Balochistan CM launches first-ever journalist housing scheme

Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti on Saturday inaugurated the province’s first-ever Journalist Housing Scheme, announcing a series of initiatives aimed at supporting journalists, particularly the families of martyred media workers and those earning modest incomes.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony, Bugti highlighted the difficult and often dangerous conditions in which journalists in Balochistan perform their duties. “We are fully aware of the financial challenges faced by media workers,” he said, reaffirming the government’s commitment to improving their living standards.

Under the newly launched housing scheme, journalists will not only be allotted plots but also provided with ready-made flats. Families of martyred journalists and low-income media workers will receive these flats free of charge through a transparent balloting system. “Merit will be our first priority,” Bugti assured. “Poor media workers deserve dignity, and these homes are their right—not a favour.”

The chief minister announced that the comprehensive housing project would be completed within a year, after which the keys would be formally handed over to beneficiaries. He directed the Secretary of Communication and Works to begin construction immediately, emphasizing that no compromise would be made on quality.

In a particularly notable pledge, Bugti declared that the provincial government would bear all educational expenses for the children of martyred journalists—regardless of whether they study at Lawrence College, Aitchison College, Oxford, or Harvard. “Their future is our responsibility,” he said.

Reflecting on security challenges faced by the province, Bugti noted that anti-state elements had long targeted journalists and youth through kidnappings and extortion, with many incidents going unreported due to safety concerns. He reiterated his unwavering stance against such forces: “It was always difficult to stand with Pakistan, but my stand never changed. I stood with Pakistan from day one and I stand still.”

The chief minister also urged journalists to uphold integrity and responsible reporting. “Journalism is the backbone of society. Stability is impossible without truthful and responsible journalism,” he remarked. He encouraged media workers to point out government shortcomings, support the truth, and discourage blackmailing.

During the ceremony, Bugti formally handed over the official papers of the Journalist Housing Society to Irfan Saeed, President of the Press Club, and assured timely completion of the project. He also praised senior journalist Shahid Rind and relevant authorities for their efforts in making the initiative a reality.

Concluding his address, Bugti affirmed that the welfare of the journalist community would remain a priority. “This journey does not end here—our measures for the betterment of journalists will continue,” he said.

The scheme has been widely welcomed as a transformative step for media workers in Balochistan, many of whom see it as long-overdue recognition of their service and sacrifice.