KP Announces Financial Assistance Package for Journalists

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has unveiled a comprehensive support package for members of the Peshawar Press Club (PPC), reinforcing his government’s commitment to the welfare of journalists.

As part of this initiative, the Chief Minister announced a one-time grant of Rs. 50 million for the PPC in the current fiscal year. Additionally, the Journalists’ Welfare Endowment Fund will see a significant boost, with its seed money increasing from Rs. 128 million to Rs. 200 million.

Key Announcements at Oath-Taking Ceremony

The package was announced during the oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected PPC Cabinet at CM House. Among the major initiatives introduced were:

• Doubling the number of scholarships for children of deserving journalists.
• Issuance of allotment letters for journalists’ plots in New Peshawar Valley shortly.
• Provision of solar systems to journalists through a balloting system.

The event was attended by Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif (Advisor to the Chief Minister), PTI Central Secretary Information Sheikh Waqas Akram, Secretary Information Arshad Khan, and a large number of journalists.

Congratulating the newly elected President, Cabinet, and governing body members, Ali Amin Gandapur highlighted the significance of journalism as a noble and responsible profession. He stressed that when practiced with truth and integrity, journalism plays a pivotal role in shaping society.

He also urged journalists to be objective and thoughtful in forming opinions, emphasizing that credibility and reliability should never be compromised.

The Chief Minister proposed that media houses should conduct programs comparing the governance, performance, and revenue generation of different provincial governments. He suggested that provincial representatives present annual performance reports in these programs to enhance public awareness and media accountability.

Highlighting his government’s achievements, Gandapur claimed that KP had achieved a historic 49% increase in provincial revenue, marking a significant milestone in the province’s financial growth.

Reaffirming his government’s support for journalists, Gandapur emphasized that his administration does not differentiate between critics and supporters. He noted that increased revenue generation has enabled the government to offer even greater assistance to media professionals.

This mega package underscores the KP government’s continued dedication to press freedom and journalist welfare, ensuring better facilities and financial security for media professionals across the province.