On November 29, Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti inaugurated the province’s first Journalist Housing Scheme and announced multiple measures aimed at supporting journalists, including families of martyred media workers and those with low incomes.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Bugti said the government recognised the difficult conditions in which journalists in Balochistan work and the financial challenges they face. He reiterated the provincial administration’s commitment to improving the living standards of media workers.
Under the newly introduced housing scheme, journalists will receive allotted plots as well as ready-made flats. According to the chief minister, families of martyred journalists and low-income media workers will be provided flats free of cost through a transparent balloting system. He said the project would be completed within one year, after which keys would be handed over to beneficiaries. Bugti also directed the Secretary of Communication and Works to begin construction immediately, stating that construction quality would be maintained.
Bugti announced that the provincial government would cover the educational expenses of children of martyred journalists, including those studying at institutions such as Lawrence College, Aitchison College, Oxford, or Harvard. He said this commitment was part of the government’s responsibility toward affected families.
Discussing security concerns in the province, the chief minister stated that anti-state elements had targeted journalists and youth through kidnappings and extortion, with several incidents remaining unreported due to safety risks. He reiterated his position against such groups.
Bugti called on journalists to uphold responsible reporting, stating that journalism plays a central role in societal stability. He encouraged media workers to highlight government shortcomings, support factual reporting, and avoid practices such as blackmail.
During the event, Bugti handed over the official papers of the Journalist Housing Society to Irfan Saeed, President of the Press Club. He acknowledged the contributions of senior journalist Shahid Rind and the relevant authorities involved in facilitating the project.
In his concluding remarks, the chief minister said that initiatives for the welfare of journalists would continue and affirmed the government’s commitment to further measures aimed at supporting the media community.
