MARDAN: Adviser to CM on Information and Public Relations Barrister Mohammad Ali Saif urged journalists to familiarise themselves with contemporary approaches and cutting edge methods in media and reporting.

He expressed these views at a Meet the Press event held at the Mardan Press Club here on Wednesday. The office-bearers of the press club including president Bashir Adil, general secretary Akhunzada Fazal-i-Haq, vice-president Faqir Hussain and others welcomed the CM adviser upon his arrival at the press club building.

Speaking to representatives of various media organisations, Barrister Saif stated that the KP government was committed to addressing the genuine problems and issues faced by the journalist community in the province. He remarked, “I am aware that many journalists are working for different media organisations without receiving salaries or other financial benefits, which is why they are experiencing financial crises and difficulties.”

Barrister Saif acknowledged that the government was unable to compel the owners of media houses to provide salaries and other financial benefits to their employees, particularly those working in the province’s remote districts. However, he urged journalists to share their suggestions on the matter, assuring them that he would make every effort to take steps towards their implementation.

The CM aide stated that the government was deeply concerned about the recent violent incidents in Kurram Agency. On the directives of Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, he along with the IGP and other relevant officials visited the troubled area and met with elders from both rival sects with the aim of finding a permanent and effective resolution to their disputes.

Barrister Saif claimed that the KP government had formed a grand jirga comprising elders and other relevant stakeholders to work towards a constructive and lasting solution to the issues between the two rival sects.

Published in Dawn, December 12th, 2024