No.INF/PR/All PCs/01-25/ 432-34
17-January-2025
Directorate General Information & PRs, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Directive Issued to Expel Government Employees from Journalistic Organizations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa:
The Directorate General of Information and Public Relations, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, issued a formal notification addressing a crucial matter concerning the membership of government employees in press clubs and journalist unions. Dated January 17, 2025, the notification highlights a violation of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government Employees Conduct Rules, 1987, where government employees are found to be working as journalists and holding memberships in journalistic organizations. Such practices not only contravene the code of conduct but also raise questions about the impartiality and responsibilities of these individuals in their official capacities.
The directive emphasizes that press clubs and unions across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa must take immediate action to terminate memberships of government employees within their ranks. Additionally, updated membership lists must be submitted to the Directorate to ensure compliance with the regulations. The notification underscores that failure to comply will result in strict disciplinary actions against the concerned employees and a withdrawal of support from press clubs harboring such violations.
This notification serves as a pivotal step in upholding the integrity of journalism and ensuring that government employees adhere to their official duties without conflicts of interest. It also seeks to reinforce the separation of roles, maintaining the sanctity of both public service and journalism. By addressing this issue, the Directorate aims to promote transparency, accountability, and adherence to ethical standards across both government services and journalistic bodies in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Notification Describes;
DIRECTORATE GENERAL INFORMATION & PRs
KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA, PESHAWAR
No.INF/PR/All PCs/01-25/ 432-34
Dated Peshawar the 17-01-2025
To
The Presidents / Chairmen
All Press Clubs and Union of Journalists
Across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Subject :- MEMBERSHIP OF GOVT. EMPLOYEES IN PRESS CLUBS / UNION OF JOURNALISTS
It has been reliably learnt that Govt. employees not only are working as journalists but also enjoy membership of Unions / Press Clubs and Journalistic bodies, which is clean violation of the of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Govt. employees conduct Rules 1987.
You are therefore, advised to expel govt. employees, terminate their membership if any and provide updated lists of your members.
In case Govt. employee is found member of any journalistic body, stern action will be initiated against the responsible govt. employees and no assistance will be extended to such press club.
ASSISTANT PRESS REGISTRAR
No.INF/PR/All PCs/01-25/ 432-34
Conclusion:
The directive issued by the Directorate General of Information and Public Relations serves as a stern reminder of the importance of adhering to established rules and maintaining professional boundaries. Government employees holding memberships in press clubs and journalist unions not only violate the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government Employees Conduct Rules, 1987, but also compromise the integrity of both public service and journalism. This notification underscores the need for immediate corrective measures to ensure compliance and safeguard the principles of accountability and professionalism.
By directing press clubs and journalist unions to expel government employees from their memberships and submit updated records, the Directorate is taking a firm stance on preserving the independence of journalism and the neutrality of government service. The warning of disciplinary action against non-compliant individuals further reinforces the importance of this initiative. Such measures reflect the Directorate’s commitment to upholding ethical standards and promoting transparency across both sectors.
Moving forward, this action sets a precedent for preventing conflicts of interest and ensuring that individuals in public service dedicate their efforts solely to their official responsibilities. At the same time, it reaffirms the role of journalism as an independent and unbiased institution, free from undue influences. By addressing this issue decisively, the Directorate strengthens the foundation for a more ethical, transparent, and accountable system that benefits both governance and the field of journalism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
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