On January 18, the Secretary for Information and Public Relations of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Arshad Khan, announced an increase in the endowment fund designated for journalists. This announcement was made during a meeting with a delegation of senior journalists from Swat.

Arshad Khan conveyed that the provincial government has released substantial funds for press clubs throughout Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, marking a historic financial commitment to enhance journalists’ welfare and professional growth.

During the discussions, journalists from the Malakand division highlighted several challenges, including sustainability issues for press clubs and newspapers, exacerbated by financial and logistical constraints. The delegation expressed concerns over maintaining operations amidst these difficulties.

Arshad Khan reassured the journalists that their concerns would be promptly addressed. He emphasized the government’s dedication to resolving the problems faced by media professionals and ensuring the sustainability of their work. “The government values the role of media and is dedicated to creating an enabling environment for positive journalism,” he added.

He also urged journalists to focus on responsible reporting and to use their platforms to bridge the gap between the government and the public. Promoting constructive journalism can play a crucial role in fostering transparent governance and keeping the community well-informed.

Four years ago, on January 1, 2020, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly approved the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Journalists Welfare Endowment Fund (Amendment) Act, 2019, aimed specifically at enhancing the welfare of the journalists’ community.