On July 27, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Minister Shafi Jan announced a comprehensive welfare package for journalists during a visit to the Abbottabad Press Club, where he attended the oath-taking ceremony of its newly elected office-bearers. He announced interest-free loans, funding for the Abbottabad Media Colony, laptops for journalists.

During his address, Jan reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to press freedom and political tolerance, saying it would continue issuing no-objection certificates (NOCs) for public gatherings.

He also announced an increase in the Journalists’ Endowment Fund from Rs200 million to Rs500 million to support journalists requiring medical treatment, paid tribute to journalists killed in the fight against terrorism, and warned against the spread of misinformation on unverified social media platforms.

During a separate visit to the Haripur Press Club, the minister announced a Rs10 million grant and reiterated the provincial government’s commitment to journalists’ welfare. He highlighted additional initiatives, including residential plots, a pension scheme, and financial assistance for journalists suffering from serious illnesses.

The visits, accompanied by Provincial Education Minister Arshad Ayub Khan and Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Malik Adil Iqbal, formed part of a provincial government outreach initiative directed by Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi to engage with citizens and address public concerns.