KP raises journalists’ endowment fund, unveils Rs1bn welfare support

PESHAWAR: Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Information Minister Shafi Jan on Monday announced a Rs1 billion welfare package for journalists, including financial support for medical treatment, during visits to the Haripur and Abbottabad press clubs.

He also said the Journalists' Endowment Fund had been increased from Rs200 million to Rs500 million, describing journalism as a sacred profession and paying tribute to media workers who lost their lives during the war against terrorism.

The visits formed part of the provincial government’s public outreach campaign launched on the directives of Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi, under which cabinet members have been asked to visit every district, hear public complaints and help ensure their early resolution.

Speaking to journalists, Shafi Jan said the K-P government’s performance reflected the chief minister’s leadership. He added that the province was undergoing wide-ranging development and had made its highest-ever allocation for the education sector in the current budget.

Provincial Education Minister Arshad Ayub Khan, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Malik Adil Iqbal, MPA Akbar Ayub Khan and other elected representatives accompanied the information minister. Senior civil and police officials, journalists and members of civil society attended the Abbottabad event.