Information Minister Attaullah Tarar outlines measures for journalist welfare, Radio Pakistan access and development in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
PESHAWAR: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar on Monday called for greater attention to development in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and proposed measures to support journalists and media workers who lost their lives while performing their duties.
Addressing a press conference at the Peshawar Press Club, Tarar said he had begun his visit to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from Kohat, where he met those injured in the recent incident and families of the victims. He said he found their morale high.
Tarar recalled the family of martyred police constable Faheemullah, saying the officer’s father had expressed pride over his son’s sacrifice.
Speaking about the media community, the minister said the Peshawar Press Club had a unique standing internationally and noted that journalists in Peshawar had made significant sacrifices during the war against terrorism.
He proposed preparing a database of journalists and media workers who were killed while performing their professional duties. He said a mechanism would also be developed for journalists and media workers who died during service, with greater attention to the families of those who lost their lives.
Tarar also said health insurance should be introduced for journalists in Peshawar.
The minister highlighted the role of Radio Pakistan Peshawar, saying its building, which was set on fire on May 9, had been fully restored and made operational on the prime minister’s directions.
He said Radio Pakistan’s doors were open to journalists and that Peshawar-based journalists could use its studios to record podcasts and vlogs. He added that podcast and other studios should be made available to local journalists.
Tarar also recalled the historical role of Radio Pakistan, saying the late Abdullah Jan had announced the creation of Pakistan in Pashto from Radio Pakistan Peshawar. He said the broadcaster continued to play an important role in providing information.
The minister said he would continue meeting journalists and stressed the need to focus on development and construction in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He said one government had remained in power in the province for 12½ years, but development remained lacking and required attention.
On political matters, Tarar said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had spoken by telephone with Jamaat-e-Islami Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, who had said he would consult on postponing the long march.
Tarar said motorcycles, Qingqi rickshaws and rickshaws across Pakistan were being provided petrol at subsidized rates, describing the initiative as relief worth billions of rupees.
He also questioned the decision-making authority of PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar, saying it was unclear where the authority to make and implement decisions rested.
Tarar said government resources in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were meant for the public, not protests. He also questioned the use of funds allocated to the province under the NFC Award for maintaining law and order, asking where billions of rupees had been spent during the 16 years since the NFC system began.
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