KATHMANDU: Minister for Communications and Information Technology Dr. Bikram Timilsina has said that good governance, transparency, and public trust cannot be strengthened without a free press.
In a message of best wishes issued on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, he described a free, impartial, and responsible press as the cornerstone of democracy, adding that its role is crucial in ensuring accountability in public institutions.
He said the media is not merely a channel for disseminating information but a key institution that holds the political system, administration, private sector, and society at large accountable. In this context, he stressed that the media sector must also uphold high standards of responsibility alongside press freedom.
Reaffirming the government’s position, Minister Dr. Timilsina said it is fully committed to safeguarding press freedom and freedom of expression as guaranteed by the Constitution of Nepal. He added that sustainable good governance and transparency can only be achieved through a free press.
He also underlined that press freedom must be accompanied by adherence to facts, professional integrity, and responsibility toward the public interest.
“The credibility of the press strengthens the credibility of democracy,” he said, noting that in the digital age, challenges such as misinformation, misleading content, and misuse of social media have made responsible journalism even more important.
Minister Timilsina expressed confidence that the media sector will continue to play a vital role in guiding society toward an informed, accountable, and democratic path. He also extended respect to journalists and media workers engaged in promoting truth and public interest.
He further stated that the World Press Freedom Day theme—“Shaping a peaceful future: Promoting press freedom for human rights, development and safety”—reinforces the need to strengthen independent, responsible, and credible journalism.
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