K-P announces Rs1b journalists package

Shafi Jan unveils expanded financial support, media development fund

QUETTA:

Provincial Information Minister Shafi Jan on Monday announced a series of welfare measures for journalists, including a Rs1 billion allocation for their welfare, while highlighting the Khybe- Pakhtunkhwa government's development agenda during visits to the Haripur and Abbottabad Press Clubs.

The visits were part of the provincial government's public outreach campaign launched on the directives of Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi to engage directly with citizens and address local issues. The minister was accompanied by Provincial Education Minister Arshad Ayub Khan, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Malik Adil Iqbal, MPA Akbar Ayub Khan and other elected representatives, while senior civil and police officials, journalists and members of civil society attended the Abbottabad event.

Addressing journalists, Shafi Jan said the provincial government's performance reflected the leadership of Chief Minister Afridi, adding that cabinet members had been directed to visit every district to hear public grievances and ensure their prompt resolution. He said the province was witnessing unprecedented development, with the highest-ever allocation for the education sector in the current budget.

Describing journalism as a sacred profession, the minister paid tribute to journalists who sacrificed their lives during the war against terrorism and announced that the Journalists' Endowment Fund had been enhanced from Rs200 million to Rs500 million. He said the welfare package would provide financial assistance for medical treatment.