ISLAMABAD, 28 September 2026 (Ghufran): President Asif Ali Zardari has reaffirmed his commitment to protecting citizens’ right to information, emphasizing the importance of timely, credible and reliable access to information for meaningful participation in public life. In his message on the International Day for Universal Access to Information, the president said the Constitution of Pakistan provides a clear foundation for citizens’ right to information. He noted that the 18th Constitutional Amendment strengthened the constitutional framework for freedom of expression and introduced Article 19-A, which guarantees citizens access to information on matters of public importance, subject to lawful regulations and reasonable restrictions. Zardari said the Right of Access to Information Act 2017 provides a legal framework for access to information at the federal level. He observed that the rapid growth of digital platforms, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies has transformed the production, distribution and consumption of information. He said the challenge now extends beyond access to information, as citizens must also be able to distinguish reliable information from false, misleading and artificially manipulated content. The president stressed the importance of public-interest journalists, media organizations, communication professionals, researchers and other experts in helping citizens access accurate information. He further said that efforts to counter monetized misinformation and disinformation should not be used to suppress public-interest journalism, fair criticism or meaningful public debate. Zardari emphasized that transparency, accountability and responsible communication by public institutions were essential, adding that citizens should have access to reliable information from credible sources, particularly on matters directly affecting their lives.