ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday called on newspapers to champion democratic values, raise awareness of socio-economic issues, and promote tolerance, interfaith harmony and patriotism. In his message on the National Newspaper Reader­ship Day being observed on Wednesday (September 25), the president congratulated the All-Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS). The president said on the day, it was vital to reaffirm support for a free and responsible press, which was essential for the proper functioning of democracy and for influencing public opinion on both national and international matters. President Zardari said a responsible press upholds the highest standards of accuracy, fairness and balance in reporting news. It also provides a platform for marginalized voices to be heard but also generates healthy discussion on important issues.