Steps afoot to clear media dues, digitise ad distribution: Shafi Jan

PESHAWAR
Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Information and Public Relations Shafi Jan on Monday said the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government was taking practical steps to clear outstanding payments to social media influencers and newspapers while moving towards a fully digital system for the distribution of government advertisements.
Speaking during an online khuli kachehri (open court) organised by the provincial Information and Public Relations Department, Mr Jan said journalists, social media representatives and other stakeholders presented their issues and suggestions during the session.
Responding to questions, he said the release of funds for the payment of arrears to social media influencers had been placed on the agenda of the upcoming provincial cabinet meeting.
He added that the department was also actively working to clear outstanding advertisement dues of newspapers and expressed hope that the issue would be resolved soon.
Mr Jan said radio stations had already been established in 10 districts of the province and steps were being taken to enhance their capacity. He added that more radio stations would also be set up in additional districts to improve the dissemination of government policies and initiatives to the public. He said the system for distributing advertisements to newspapers was being completely digitised to ensure transparency. In addition, a committee had been formed to ensure the fair distribution of advertisements under the current circumstances.
“Khyber Pakhtunkhwa-based newspapers are being given priority in the allocation of government advertisements,” he said.
The special assistant said legislation and rules were also being introduced for press clubs to minimise internal disputes. Committees had been established in various press clubs to help resolve conflicts, while efforts were being made to ensure the timely release of grants to press clubs.
Mr Jan said the government had established an endowment fund for the welfare of journalists and steps were being taken to utilise it for their benefit.
He added that rules and regulations were also being introduced to curb the spread of fake news.
Referring to government initiatives, he said the provincial government, elected by the people, was taking serious steps to address public issues.
To provide relief during Ramazan, he said Rs12,500 was being distributed among deserving families under the Ramazan Support Programme. More than one million families would benefit from the scheme, while over 200,000 families had already received the financial assistance.
Mr Jan said that in view of the recent increase in petroleum prices, the government would provide Rs2,200 in cash assistance to motorcycle users to ease the financial burden on citizens. He added that a separate relief package for farmers would also be announced.
He further said that Rs200 billion had been allocated for the development of Peshawar, while a modern hospital with a capacity of 5,000 beds would also be constructed in the city.
“The Information Department is the face of the government and plays a key role in keeping the public informed about government policies and measures in a timely manner,” he said.