Provincial Minister for Information Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Shafique Jan has said that the people of Mardan have consistently supported Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), adding that the party received a public mandate in the February 8 elections but claimed it was defended most strongly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

He made these remarks while addressing the oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected office-bearers of the Mardan Press Club. The event was also attended by Provincial Minister for Revenue Tariq Mehmood Arianai, who chaired the ceremony, while Shafique Jan administered the oath.

Speaking at the event, the provincial information minister said PTI founder Imran Khan had been deprived of basic rights and described his imprisonment as unjust. He added that the federal government had failed to address public issues despite presenting multiple budgets.

Shafique Jan criticised governance in Punjab and Sindh, alleging uneven development and weak public service delivery. He also claimed that media narratives and social media campaigns were being used against the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government.

The minister said the provincial government was prioritising health, education, and law and order due to the province’s security challenges, particularly terrorism. He added that efforts were also being made to improve relations with Afghanistan, stating that dialogue was necessary for regional stability.

He further said that thousands of PTI workers faced legal cases and arrests, but public support for the party remained strong.

On journalists’ welfare, Shafique Jan announced scholarship and financial support programmes for media workers’ families, including an endowment fund increase and interest-free loan schemes. He also announced a Rs5 million grant for the Mardan Press Club along with support for building repairs and housing-related initiatives for journalists.

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