CM Afridi Vows Support for Journalists with New Endowment Fund Launch

July 2 - In Pakistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi declared several actions intended to reinforce media entities and enhance the well-being of reporters, such as backing for a fresh Peshawar Press Club structure and improved monetary aid schemes. This declaration occurred during a gathering with a group representing the Cabinet and Managing Committee of the Peshawar Press Club at the Chief Minister’s residence. The representatives recognized the province's latest efforts concerning journalist welfare and media progress. Throughout this discussion, the CM concurred in theory about laying the cornerstone for the upcoming Peshawar Press Club facility at an earlier opportunity and endorsed the suggestion to create an individual endowment fund dedicated to journalists within Peshawar. Speaking to the attendees, Muhammad Sohail Afridi emphasized that the administration remains devoted to encouraging open, accountable, and autonomous reporting while guaranteeing a safe and supportive setting for those involved in media work. He noted that the regional budget for 2026–27 has set aside Rupees one billion for zero-interest loans targeting active journalists, five hundred million rupees designated for designing and advancing media neighborhoods, and one hundred fifty million rupees reserved for constructing the new Press Club edifice. Additionally, the chief minister mentioned that three hundred million rupees have been assigned towards rehabilitating local press associations and one hundred million rupees meant for upgrading and expanding projects related to the communication industry. Furthermore, he revealed that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Journalists’ Wellbeing Trust Fund had risen from two hundred million to five hundred million rupees. He ordered that settlements of unpaid public advertising debts owed to mass communications groups must be tied up with settling salaries due to journalists along with fulfilling minimal pay requirements. The leader additionally requested officials make sure input from reporters is considered regarding the newly proposed Peshawar Valley Urban Area Media Zone initiative and encouraged arranging educational tours for members of the media profession. The head official of the Peshawar Press Club extended an invitation to the Chief Minister to come see the organization and officially start off the process of erecting their brand-new premises.