KP Govt links newspaper dues to payment of salaries to media workers

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister Shafi Jan met a delegation led by President, Khyber Union of Journalists, Kashif ud din Syed, President, Peshawar Press Club, M Riaz at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly on Monday

PESHAWAR, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th May, 2026) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister Shafi Jan met a delegation led by President, Khyber Union of Journalists, Kashif ud din Syed, President, Peshawar Press Club, M Riaz at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly on Monday.

During the meeting, the delegation informed the provincial minister about the ongoing nationwide protest movement regarding forced dismissals of journalists from media organizations, non-payment of salaries, pending dues and other issues faced by media workers.

Delegation also presented demands of media employees. The meeting included detailed discussions on low salaries in media organizations, payment of outstanding dues and job insecurity.

Speaking on the occasion, Provincial Minister Shafi Jan said that all legitimate demands of journalists deserve consideration and that the provincial government is taking serious steps in this regard.

He assured that the provincial government would ensure the protection of journalists’ employment rights. Shafi Jan termed the dismissal of media workers without prior notice as unfortunate and clarified that government has made the clearance of newspaper dues conditional upon payment of salaries and outstanding arrears to media workers.

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He also proposed that journalists form their own committee to compile data regarding pending payments and outstanding liabilities so that records of dues owed by media organizations and employee details could be collected.

The provincial minister said that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has initiated phased payment of advertisement dues from 2021 to 2025, while lists of employees and their salaries have also been sought from media organizations.

He further clarified that media institutions failing to provide employment opportunities and minimum wages to journalists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would not receive government advertisements. Shafi Jan said that issues faced by journalists’ community would be resolved through dialogue, mutual understanding and consultation.

He further announced that an interest-free loan scheme for journalists would be introduced in the next fiscal year. He emphasized that protection of media workers’ rights requires a collective effort from the government, journalist organizations and media owners.

Later, following the assurances given by the provincial minister presidents of the Peshawar Press Club and Khyber Union of Journalists, announced the end of their symbolic protest.