KP Announces Major Welfare Package for Media
PROVINCE REPORT
PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Muhammad 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. During the meeting, the Chief Minister agreed in principle to the proposal for establishing a dedicated Endowment Fund for journalists affiliated with the Peshawar Press Club and reaffirmed that the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a modern, state-of-the-art Press Club building would be held at the earliest opportunity. 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.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that a free, responsible and independent press is a cornerstone of a democratic society and reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to promoting media freedom while ensuring a safe and enabling environment for journalists.
He said his government has undertaken landmark initiatives to promote journalism and improve the welfare of media professionals.
He noted that the Provincial Budget 2026–27 includes Rs 1 billion for interest-free loans to support the professional development of working journalists; Rs 500 million for the establishment of media colonies across the province, including feasibility studies and design; Rs 150 million for the construction of a modern Peshawar Press Club building; Rs 300 million for the rehabilitation of district press clubs; and Rs 100 million to promote innovation and modernization in the Information Sector.
In addition, he said, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Journalists’ Welfare Endowment Fund has been enhanced from PKR 200 million to PKR 500 million, alongside the continued provision of grants to registered press clubs across the province.
The Chief Minister directed the relevant authorities to ensure that the clearance of outstanding government advertisement payments to media organizations is linked to the payment of journalists’ outstanding dues and compliance with the legally prescribed minimum wage.
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.
The Chief Minister also directed the relevant authorities to provide the journalist community with a detailed briefing on the progress of the Media Enclave in New Peshawar Valley City in order to keep them fully informed of developments.
He stressed that all subsequent stages should proceed strictly in accordance with the applicable legal and administrative requirements once all formalities have been completed.
He also directed that study visits be organized for members of the Peshawar Press Club to promote professional exposure and institutional learning.
President of the Peshawar Press Club M. Riaz thanked Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi for the provincial government’s measures for the welfare of journalists across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly those based in Peshawar.
On the occasion, General Secretary Alamgir Khan invited the Chief Minister to visit the Peshawar Press Club and perform the groundbreaking ceremony for its new building.
