ABBOTTABAD: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Information and Public Relations Shafiullah Jan on Monday defended the provincial government’s policies, criticized the federal government on political and economic issues, and announced several initiatives aimed at supporting journalists while addressing a ceremony at the Abbottabad Press Club.
Speaking after the oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected cabinet of the Abbottabad Press Club, the minister also commented on the upcoming Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections, PTI’s political strategy, media freedom, rising fuel prices and welfare plans for journalists. The event was attended by Member of the National Assembly Ali Khan Jadoon, MPA Rajab Ali Abbasi and members of the journalist community.
Minister comments on PTI and political issues
Shafiullah Jan said Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) would launch a movement from August 5 seeking the release of former prime minister Imran Khan. He alleged that Khan was not receiving the facilities available to other prisoners, including regular access to legal counsel, family members and medical treatment.
The minister said the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government encourages political tolerance and grants permission for political gatherings regardless of party affiliation. He contrasted this with the situation in Punjab, claiming journalists face greater restrictions there.
Commenting on the Kashmir election, Shafiullah Jan described the contest as a close race between two major political parties and said PTI’s decision not to participate was appropriate.
Criticism of economy and fuel prices
The provincial minister criticized the federal government’s economic policies, claiming recent increases in diesel and petrol prices had placed an additional burden on the public.
He also raised concerns over inflation and said the provincial government continues to pursue its financial claims related to the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award and the post-merger allocation for the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA).
Welfare initiatives for journalists
Announcing measures for the media community, Shafiullah Jan said the provincial government plans to establish media colonies in different cities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He said funds allocated for journalists’ welfare had been increased and outlined plans to provide scholarships for journalists’ children and interest-free loans. He also assured the Abbottabad Press Club that the first installment for its proposed media colony would be released in August.
The minister further said the government would address issues related to journalists’ accreditation cards and consider legislative changes regarding the structure of press clubs.
Press Club officials seek government support
Addressing the ceremony, MNA Ali Khan Jadoon urged the provincial government to approve a media colony for Abbottabad journalists.
Parliamentary Secretary and MPA Rajab Ali Abbasi congratulated the newly elected Press Club cabinet and expressed hope that it would continue working for the welfare of journalists and the community.
Shafiullah Jan also assured participants that the government would consider legal amendments to allocate Rs5 million for the renovation and beautification of the Abbottabad Press Club.
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