Chief Minister assures support for journalists’ welfare initiatives

PESHAWAR, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Jul, 2026) A delegation comprising members of the cabinet and governing body of Peshawar Press Club on Wednesday met with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Khan Afridi and appreciated the provincial government's initiatives for the welfare of journalists.

During the meeting, the delegation paid tribute to the Chief Minister for taking practical steps aimed at the welfare and protection of journalists.

The Chief Minister agreed in principle to soon lay the foundation stone of the new Peshawar Press Club building and also supported the establishment of a separate Journalists Welfare Endowment Fund for journalists in Peshawar.

He said that the provincial government was taking practical measures to promote free, responsible, and independent journalism while ensuring the protection and welfare of journalists.

Under the Khushhal Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Budget 2026–27, several financial measures have been allocated for journalists’ welfare, including Rs1 billion for interest-free loans for working journalists, Rs500 million for the establishment, feasibility, and design of media colonies, Rs150 million for the construction of the new Peshawar Press Club building, Rs300 million for the rehabilitation of district press clubs across the province, and Rs100 million for innovation and development in the information sector.

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The Chief Minister also announced that the Journalists Welfare Endowment Fund had been increased from Rs200 million to Rs500 million.

He directed relevant authorities to link payments of outstanding government advertisement dues to media organizations with the clearance of journalists’ dues and payment of minimum wages.

He further directed authorities to ensure progress on the New Peshawar Valley City Media Enclave in consultation with journalists and in accordance with rules and regulations, besides arranging study tours for journalists.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the General Secretary of Peshawar Press Club invited the Chief Minister to visit the Press Club and participate in the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the new building.