PESHAWAR, May 2: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Information Mian Iftikhar Hussain here on Wednesday paid rich tribute to the journalists, who were killed in the line of duty.

Leading a torch-bearing procession arranged by Khyber Union of Journalists from Peshawar Press Club to State Bank Chowk in connection with World Press Freedom Day, he appreciated journalists for performing their duty dedicatedly despite life threats from militants.

Several leaders of the labourer organisations, civil society, political parties and a large number of journalists participated in the procession.

The minister said that militancy plagued the society and several journalists lost their lives for the only reason that they were performing duty with honesty and devotion.

He said that the sacrifices of innocent people would bear fruits and peace would be restored in the province. He also mentioned the sacrifices of the political workers, personnel of law enforcement agencies and said that the menace of terrorism could be overcome only with joint efforts and struggle.

KhUJ president Arshad Aziz Malik, Peshawar Press Club president Saiful Islam Saifi also spoke on the occasion and highlighted the problems being faced by journalists in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Fata.

They said that at least 30 journalists had been killed, many injured and kidnapped by suspected militants in settled and tribal regions while scores of them were still facing life threats.

They said that despite all threats they would keep the torch of press freedom high and would not bow to any pressure.

They said that government should play its due role in provision of possible protection to journalists.