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.

Sindh Misses Out on Rs 85bn in Federal Funds, Says Chief Minister Murad

July 2 - In Sindh, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah stated on Wednesday that according to the updated budget projections, Sindh anticipated receiving Rs175 billion from the central government by the conclusion of June; yet, just Rs91 billion had been disbursed up until then, leading to an insufficient amount of Rs84 billion.

He made these remarks while speaking with the media at NED University immediately following the inauguration of Sindh's first Google Gemini for Education Corner at the NED University of Engineering & Technology. In response to a query about financial issues, the Chief Minister stated that according to the updated budget projections, Sindh anticipated receiving Rs175 billion from the federal government by the end of June. Nevertheless, only Rs91 billion had been disbursed so far, leading to an estimated deficit of around Rs85 billion. He noted that the lower allocations add more strain on the province’s financial resources and developmental plans.

Regarding local governance changes, Murad Shah mentioned that the Pakistan People's Party has always focused on enhancing local administrative bodies in Sindh.

The CM stressed the significance of intelligence-driven security strategies and pointed out the Sindh administration's dedication to technology progress and digital creativity. In reply to inquiries about suggestions for a national organization to oversee urban growth, the Chief Minister stated that Sindh has no issue with setting up such an administrative federal entity.

In response to an inquiry, Murad Shah stated that there were no particular terrorist threats. Nevertheless, the Sindh administration has greatly enhanced its intelligence and security system by setting up new organizations and improving cooperation between pertinent departments. He emphasized that intelligence-driven actions play a crucial role in stopping terrorist events, especially suicide bombings, which are very hard to prevent without prompt information collection and evaluation.

Voicing worry about the extended power cuts affecting different areas of the province, including Karachi, Murad Shah stated that the current scenario is leading to significant difficulties for residents and urged prompt corrective actions. He mentioned that Sindh has great potential for renewable energy and should be supported in adopting eco-friendly and long-term energy options. The Chief Minister ended his statement by emphasizing the importance of the recently opened Google AI Room at NED University, calling it a crucial move towards providing students with advanced technical abilities and promoting Sindh’s objective of innovative growth.

Pakistan Launches Cashless Passport Services

July 2, Pakistan – On Wednesday, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated that transactions without cash have become functional in every passport office throughout Pakistan. This move seeks to accelerate passport processing and offer greater ease for those applying across the country. The change removes extended lines for payments and promotes smoother government service provision.

On a post shared via X, Naqvi mentioned that candidates will no longer have to spend long hours finishing the payment process. He noted that this countrywide implementation followed the guidance of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The minister referred to this move as a significant enhancement in passport service delivery.

Naqvi mentioned that the updated system will expedite passport issuance, enhance transparency, and offer greater ease for residents. He noted that electronic payments would streamline the application procedure and minimize unwarranted holdups. This change is included within the administration's larger initiative aimed at digitizing services.

The interior minister also commended the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports for effectively rolling out the country-wide system. He recognized the team's work in facilitating a seamless shift towards digital payments. Authorities anticipate that the updated process will improve productivity within passport agencies.

The administration stated it will keep implementing changes to enhance public services throughout Pakistan. Officials think digital projects will boost accountability and offer people simpler access to important governmental services. Additional modernization efforts are anticipated in the next few months.