Governor Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider Khan announced a package of support for the journalist community during his visit to the National Press Club in Islamabad, promising reductions in university fees for journalists’ children and improved health facilities. The governor said he would do everything possible to provide journalists support, including personal assistance where official disbursements could risk legal scrutiny.
Speaking to media after congratulating the newly elected office-bearers of the National Press Club, the governor reiterated his commitment to fight for Media Town Phase 2 alongside working journalists. He said the journalists support plan would include advocacy for reduced tuition fees and better access to healthcare, while noting that any direct allocation from Governor House funds might invite a NAB case, so he would provide aid in a lawful and practical manner.
The governor praised the country’s leadership for recent diplomatic successes, highlighting President Asif Ali Zardari’s visit to China as a move to strengthen Pakistan. He commended Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for the respect accorded to him and credited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other leaders for effective diplomacy that, in the governor’s words, has earned global recognition.
He told journalists that the coalition government is working together to ease public hardships and urged the cabinet to focus on stabilizing the economy and curbing inflation. The governor underscored unity within the coalition while President Zardari leads, saying political parties remain on the same page and will work to address citizens’ difficulties.
During the visit, National Press Club president Abdul Razzaq Sial and other office-bearers requested concrete measures including support for Media Town Phase 2, implementation of electronic voting for club elections, and maximum possible fee concessions for members’ children. The governor assured them of his support and repeated his pledge to stand with journalists in their campaigns for better facilities and fair access to education and healthcare.
The governor also reflected on shared struggles with the press during the fight for democracy, saying the Pakistan People’s Party stood with journalists through difficult times. He closed by promising continued engagement with the media community and practical steps to deliver journalists support across welfare and development initiatives.
