He made it clear that regardless of whatever measures the provincial government may take, journalists who speak the truth will continue doing their job.
He said that reports related to corruption, mismanagement, and abuse of authority are not aired without investigation or evidence; rather, journalists possess complete evidence and documentary proof. According to him, if governments cannot tolerate criticism, it does not mean the media should stop exposing facts.
Arif Yousafzai further said that a free press is the foundation of any democratic society, and harassing journalists or putting them under pressure is against freedom of expression. He added that the role of journalists is not merely to praise governments, but also to highlight public issues, corruption, and poor governance so that responsible institutions are compelled to act.
He expressed his determination that reporting on corruption and misconduct in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will continue and the public will keep being informed of the facts.
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