Minister Timilsina affirms commitment to press freedom, warns against misuse

Kathmandu—Minister for Communication and Information Technology Dr. Vikram Timilsina has stated that the government is fully committed to press freedom.

Responding to questions raised by lawmakers in Wednesday’s parliamentary session, he asserted that the rights granted by the constitution cannot be violated by any individual today, tomorrow, or in the days to come. “The government is fully committed to press freedom. This is not a right given by any individual or government official, but a constitutional right. This right is protected,” Timilsina said. “No one can violate this right today, tomorrow, or the day after.”

However, he cautioned that press freedom does not equate to license, hinting at a warning tone. “But it should also be understood that press freedom is not license. With press freedom comes accountability as well,” he remarked.

He emphasized that the sector, recognized as an important component by the state and the system, must act in a manner that upholds its dignity and prestige.