Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has agreed in principle to establish a separate endowment fund for journalists in Peshawar and announced a series of welfare measures aimed at supporting the media community. The Chief Minister also pledged to soon lay the foundation stone of the new Peshawar Press Club building, reaffirming the provincial government’s commitment to promoting a free, responsible and independent press, while ensuring a safe and enabling environment for journalists.
Financial Allocations for Journalists' Welfare
Afridi said the provincial budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year earmarks Rs1 billion for interest-free loans to working journalists. In addition, Rs500 million have been allocated for the planning, feasibility studies and design of media colonies. The government has also set aside 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 modernization and development in the information sector.
Increase in Endowment Fund
The Chief Minister announced that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Journalists’ Welfare Endowment Fund had been increased from Rs200 million to Rs500 million. He directed the relevant authorities to make the clearance of outstanding government advertising dues to media organisations conditional upon the payment of journalists’ salaries, outstanding dues and the minimum wage.
Commitment to Media Welfare
“The welfare of working journalists and improvement in their working conditions are among the government’s priorities alongside the development of media institutions,” Afridi said. He also instructed officials concerned to consult journalists on the proposed New Peshawar Valley City Media Enclave project and ensure that it proceeds in accordance with applicable rules and regulations. He further directed the authorities to organise study tours for journalists to enhance their professional capacity.
Delegation Meeting
Chief Minister Sohail Afridi received a delegation comprising the Cabinet and Governing Body of the Peshawar Press Club, led by its President, M Riaz. The delegation expressed its appreciation to the Chief Minister for his government’s initiatives for the welfare of the journalist community, the inclusion of media sector development projects in the forthcoming Annual Development Programme (ADP), the announcement of the reconstruction of the Peshawar Press Club building, and the provision of grant for the Press Club.
The meeting was attended by Provincial Minister for Information and Public Relations Shafi Jan, Secretary Information and Public Relations Matiullah Khan, Vice President of the Peshawar Press Club Zia-ul-Haq, General Secretary Alamgir Khan, Joint Secretary Gulzar Ahmad, Finance Secretary Irshad Ali, and Governing Body members Shamim Shahid, Nasir Hussain, Saif-ul-Islam, Ibrahim Khan, Shakeel Ahmad, Irfan Musa Zai, Shehzada Fahad and Shah Faisal.
Government's Broader Vision
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said his government has undertaken landmark initiatives to promote journalism and improve the welfare of media professionals. He emphasized that while the provincial government remains committed to supporting the sustainability of media institutions, it is equally determined to safeguard the rights, welfare and working conditions of media professionals. He further directed that a consultative mechanism be developed in collaboration with the elected leadership of the Peshawar Press Club and media organizations to formulate a practical roadmap for improving journalists’ welfare.
Gratitude from Press Club
President of the Peshawar Press Club M Riaz thanked Chief Minister Sohail Afridi for the provincial government’s measures for the welfare of journalists across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly those based in Peshawar. On the occasion, PPC General Secretary Alamgir Khan invited the Chief Minister to visit the Peshawar Press Club and perform the groundbreaking ceremony for its new building.
