Editors Guild Appeals to India and Pakistan: Time to Lift News Website Restrictions!

Call for Unrestricted Access to News

New Delhi: On Wednesday, the Editors Guild of India made a significant appeal to both the Indian and Pakistani governments, urging them to remove the restrictions imposed on news websites and to restore the flow of cross-border journalism.

In their statement, the Guild acknowledged that media outlets in both nations have occasionally strayed from the principles of balanced and ethical journalism, sometimes spreading misinformation.

However, they emphasized that while addressing these issues is crucial, imposing a blanket ban is not an effective solution.

The Guild argued that such restrictions do not eliminate the underlying realities but instead foster an environment of fear and distrust.

They further stated that these bans contradict the fundamental principles of democracy and freedom of expression.

The Guild expressed its belief that unrestricted access to news is vital for fostering trust and understanding among the peoples of South Asia.

Access to diverse news, opinions, and information is essential for cultivating an informed public, facilitating dialogue, and promoting peace in the region.

The Guild has called on both governments to swiftly lift these restrictions and restore access to cross-border journalism.