PESHAWAR (Dunya News) – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has agreed in principle to establish a separate endowment fund for journalists in Peshawar and announced a series of welfare measures aimed at supporting the media community.
The chief minister also pledged to soon lay the foundation stone of the new Peshawar Press Club building, reaffirming the provincial government's commitment to promoting a free, responsible and independent press while ensuring a safe and enabling environment for journalists.
He said the provincial budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year earmarks Rs1 billion for interest-free loans to working journalists. In addition, Rs500 million has been allocated for the planning, feasibility studies and design of media colonies.
The government has also set aside Rs150 million for the construction of the new Peshawar Press Club building, Rs300 million for the rehabilitation of district press clubs across the province and Rs100 million for modernization and development in the information sector.
The chief minister announced that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Journalists Welfare Endowment Fund had been increased from Rs200 million to Rs500 million.
He directed the relevant authorities to make the clearance of outstanding government advertising dues to media organisations conditional upon the payment of journalists' salaries, outstanding dues and the minimum wage.
"The welfare of working journalists and improvement in their working conditions are among the government's priorities alongside the development of media institutions," he said.
Afridi also instructed officials to consult journalists on the proposed New Peshawar Valley City Media Enclave project and ensure that it proceeds in accordance with applicable rules and regulations. He further directed the authorities to organise study tours for journalists to enhance their professional capacity.
During the meeting, the General Secretary of the Peshawar Press Club invited the chief minister to visit the club and formally lay the foundation stone for its new building.