Governor Assures Tribal Journalists of Resolving Media Issues, Announces Awards for Martyred Journalists' Families
PESHAWAR, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 4th Sep, 2026) Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Friday assured tribal journalists from the merged districts that their professional issues would be taken up with the federal government, announcing that awards for the families of martyred journalists would soon be introduced.
Talking to a delegation of the Tribal Union of Journalists (TUJ) from the merged districts, led by its President Hasban Ullah, at the Governor House, the Governor acknowledged the sacrifices rendered by journalists working in the former FATA, many of whom had embraced martyrdom or sustained injuries while performing their professional duties in conflict-hit areas.
The delegation highlighted the challenges faced by journalists in the merged districts, including terrorism, lack of basic facilities, corruption, poor infrastructure, and communication problems. They claimed that development funds amounting to Rs 100 billion had not been properly utilized in the erstwhile FATA and called for urgent government intervention.
Governor Kundi said the merged districts had remained a war zone for many years and deserved special attention from the government. He emphasized the media's role in strengthening democracy and raising public issues, stating that the problems of Khasadar personnel and residents would continue to be raised at every relevant forum. He added that several powers regarding the merged districts had already been transferred to the provincial government.
Kundi vowed to discuss journalists' issues with Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar to find practical solutions. He also advised against planned protests on September 27, suggesting dialogue and constitutional means to address grievances.
He further stressed the importance of improving mobile phone network coverage in the merged districts, emphasizing reliable connectivity for timely receipt of Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) SMS alerts and other public services.
The Governor assured that the doors of the Governor House were always open to journalists and the public.