On September 11, adviser to the Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Information and Public Relations, Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, announced that the provincial government is launching a digital media directorate to bring vloggers and social media into the mainstream. He said journalists affiliated with electronic media would also be provided classified and publicity advertisements for their economic well-being.

Addressing a press conference, Barrister Saif explained that journalists would be registered and issued special cards. He added that the government would provide Rs1 million each to press clubs, with grants later increasing to Rs10 million, in line with past practices. He noted that several projects and promises were delayed during the period when their government had been removed in 2023, but the current chief minister had now doubled grants for press clubs. According to him, plots had been allotted to journalists of the Peshawar Press Club, and land had been secured for a colony in Abbottabad.

Responding to a question about the Kohat media colony, the Adviser said the project was delayed due to routine government procedures. He confirmed that a site had been selected and that work would begin soon. He also assured that he would raise the matter with the minister and secretary of housing to expedite progress.

During an oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected Kohat Press Club cabinet, Barrister Saif described journalism as a “sacred and responsible profession” and pledged full government support. He assured journalists that “all commitments made with the journalists community will be fulfilled in letter and spirit.” Press Club President Noor Muhammad Bangash thanked the provincial government for a special grant of Rs10 million, while also stressing the pressing need for a media colony.

Barrister Saif further said that a Digital Directorate had been established within the Information Department to address challenges of the social media era. He reiterated that financial and professional assistance for journalists remained his top priority.