Khattak urges media personnel to report responsibly as country passes through critical juncture

As part of the provincial government’s welfare initiatives for journalists, an endowment fund will be set up to allocate funds to all press clubs in the province, said Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister (CM) Pervez Khattak on Sunday.

According to an official handout, Khattak met with a delegation of journalists under the leadership of Nowshera Press Club President Mushtaq Ahmad Paracha and General Secretary Noor Khaliq Khattak in Peshawar.

“Journalism is the fourth pillar of the state and because of this, the provincial government is utilising all possible resources to strengthen the media and resolves problems being faced by journalists,” said Khattak.



The CM further said the previous governments released funds that were only sufficient to meet the annual expenses of press clubs, however, his government is evolving a policy under which press clubs will become self-sufficient.

“Rs50 million has been allocated for covering health care, accidental death and providing for the children of journalists,” he added.

Praising the profession, Khattak claimed his government welcomes positive criticism and does not wish to dictate to the media.

“The country in general and K-P in particular is passing through a critical juncture, therefore, just like the government, military and agencies, the media also has a responsibility to keep our national and provincial interests a priority,” said Khattak.

On the occasion, the chief minister handed over a cheque for an indemnity grant for the welfare of Nowshera Press Club journalists.

PM’s visit

Talking about Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s recent visit, Khattak said the PM was apprised about the K-P government’s apprehensions and reservations. “The prime minister assured us of the resolution of the province’s genuine problems after the passage of the federal budget,” he added.

The provincial government will continue its struggle to achieve its constitutional right over its resources and net hydel profit and the issue of neglecting the province in mega projects will be taken up with the Council of Common Interests, insisted the CM.

“The federal government should frame such policies which will not keep the smaller province deprived of resources,” said Khattak.

Highlighting achievements

Commenting on the recently unveiled provincial budget, Khattak said the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf was voted into power by the people and serving the people is the party’s prime duty.

“In the budget for financial year 2014-15, we have introduced cash cards for poor families which will be issued on the basis of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) lists,” said Khattak.

An agreement has already been signed with Utility Stores Corporation for the provision of food items on concessional prices to the poor, he added.

The CM also discussed the provincial accountability commission with the delegation and said it will become operational from next month. The commission has already received complaints against prominent figures, the delegation was told.

“The Anti-Corruption Establishment has also been made effective and has started the process of accountability. During the last month, corruption cases have been registered against 200 officials,” said Khattak.

Playing host

The internally displaced persons (IDP) from North Waziristan Agency were also a topic of discussion at the meeting. “The rehabilitation of IDPs is the prime responsibility of federal government. However, the provincial government, despite its limited resources, will be extending its full cooperation,” said Khattak.

He added the IDPs will be given monthly house rent and a Ramazan package for which an amount of Rs350 million has already been transferred to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority. “The amount will be distributed in a fair and transparent manner,” he claimed. 

Published in The Express Tribune, June 23^rd, 2014.