PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Muhammad Sohail Afridi has announced one-time special grant of Rs.150 million for Peshawar Press Club (PPC).
He made this announcement while responding to the demands presented by the President of Peshawar Press Club, M Riaz during the oath taking ceremony of the newly elected cabinet and members of the governing body of the press club here.
He also announced increase in the number of scholarships for the children of journalists from 100 to 150 and the amount of Journalists Endowment Fund from Rs 200 million to Rs 500 million. He further informed that instructions have been issued to relevant authorities regarding the master plan of the journalists’ colony in New Peshawar Valley. The Chief Minister directed the Information and the Communication and Works Department to expedite preparation of PC 1 for the construction of a multi-storey building for Peshawar Press Club.
The Chief Minister said that those who raised hue and cry over the allocation of Rs 4 billion for the displaced and affected families of Tirah are conspicuously silent today when the Punjab government has purchased an aircraft worth 37 million dollars. He termed this a glaring double standard and a grave injustice to the people of Pakistan. The Chief Minister stated that Pakistan is debt burdened country running its economy through loans from the International Monetary Fund, and under such circumstances the use of national resources for personal luxury is unacceptable.
He further remarked that the reported corruption of Rs 5300 billion, as reflected in IMF reports, is an extremely serious matter. He emphasized that this money does not belong to any individual or political party but to the entire nation, and raising voice against such massive corruption is the responsibility of every conscientious citizen.
Congratulating the newly elected President, General Secretary, cabinet members and the governing body of Peshawar Press Club, the Chief Minister said that the Press Club has set a remarkable example of democratic continuity by holding timely elections under all circumstances. Whether during earthquakes, incidents of terrorism or other crises, the institution never postponed its elections, which reflects the true spirit of democracy.
He said that the Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf government, in line with the vision of its founding chairman Imran Khan, considers a strong and independent media and robust democratic institutions essential for the stability of the country.
He added that journalists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa enjoy complete freedom of expression and constructive criticism, and the provincial government welcomes positive criticism in the spirit of reform. Paying tribute to the journalists of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Chief Minister acknowledged that practicing journalism in the province over the past two decades, amid intense terrorism and security challenges, was never easy. Despite these difficulties, he said, journalists stood by truth and remained the voice of the people. He paid tribute to their sacrifices and professional commitment.
Referring to the health concerns of the founding chairman Imran Khan, the Chief Minister said that peaceful protests were held to demand his fundamental right to medical care, but the federal authority demonstrated insensitivity. He stressed that allowing access to his personal physicians is a constitutional, legal and basic human right. Despite judicial observations, he said, adequate medical facilities have not been ensured, which raises serious concerns. He made it clear that Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf does not wish to politicize the health issue, but denial of fundamental rights cannot be justified.
The Chief Minister recalled that in the past, despite controversies surrounding medical reports related to platelet counts, a decision was taken on humanitarian grounds to allow overseas treatment. However, today even access to personal doctors within jail premises is being restricted, which reflects a troubling double standard in the application of law and justice.
He also demanded that the federal government release the outstanding dues of Rs 4758 billion owed to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, stating that the province has rendered unparalleled sacrifices in the war against terrorism and its financial rights must be honored in accordance with the Constitution.
The Chief Minister assured that the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will continue to stand with the journalist community in times of joy and hardship alike. He expressed hope that the journalist fraternity will also raise its voice for the constitutional rights of the province and play its role in safeguarding public interest and democratic values.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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