CM-KP agrees in principle to rebuild Peshawar Press Club, set up journalists’ endowment fund

Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi on Wednesday agreed in principle to establish a dedicated endowment fund for journalists affiliated with the Peshawar Press Club and reaffirmed that the groundbreaking ceremony for the reconstruction of the club’s building would be held at the earliest.
The assurance came during a meeting with a delegation of the Peshawar Press Club’s cabinet and governing body, led by its president, M. Riaz.
The delegation thanked the chief minister for the provincial government’s initiatives for journalists’ welfare, including the allocation of funds for media sector development projects in the Annual Development Programme (ADP), the reconstruction of the Peshawar Press Club building and grants for press clubs.
Provincial Information Minister Shafi Jan, Information Secretary Matiullah Khan, Peshawar Press Club vice-president Zia-ul-Haq, general secretary Alamgir Khan, joint secretary Gulzar Ahmad, finance secretary Irshad Ali and members of the governing body attended the meeting.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Afridi said a free, responsible and independent press was the cornerstone of a democratic society and reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting media freedom while ensuring a safe and enabling environment for journalists.
He said the provincial budget for 2026-27 reflected the government’s commitment to the media sector, with Rs1 billion allocated for interest-free loans to working journalists, Rs500 million for the establishment of media colonies, Rs150 million for constructing a modern building for the Peshawar Press Club, Rs300 million for the rehabilitation of district press clubs and Rs100 million for innovation and modernisation in the information sector.
The chief minister said the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Journalists’ Welfare Endowment Fund had also been increased from Rs200 million to Rs500 million, while grants to registered press clubs across the province would continue.
He directed the relevant authorities to ensure that the clearance of outstanding government advertisement payments to media organisations was linked to the payment of journalists’ outstanding dues and compliance with the legally prescribed minimum wage.
Mr Afridi said the provincial government was committed not only to supporting media institutions but also to improving the welfare, working conditions and professional rights of journalists. He directed the authorities to formulate, in consultation with the elected leadership of the Peshawar Press Club and media organisations, a roadmap for journalists’ welfare.
The chief minister also directed officials to brief the journalist community on progress regarding the proposed Media Enclave in New Peshawar Valley City and ensure that all subsequent steps were taken in accordance with legal and administrative requirements. He further ordered the organisation of study visits for members of the Peshawar Press Club to enhance their professional exposure.
Speaking on the occasion, Peshawar Press Club president M. Riaz thanked the chief minister for the provincial government’s welfare initiatives for journalists, particularly those working in Peshawar.
General secretary Alamgir Khan invited the chief minister to visit the Press Club and perform the groundbreaking ceremony for its new building.