SWAT: The secretary for information and public relations, Arshad Khan, announced on Saturday that provincial government increased the endowment fund allocated for journalists.

The initiative is meant to provide substantial financial benefits and support to journalists across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Speaking to a delegation of senior journalists from Swat, he said that government was committed to welfare of journalists. He noted that, for the first time in the province’s history, substantial funds were allocated for press clubs across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

These funds are meant to address the welfare needs of journalists and promote their professional growth.

Arshad Khan urged journalists to perform their professional duty responsibly and highlight government’s performance through positive and balanced reporting. “Journalists should play their role as a bridge between the government and people by promoting constructive journalism,” he added.

The members of delegation informed him about various challenges faced by journalists in Malakand division, including issues related to press clubs and newspapers. They outlined the difficulties in maintaining sustainability of their operations, particularly in light of rising financial and logistical constraints.

Arshad Khan assured them that their concerns would be addressed on priority basis. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to resolving the problems faced by journalists and newspapers. “The government values the role of media and is dedicated to creating an enabling environment for positive journalism,” he added.

He highlighted the importance of journalism in fostering transparent governance and urged journalists to report objectively while ensuring that people were well-informed.

Published in Dawn, January 19th, 2025