On December 29, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Information and Public Relations, Shafi Jan, reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to freedom of expression and independent journalism while congratulating the newly elected leadership of the Peshawar Press Club.

He said the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government had ensured a free, secure and enabling environment for journalists and acknowledged the role of the journalistic community in promoting peace, stability and social awareness through responsible reporting.

Shafi Jan described the election of the new cabinet through a democratic process as a reflection of democratic traditions and core journalistic values. He said the election of M Riaz as president of the Peshawar Press Club for the sixth time demonstrated the confidence and trust placed in him by journalists.

He added that the provincial government was aware of the issues faced by journalists and was taking steps to address them through initiatives such as the journalists’ endowment fund, special grants and other welfare measures, reaffirming its commitment to the protection and welfare of journalists across the province.