CM Afridi approves establishment of endowment fund for journalists

Published on: July 2, 2026 3:02 AM

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi on Wednesday announced a series of measures aimed at strengthening media institutions and improving the welfare of journalists, including support for a new Peshawar Press Club building and enhanced financial assistance programmes. The announcement came during a meeting with a delegation of the Cabinet and Governing Body of Peshawar Press Club at the Chief Minister’s House. The delegation acknowledged the provincial government’s recent initiatives for journalists’ welfare and media development. During the meeting, the CM agreed in principle to lay the foundation stone of the new Peshawar Press Club building at an early stage and also supported the proposal to establish a separate endowment fund for journalists in Peshawar. Addressing the delegation, Muhammad Sohail Afridi said the government was committed to promoting free, responsible and independent journalism while ensuring a secure and enabling environment for media professionals. He said the provincial budget for 2026-27 had earmarked Rs1 billion for interest-free loans for working journalists, Rs500 million for planning and development of media colonies, and Rs150 million for construction of the new Press Club building. The CM added that Rs300 million had been allocated for rehabilitation of district press clubs and Rs100 million for modernization and growth initiatives in the information sector. He also announced that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Journalists Welfare Endowment Fund had been increased from Rs200 million to Rs500 million. He directed that payments of outstanding government advertisement dues to media organizations should be linked with clearance of journalists’ payments and implementation of minimum wage obligations. The CM further instructed authorities to ensure consultation with journalists on the New Peshawar Valley City Media Enclave project and called for organizing study visits for media professionals. The General Secretary of Peshawar Press Club invited the CM to visit the club and formally inaugurate the construction of its new building.