PESHAWAR, Aug 23: The NWFP Governor Khalilur Rehman has said that journalism enjoys great importance and, especially in the present age, its role in guiding and educating people has become a reality.

Speaking as chief guest at an award giving ceremony, held under the auspices of Peshawar Photo Journalist Forum at the lawn of Peshawar Press Club in the Monday evening, the governor said effective control of social evils was possible only through press. The ceremony was also addressed by MPA Mrs Nighat Orakzai.

“It is because of this reality,” he said, “this field is considered as the fourth pillar of the state.” He, however, pointed out that a realistic and judicious approach was necessary to bring facts to lime light. Referring to importance of photojournalism, the governor said a single picture could communicate facts that could not be expressed in thousands of words. Besides, he said, the press also acts as a bridge between government and people.

Referring to different issues of journalists, as highlighted by the Peshawar Press Club Chairman Muhammad Riaz and the Peshawar Photo Journalists Forum President Shahzad Ahmad, the governor said he would take appropriate measures to resolve them. Main issues pertained to establishment of a journalists’ colony and expansion of the Peshawar Press Club.

Earlier, the governor gave away awards to photo journalists. The recipients included Noor Elahi, Gulshan Aziz, Farmanullah Jan, Shahzad Ahmad, Muhammad Naeem Akhtar, Waheedullah, Ghaffar Beg, Syed Amer Ali Shah, Iftikhar Ahmad, Mohammad Sajjad, Jehangir Shah, Fayyaz Aziz, Azam Hussain, Emad Waheed, Khurram Parvez, Muhammad Khalid, Waheed-ur-Rehman, Muhammad Hussain, Abdul Majeed Goraya, Haji Maqsood Ahmad, Inam-ur-Rehman, Raja Imran, Sardar Mahmood Hussain, Tanzeel-ur-Rehman, Sikandar, Zafar Goraya, Arshad Arbab and Mufti Jehanzeb.