Information Minister Tarar calls for focus on KP development

He said the morale of the victims’ families was high, adding that the father of martyred police constable Faheemullah expressed pride over his son’s sacrifice. Tarar said the Peshawar Press Club had a unique status and that journalists in the city had made significant sacrifices during the fight against terrorism.

He announced that a database of journalists and media workers killed in the line of duty would be prepared, while a policy would also be developed for the families of deceased journalists and media workers. The federal minister said special attention was needed for the families of martyrs and that health insurance for Peshawar journalists was also necessary.

He said Radio Pakistan Peshawar, whose building was set on fire on May 9, had been fully restored on the prime minister’s directives. He added that its doors were open to journalists, who could record podcasts and vlogs in its studios.

Tarar said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had spoken by telephone with Jamaat-e-Islami chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, who had said he would consult on postponing the long march. He said motorcycles, Qingqis and rickshaws were being provided petrol at subsidised rates across the country, providing billions of rupees in relief to the public.

Responding to a question about PTI’s planned long march, Tarar said he did not see any threat to governor’s rule. He urged PTI leaders to focus on resolving public problems and providing facilities to the people.

The minister also questioned the decision-making authority of PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar, saying it was unclear who had the final authority to make and implement decisions within the party.