Ghalanai twin blasts: Rs0.1m, jobs for families of slain journalists

Monetary compensation and jobs given to family members of journalists who died in Ghalani blasts.

PESHAWAR: Family members of the two journalists who lost their lives in the twin suicide attacks in Ghalanai earlier this month will receive Rs100,000 compensation. Moreover one member from each of the family will get a job in Khasadar Force, said a spokesperson for Fata Secretariat on Wednesday.

Abdul Wahab of Express News and Pervez Khan of Waqt TV died when suicide attackers targeted the political agent’s office ripping right through the official complex of the political administration in Mohmand Agency. The peace committee was meeting to discuss the law and order situation in the area.

The compensation package was announced by Amjad Ali Khan, Mohmand Agency’s political agent. He said this arrangement is in addition to the compensation already announced by the government to those affected by the blasts.

Khan praised the two for their services to journalism.

“Laying down one’s life in the line of duty is the greatest sacrifice one could make. These martyred journalists are our real heroes who stood resilient in the face of heavy odds,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 23^rd, 2010.