By Our Correspondent
MANSEHRA: Provincial Minister for Information and Broadcasting of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Shafiullah Jan had said that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government believes in freedom of the press and expression.
Addressing the “Meet the Press” during his visit to the Mansehra Press Club,he said that journalists of this province have made unparalleled sacrifices in the war against terrorism. In contrast, the federal government is busy suppressing journalists and putting them under pressure through various tactics.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is taking practical steps for the welfare of journalists. The Journalists Endowment Fund has been increased from Rs. 200 million to Rs. 500 million. Journalists will also be provided facilities for medical treatment, marriage, children’s education, training abroad, and interest-free loans of up to Rs. 5 million. Rs. 500 million has been allocated for media colonies and Rs. 400 million for the payment of media dues.He said that on August 5, 2026, three years will be completed since the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan, and after the rally in Peshawar on that day, the future course of action will be decided. I have come to Mansehra on the instructions of the Chief Minister.
The credit for the provincial government’s performance goes to the leadership of Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi.He claimed that the pace of development work in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is better than in other provinces, and that the largest budget in history has been allocated for education.
Criticizing the current rulers sitting in the federal government, he called them “a bunch of incompetents,” adding that this group has now been exposed to the public. He said that due to rising petroleum prices and the resulting inflation, their incompetence has become evident.
He stated that during the tenure of PTI founder Imran Khan, petrol was Rs. 150 per liter, while it has now reached Rs. 325 per liter.
He said that the media should play its role against rising inflation because it is directly related to the people. He further said that if transparent elections are held, PTI will win according to Form-45.
He claimed that the PTI founder chairman has even been deprived of basic prisoner rights. He announced that on August 5, a large rally will be held in Peshawar to launch a movement for his release, and rallies will also be held in Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan.
The Provincial Minister also announced Rs. 10 million for the welfare of journalists at the Mansehra Press Club, installation of a solar system, inclusion of the complete renovation project of Mansehra Press Club in the ADP, and purchase of land at a suitable location for a media colony.
Upon arrival at the Mansehra Press Club, President Shahzad Jahangiri and General Secretary Fakhar Alam Khan gave a grand welcome to the Provincial Minister for Information and Broadcasting.
PTI Provincial Vice President Kamal Saleem Swati and Member of Provincial Assembly Munir Hussain Lighmani Advocate also present on the occasion.
