ISLAMABAD, July 18: The federal government will provide Rs150,000 every year to the children of deceased journalist Hayatullah for educational expenses until they reach college-level, said a statement of the federal Ministry of Education issued here on Tuesday.

Under the directives of Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, the ministry has earmarked the sum and asked the finance division to release the money to the family of the journalist on priority basis. Hayatullah was killed by unknown assailants in Mirali, North Wazirastan Agency, in June this year.

His daughters Naila Hayat and Farishta Hayat and son Kamran Hayat will get Rs44,000 each every year till completion of their studies. Faisal Hayat, his youngest son, will get Rs18,000 a year as maintenance allowance till he is admitted to a school, after which he will be provided education at the state expense.