According to the report, the attackers attempted to force their way into the press club, resulting in an altercation with security personnel.

In a press release, the Khyber Union of Journalists (KhUJ) condemned the attack on the press club, sharing that the brother of the ruling political party’s MPA, accompanied by party workers, forcibly entered the press club, damaged property and verbally abused journalists.

KhUJ President Kashifuddin Syed and General Secretary Irshad Ali described the incident as an assault on press freedom and called for an immediate and transparent investigation, legal action against those responsible and protection for journalists. The union also urged PTI leadership to take disciplinary action against the party workers allegedly involved.

According to The Khyber Times, the armed mob specifically targeted senior journalist Noor Behram, a member of the press club, allegedly due to his reporting and criticism regarding local public issues and the political situation.

Speaking to PPF, Behram said that he was sitting at the press club that afternoon when the security guard approached him and informed him that some people wanted to meet him. As the guard had not noticed that they were carrying batons, Behram told him to let them in.

According to Behram, the individuals entered the press club along with Noor Muhammad and allegedly began attacking Behram with batons. When they were unable to reach him, they started smashing the glass doors and windows of the press club. The security guard intervened to protect Behram and took the attackers from the premises. Behram said the police arrived at the scene, witnessed the situation and took the individuals to the police station.

Behram told PPF that he submitted a request to the District Police Officer (DPO) to register an FIR, but no FIR has been registered yet.

Following the attack, an emergency meeting was convened by the Waziristan Union of Journalists (WUJs) and the Miranshah Press Club. The journalist bodies demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible and called for a transparent investigation and improved security measures.

Speaking to PPF, Miranshah Press Club President Haji Mujtaba said the press club had been attacked for the second time, with local individuals allegedly forcing their way inside and damaging property. He said the matter was later resolved amicably. Mujtaba appealed for permanent security at the press club and to ensure the safety of journalists.

The Tribal Union of Journalists (TUJ) strongly condemned the attack, expressing full solidarity with local journalists. According to the press club’s management, the brother of a ruling-party MPA, accompanied by party workers, forcibly entered the premises, damaged property, and verbally abused journalists.

In a statement, TUJ President Hasbanullah and other leadership also demanded that the PTI leadership take strict disciplinary action against any affiliated individuals involved, stressing that political connections should not exempt anyone from the law or compromise press freedom.

The court directed the accused to appear personally at the next hearing and ordered the investigation officer to submit a progress report by September 5. Nine accused remain at large, according to the prosecution, with the court directing their lawyer to ensure they appear in the next hearing.

The court also placed on record forensic reports from the Punjab Forensic Science Agency in Lahore and  NADRA in Islamabad, while prosecution officials cited pending forensic analysis and inconclusive video evidence for the delays.

The Radio Pakistan Peshawar building was attacked by protesters on May 9, 2023, causing damage and arson. A case was registered against PTI leaders, lawmakers and party workers.

In January 2026, the ATC judge Wali Muhammad Khan  sought a detailed progress report over delays in the investigation.

KP Law Minister Aftab Alam welcomed the dismissal of the contempt petitions, stressing transparent investigations and adherence to legal procedures.

The directive issued on August 30 outlined that Neelum district, including Upper and Lower Neelum, Leepa Valley, and Haveli district will see a resumption of full broadband and cellular data services. Mirpur and Bhimber districts will also have broadband services restored.

In Muzaffarabad, Jhelum Valley, Bagh, Dhirkot and parts of Kotli, services were limited to educational institutions and banks.

Internet services remained suspended in Rawalakot and Sudhnoti, as well as Sehnsa, Sarsawa and Tattapani.

Traders and internet-dependent businesses continued to face difficulties with digital payments due to the ongoing restrictions.

Internet services remained suspended from June 5 amid the  law-and-order situation following the proscription of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC).

In a statement issued on August 30, Khan said Urfi’s chronic liver condition recently worsened and that he was unable to afford the required medical treatment.

He urged the chief minister to intervene and provide funds for Urfi’s urgent healthcare needs.

During a visit to the Central Press Club, Gillani said educational institutions would be prioritised for internet restoration following an 86-day shutdown that disrupted education and business activities.

Internet services were expected to be partially restored after midnight in Muzaffarabad, Mirpur Division, Bagh and DhirKot, with restoration likely taking place in phases.

He acknowledged the losses suffered by businesses, particularly in Mirpur, and said the government would formulate policies to compensate the affected business community.

The petition, filed by Waqas Nasir through advocates Muhammad Jalal Haider and Yahya Fareed Khawaja, seeks mandatory age-verification systems and a legal framework to protect children from cyberbullying, online harassment and harmful content.

It also calls for safeguards for children’s digital privacy and wellbeing.

The petitioner cited international measures, including Australia’s restrictions on children’s social media use, France’s parental consent requirement and the UK’s Online Safety Act 2023 and seeks a dedicated mechanism for child social media protection and regulation.

The agency seized his mobile phone and SIM card, which allegedly contained fabricated and objectionable images of several women.

According to the NCCIA, Salman obtained their personal data and photographs while working abroad and allegedly used the material after returning to Pakistan to create fake images and demand money.

The delegation discussed SRSO’s initiatives, including interest-free loans, grants, and business development groups, and met women benefiting from these programmes, including community leaders, entrepreneurs, and artisans.

The journalists visited a Business Development Group supported by SRSO at Mohenjo Daro and met women running traditional food businesses. They observed how the initiatives were helping women generate sustainable livelihoods and support their families.

SRSO Regional General Manager Larkana, Asad Ali Jatoi, along with the district manager and media consultant, received the delegation.

The journalists were also presented with traditional Lungi/Khees handcrafted by one of the women-led business groups.

According to a First Information Report (FIR) registered at Landi Kotal Police Station following a complaint by Shah Fahad, Zahid allegedly created and shared inappropriate pictures and videos of individuals through social media and demanded money from victims, threatening to release the content if they refused to pay.

Police said Zahid was allegedly the main operator of a network of fake profiles and that his arrest could help identify other people involved.

The meeting focused on the growing role of digital media, digital development, and governance.

The announcement was made by Election Committee Chairman Hassan Imam Siddiqui in the presence of committee members Farooq Arshi, Rehan Mahmood Khan, Asif Ahmed Khan and Athar Iqbal.

The newly elected office-bearers include Dr. Huma Mir as President, Muhammad Nasir and Sarwat Jabeen as Vice Presidents, Syed Muhammad Ghaus (S.M. Shakir) as General Secretary, Syed Karam Ali Shah and Sehar Hussain as Joint Secretaries, Naeem Habib as Treasurer, Wasim Khan as Information Secretary, and Mustafa Mallah as Social Secretary.

A new Managing Committee has also been formed, comprising Zeeshan Siddiqui, G.M. Khaskheli, Sarfraz Siyal, Maqbool Ahmed Barfat, Mujeeb Qureshi, Abid Bashir, Muhammad Sultan and Aslam Rajput.

Newly elected President Dr. Huma Mir pledged to protect journalists’ rights and promote the welfare of professionals in the film, television and theatre industries.

The association, which has been active for 45 years, also announced a membership drive to include showbiz journalists from print, electronic and social media.

Former President Abdul Wasi Qureshi was also named Lifetime Vice Chairman in recognition of his services.

In fiscal year 2022-23, the Secretariat recorded its highest annual legal expenditure: Rs 20.4 million paid to eight lawyers. Subsequent payments were Rs 2.64 million in 2023-24, Rs 11.1 million in 2024-25, and Rs 1.61 million in 2025-26.

The details emerged following an appeal filed by journalist Saddia Mazhar, who demanded transparency under the RTI Act.

The Secretariat enlisted 10 special counsel starting January 2022 to represent it in RTI-related legal challenges. These included Hafiz S.A. Rehman, Irfan Qadir, Ilyas Siddiqui, Arfat Ahmed Chaudhary, Amaad Nasir Kundi, Lamia Niazi, Sanaullah, Ahsan Bhoon, Anwar Mughal, and Farhad Ali Khan Durrani.

Advocate Ahsan Bhoon received the highest individual payment of Rs 9.9 million during this period. The records indicate that litigation stemmed from RTI appeals where the Pakistan Information Commission had issued show-cause notices to the NA Secretariat’s secretary. The matters were challenged before the Islamabad High Court and later remanded to the Commission.

National Assembly Media Wing Director General Zafar Sultan confirmed the appointments, stating they were made during the previous PTI government and that no new private counsel had been hired under the current administration.

The Secretariat filed 14 related cases, most of them in 2023, with one each in 2024 and 2025 and none in 2022 or 2026.

On August 18, the minister conveyed his heartfelt condolences to Saleem and his family.

He described the loss of a sibling as an immense and indescribable grief and prayed for the deceased’s forgiveness and mercy, as well as strength and patience for the family to bear the loss.

People from various sectors, including journalists, public figures and friends, expressed condolences to Niazi and his family and offered support during their loss.

They prayed for the deceased’s forgiveness, mercy and a place in the hereafter.

Her burial will take place in Canada.

The ceremony was attended by a nine-member delegation from Google led by Wilson L. White, Vice President for Government Affairs and Public Policy.

During the ceremony at the Prime Minister’s House, Sharif highlighted the government’s “Digital Nation Pakistan” initiative and said the partnership could help modernise IT infrastructure and train young people with skills in IT and artificial intelligence.

Google Vice President for Government Affairs and Public Policy Wilson L. White said the company’s activities over the past decade had contributed more than Rs 3.9 trillion to Pakistan’s economy and supported around 960,000 jobs in Pakistan. He said Google aims to support Pakistan’s goal of becoming a $30 billion IT export hub.

Looking ahead, Google plans to extend its involvement in Pakistan’s digital economy. White mentioned the company’s efforts in upskilling over one million Pakistanis and the successful setup of a Chromebook assembly line with local partners in Haripur for domestic and regional markets.

Google is set to announce a significant educational initiative, offering a one-year free subscription to Google Gemini for all students.

Federal Information Technology and Telecommunication Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja said that the local office would connect local talent with global opportunities, fostering growth in areas like Artificial Intelligence, cloud technologies, and entrepreneurship.

The meeting, also attended by KPCSW Secretary Shazia Atta, focused on establishing a Social Protection Authority in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, drawing on models from other provinces. The participants also discussed policy development, institutional cooperation and joint initiatives to promote women’s social and economic empowerment.

The officials agreed to exchange experiences and best practices to strengthen welfare and protection mechanisms for women and promote greater inclusion across provinces.

CMPak requested provincial support for the project, including an industrial electricity tariff, increased grid capacity, dual power feeds and priority status. Chief Minister Shah assured the company of the provincial government’s support and directed relevant departments to review and facilitate its proposals.

The proposed data centre in Karachi’s Korangi Industrial Area is expected to accommodate around 1,600 racks and require approximately 20 megawatts of power. CMPak has already invested Rs4.07 billion in the facility and plans to invest a further Rs14 billion over the next decade.

Shah said the project would strengthen Pakistan’s digital infrastructure and technological capabilities while creating opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship, and employment. He also highlighted Karachi’s potential as a hub for technology and data infrastructure.

The court also directed Jatoi to issue an unconditional public apology on Facebook and keep the post online for at least 30 days.

On July 24, 2024., Jatoi had accused Dr Mastoi of possessing a fake MBBS degree and embezzling hospital funds through Facebook posts and a live broadcast.

Dr Mastoi had filed a defamation suit seeking Rs 20 million in damages. Jatoi claimed the posts were part of journalistic activity, but the court found that he failed to establish his journalistic credentials or provide credible evidence supporting the allegations.

The court ruled the claims were baseless and defamatory and barred Jatoi from making further defamatory or unverified statements against Dr Mastoi.

Maryam Nawaz conveyed heartfelt sympathies to Iqbal’s family, highlighting his memorable service in the field of journalism.

Azma Bokhari also expressed her grief, describing Iqbal as a professional and affable journalist and acknowledging his longstanding contributions to the field.

Both prayed for the deceased’s eternal peace and strength for his family to bear the loss.

Under the rules, officials are prohibited from sharing photographs or details of official meetings, promoting government work through personal accounts, or using official social media platforms for personal branding.

They are also barred from operating anonymous or fake accounts to criticise the government or state institutions.

Civil servants may not publish opinions or information on digital or broadcast platforms, including social media, television, and radio, that contradict the government’s position.

Officials may also be required to disclose their personal and official social media accounts to authorities.

The rules require written approval before creating official social media accounts, which must only be used to share verified government information and official activities. Officials leaving their posts must also hand over account credentials, archived data and administrative access to their successors.

Supported by Google.org, the initiative was announced at the ‘Safe Raho with Google’ event in collaboration with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Tech Valley, and educational institutions. It will introduce families to tools including Family Link, a free parental control app; age-appropriate settings on YouTube; and Be Internet Awesome and guidance on responsible use of Gemini.

Separately, Google and the PTA signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen child online safety through awareness campaigns and digital literacy programmes for children, parents, teachers, and caregivers.

PTA Chairman Retired Major General Hafeezur Rehman stressed the need for greater cooperation among stakeholders to protect children from online risks, while Google’s Cluster Director for Pakistan, Farhan Qureshi, highlighted Pakistan’s potential in content creation, gaming, freelancing, and technology.

The initiative follows the recent opening of Google’s Karachi office, reflecting the company’s growing presence and long-term engagement in Pakistan.

The alliance was announced during a roundtable titled “Defending Freedom of Expression in Civic Space” organised by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) with support from the European Union in Karachi.

The meeting was attended by Geo News Managing Director Azhar Abbas, veteran journalist Hussain Naqi, HRCP Chairperson Asad Iqbal Butt and other media and rights representatives. Participants highlighted legal pressures, censorship, harassment, violence and restrictive media regulations affecting journalists and civic space.

The participants adopted a seven-point charter calling for reforms to laws restricting dissent and online speech, an end to impunity for violence against journalists, protection of editorial independence and safer working environments for women and freelance journalists.

The proposed alliance will coordinate advocacy, strategic litigation, documentation, rapid-response support and public mobilisation, bringing together journalists’ unions, press clubs, digital and freelance journalists, lawyers, artists and civil society organisations.

The charter also calls for fair wages, written contracts, insurance and safe working conditions for media workers, as well as stronger journalists’ associations capable of providing legal and emergency support. It stresses the need to protect regional voices and civic spaces across Pakistan.

The signatories urged federal and provincial governments, Parliament, political parties, courts, regulators, media owners, journalists’ bodies and civil society to adopt the charter as a shared roadmap for protecting media freedom and strengthening democratic space.

During a review meeting on August 19, attended by Director General Information and Public Relations Ansar Khilji and other officials, Bibi instructed the department to complete all necessary procedures, including the installation of a transmission tower and establishment of a studio, so the project could enter the implementation phase.

Ansar Khilji briefed the meeting that a technical team had conducted a detailed survey of Upper Chitral and assessed government sites and buildings for the radio studio and transmission tower.

A site in Booni, the district headquarters, was selected for the FM station after considering electricity supply, accessibility and other technical requirements.

Khilji said the funds currently available for the project were limited and that a summary seeking additional funding had been submitted. He added that importing transmitters, along with renovation, tendering and procurement procedures, could delay the project.

However, he assured the deputy speaker that the department was working to complete it as soon as possible.

Bibi emphasised the importance of the FM station for the remote and geographically challenging district, saying it would provide timely information on natural disasters, weather, health, education and other public matters. She also said the station would promote the local language, culture, traditions and talent, highlight community issues and create educational, informative and creative opportunities for young people.

She praised the department’s efforts and reiterated the need to accelerate the project, describing improved communication and public-service infrastructure as essential to addressing the underdevelopment of Upper Chitral.

The suit seeks the removal of allegedly defamatory social media content, along with compensatory damages and other legal relief.

The legal documents state that the content harmed Bokhari’s reputation, integrity and professional standing.

The suspects, identified as Muhammad Arif, Muhammad Younis Sajid and Muhammad Nadeem, allegedly contacted victims and falsely claimed suspicious activity had been detected in their bank accounts, demanding payments to resolve the issue.

The investigation began after a woman was allegedly defrauded of Rs 15 million. The NCCIA seized three mobile phones from the suspects and recovered evidence of more than 12 fake JazzCash accounts allegedly used for the transactions.

The agency is examining the account details and transaction records.

During a meeting with Google delegation led by Senior Director David Weller and other officials including Pakistan representative Dr Kyle Gardner focused on addressing security challenges, the effective use of social media to counter terrorism and the timely removal of harmful online content.

Google representatives assured the minister of continued support for a secure digital environment, while Chaudhry expressed a desire to strengthen the existing partnership to promote a safer online space.

The event was attended by key officials from the Social Media Protection and Regulation Authority, the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency, and the Ministry of Interior.

Journalists from the Chitral Press Club, Radio Pakistan, Hot FM 97, Suno Radio, social media platforms and influencers, attended the training sessions and a field visit to Bumburet Valley.

The training covered disaster reporting, the needs and safety of women and persons with disabilities, ethical and inclusive reporting, and standard operating procedures.

Resource persons Javed Ahmed, Fida Hassan, Mehr Aftab and Karishma highlighted the media’s role in providing responsible and timely information before, during and after disasters.

AKAH Pakistan Regional Programme Manager Engr. Altaf Hussain Shah distributed certificates to participants and stressed the importance of cooperation between journalists and disaster management organisations.

He commended the dedication of local journalists who operate under challenging conditions and underscored the importance of timely dissemination of life-saving information.

Senior journalist and UK Bureau Chief of SAMAA TV Azhar Javaid was elected Chairman of PPCUK International, while Haseeb Arsalan was named Vice Chairman and Shaukat Dar named President. Other office bearers include Irfan ul Haq as Senior Vice President, Nasim Siddiqi as Vice President, Safina Khan as General Secretary, Syed Sibtain Ali as Information Secretary, Amna Chaudhry as Joint Secretary, Zulfiqar Ali as Additional Secretary and Pervez Iqbal as Finance Secretary.

Pakistan High Commission Press Minister in London Ali Nawaz Malik congratulated the new leadership and highlighted the role of UK-based Pakistani journalists in promoting Pakistan’s image globally.

Azhar Javaid said PPCUK International would focus on maintaining professional and ethical journalism standards, uniting Pakistani journalists in the UK and providing balanced coverage of Pakistan.

Haseeb Arsalan stressed the importance of improving Pakistan’s global image, while Shaukat Dar highlighted the importance of unity among media professionals.

Safina Khan said the organisation would serve as a bridge between Pakistan, the Pakistani diaspora and media institutions.

Established more than a decade ago, PPCUK International provides Pakistani journalists in the UK with a platform for professional collaboration, networking and advocacy on media issues.

A seven-member team led by DIG Amir Farooqui is investigating the case. According to Dawn, sources stated that they are trying to recover Raza’s digital activity, including his WhatsApp records.

The team also recorded the statement of the online cab driver who last transported Raza to Gulistan-i-Jauhar.

The sub-committee, to be convened by Senator Syed Waqar Mehdi, with Senators Jan Muhammad and Abdul Shakoor Khan as members, aims to ensure the transparent and timely distribution of these housing benefits.

A Senate Secretariat notification outlined that under the terms of reference (ToR), the sub-committee will supervise the distribution process and review existing quotas set for journalists and media workers to ensure fair and adequate allocation.

The sub-committee must submit its findings and recommendations to the main committee within 60 days of its first meeting or 15 days from the notification’s issuance, whichever comes first. The Senate Secretariat has directed relevant departments and officials to provide full cooperation.

At an emergency meeting at the Kashmir Press Club Mirpur, participants said the prolonged outage disrupted businesses, education and daily life. Businesses suffered losses of millions of rupees daily, and students risked losing the academic year. Some businesses are reportedly considering relocating, while residents have been travelling to Sarai Alamgir and Jhelum to access internet services.

They also noted that overseas Pakistanis of Kashmiri origin visiting from Britain and other countries are spending less time in Mirpur, further affecting local businesses. Participants urged the federal and AJK governments to resolve the issue through dialogue and restore connectivity.

The District Bar Association would lead the proposed strike if internet services were not restored, which would continue until internet services are fully restored.

The meeting included District Bar Association President Babar Ali Khan Advocate, Chamber of Commerce President Umar Shehzad Jeraal, Anjuman-e-Tajiran President Chaudhry Muhammad Naeem, Private Schools and Colleges Association President Mirza Wajahat Baig, former traders’ association president Asif Dar, Secretary General Anjuman-e-Tajiran Raja Khalid Mahmood, Jibran Manzoor, Chemists and Druggists Association Vice President Muhammad Bashir Shago, District Bar Secretary General Zahid Chaudhry, former Kashmir Press Club presidents and senior local journalists.

On August 12, the PJSC-KP made this decision during a meeting at the Peshawar Press Club, chaired by Chairperson Saiful Islam Safi. Participants discussed the need for legal safeguards for journalists and measures to address impunity in crimes against media personnel.

The meeting was attended by Peshawar Press Club President M. Riaz, Khyber Union of Journalists President Kashifuddin, Freedom Network Executive Director Iqbal Khattak, veteran journalist Shamim Shahid, journalist Farzana Ali, Parliamentary Reporters Association secretary Asghar Ali and Faridullah Khan.

Khattak highlighted previous communications from the PJSC federal chapter, led by senior journalist Hamid Mir, urging the chief minister to address impunity for crimes against journalists. Participants agreed to maintain pressure for journalist safety and justice reforms.

Under the proposed advocacy plan, the Peshawar Press Club and Khyber Union of Journalists, with technical support from Freedom Network, will campaign for legislation based on three principles: prevention, protection and prosecution.

Reflecting on recent data, the Freedom Network’s Q2 Threat Assessment Review Report noted that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is the second-most perilous province for journalists, following Punjab, accounting for 14 percent of the threat cases reported from April to June.

Participants urged the provincial government to turn its commitments into concrete legislative and institutional safeguards and ensure accountability for attacks against journalists.

During the hearing, representatives from the federal government and the NCCIA argued that the inquiry was still at a preliminary stage and that the agency’s territorial jurisdiction had not been established. The NCCIA sought more time to determine whether its Multan office had legal authority to proceed.

Shafqat’s counsel, Advocate Mian Dawood, challenged the Multan office’s jurisdiction, pointing out that Shafqat, a permanent resident of Lahore, had cooperated with the inquiry as a law-abiding citizen despite the jurisdictional concerns.

Justice Khalid Ishaq observed the agency’s uncertainty over jurisdiction and ordered the inquiry to remain suspended till the next hearing and said that the agency could obtain a legal opinion..

Shafqat had said that the NCCIA had no jurisdiction to conduct an inquiry against him for criticising, commenting on or analysing the government. He petitioned the court to declare the inquiry unlawful and a violation of his fundamental rights.

Previously, the court restrained the NCCIA from taking any coercive actions against Shafqat and directed him to respond to its notice.

The court scheduled September 28 for further arguments.

Ibrahim, 26-27, was accused of running an ‘anti-state’ social media campaign encouraging attacks on oil tankers during protests against the construction of new canals. The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) arrested him on February 27, 2025, under Section 26-A of the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act read with Sections 506 and 109 of the Pakistan Penal Code. Evidence from his mobile phone, including posts from a Facebook account named “Imran Sindhi,” was presented during the trial.

The court found the prosecution’s evidence sufficient to establish his guilt. Judicial Magistrate Gulraiz Memon placed Ibrahim on one-year probation under a Rs100,000 surety bond, requiring good behaviour, regular reporting to a probation officer and avoidance of illegal online activity.

The commission previously had a backlog of 1,500 applications due to an incomplete panel consisting of the chief information commissioner and two commissioners. The appointment of the new Chief Information Commissioner, Syed Nazar Hussain Shah accelerated the processing of requests for information from public bodies.

In one week in August, the KP Information Commission (KPIC) resolved 31 complaints during hearings after various public bodies provided the required information under the KP Right to Information Act, 2013. Shah and Information Commissioner Arshad Ahmad oversaw the hearings, reviewing a total of 49 complaints.

The responding departments included the KP Public Service Commission, the Elementary and Secondary Education Department, and District Health Offices in Peshawar and Charsadda amongst others.

Some cases remain pending, with the commission directing the Central Police Office, Peshawar, District Police Officer, Charsadda, TMA Rustam and University of Peshawar to provide information within a week. The KPIC also summoned officials who failed to comply with the timelines under the KP RTI Act, 2013.

The case, registered under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) at the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), Lahore, concerns an alleged fake video of Bokhari reportedly uploaded by PTI social media activists Falak Javed and Muhammad Shafiq, who are currently in police custody.

Additional District & Sessions Judge Nusrat Ali Siddiqui Malik clarified that video testimony is an exception and not a right, citing the importance of in-person cross-examination for a fair trial.

The judge noted that Bokhari had failed to provide substantial evidence, such as a police report or security assessment, to justify her inability to attend court due to safety concerns.

The court directed Bokhari to appear at the next hearing but allowed her to seek additional security arrangements if required.

Senior Commissioner Muhammad Saleem Khan said Sindh’s first Information Commission was established in 2017 following the enactment of the RTI law. He highlighted the Commission’s independent status and authority to inspect public bodies to ensure compliance with the law, noting that citizens have a legal right to access information.

Commissioner Noor Muhammad Dayo said designated officers must register and respond to information requests within 15 days, with a 10-day extension allowed in valid cases. He warned that officials could face penalties and legal action for denying access, providing incorrect information or destroying records, and urged departments to improve record-keeping and transparency.

Executive Director Zulfiqar Sheikh stressed the importance of accurate and timely information in building public trust and accountability.

The seminar also recognised departments, particularly the Police Department, for their efforts in implementing the RTI law and facilitating public access to information.

Directorate General of Public Relations (DGPR) Punjab Farid Ahmed Sheikh and Director General PID Lahore Shafqat Abbas briefed the committee on the department’s performance, recent measures to address newspaper dues, advertising distribution and media-related issues. The performance of Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari and the DGPR team received approval, particularly for their efforts in media cooperation and issue resolution.

The committee expressed concern over the significant decline in government advertisements allocated to print media over the past three months, which particularly affected regional newspapers. It called for a fair share of government advertising in public awareness campaigns to support newspapers and their role in society.

The committee also raised concerns over the delay in IPL payments, which impacted newspapers’ ability to pay salaries and cover operational expenses. The committee urged that IPL payments be regularised and issued monthly within the stipulated time frame along with the immediate clearance of SPL and other government dues, including outstanding payments up to December 2025.

The committee also addressed the issue of advertising business continuity in the event of a publisher’s death, proposing that while payments could be withheld pending legal formalities, the issuance of advertisements should continue uninterrupted. Both DGPR’s and APNS’s legal teams were tasked with developing a clear, transparent, and practical procedure.

Attendees included prominent figures such as APNS President Sarmad Ali, DGPR Punjab Farid Ahmed Sheikh, and DG PID Lahore Shafqat Abbas, among others.

Federal Minister for Culture and National Heritage Aurangzeb Khan Kachhi inaugurated the exhibition and announced a Rs 500,000 grant for RIPJA, along with plans for a memorandum of understanding to jointly promote cultural heritage. Al-Sadat Group Chairman Syed Sadaqat Shah also announced support, including photography equipment, an annual Rs 300,000 grant and training courses for members.

The exhibition featured images of sites including Ban Faqiran Stupa, Pharwala Fort and Shah Allah Ditta Caves. Philippine Ambassador Dr Emmanuel R. Fernandez praised the exhibition and announced plans for a joint Pakistani-Philippine cultural exhibition.

The event concluded with the presentation of professional camera bags and commemorative shields to the participants.

The apologies followed backlash over the dissemination of defamatory content which was later retracted.

The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) in Karachi summoned four individuals — Syed Abdullah, Amin Qureshi, Bilal Warsi, and Obaid Qureshi — allegedly involved in spreading the fabricated and defamatory content.  They were directed to appear at the NCCIA Karachi office on August 13.

The Facebook page Karachi Stories acknowledged that its post about the case was based on unverified information obtained from social media sources, apologised to Memon and other affected parties, and pledged to verify information before publishing future posts.

Similarly, the Karachi Wines Facebook page issued an apology to both Sharjeel Memon and his son Rawal, acknowledging that the information in their previous post was incorrect.

Other pages like Muhajir Community and Fikra O Amal also expressed regret over their posts.

APNS President Senator Sarmad Ali and Mohammad Ather Kazi expressed their concerns, describing the event as an attack on press freedom and an attempt to intimidate and silence journalism.

APNS called on the Punjab government and law enforcement agencies to register an First Information Report (FIR), arrest those responsible and provide security to Ishtiaq and his family.  APNS expressed solidarity with Ishtiaq and the wider journalistic community.

Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro presided over the hearing, during which Toor’s counsel, Advocate Attaullah Kundi, expressed concern that his client was willing to join the inquiry but could face arrest.

Advocate Kundi informed the court that although Toor was prepared to cooperate with the agency, there was apprehension about potential detention. The allegations, according to Kundi, pertained to a news report about the medical condition of the PTI founder.

The judge summoned the investigating officer to appear in court in a personal capacity and adjourned further proceedings to a later date.

On July 29, the NCCIA issued a notice to Toor, requiring his presence at the agency’s Cybercrime Reporting Centre in Islamabad for an inquiry related to the alleged dissemination of false information.

Toor was required to appear before the NCCIA on July 31. The notice was issued under Section 26-A of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016. As per the notice, the complainant was listed as through the State.

Speaking to PPF, Toor had said that the notice from the NCCIA was vague and did not specify the matter for which he had been summoned. Toor shared that he had no idea what the inquiry was related to.

On July 30, Toor challenged the notice in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) seeking to have the NCCIA notice declared null and void.

The IHC on July 31 instructed the NCCIA to provide Toor with detailed allegations so he could respond adequately.

While mobile signals were partially restored in some areas, internet access remained unavailable, disrupting communication and daily activities.

The disruption coincided with the closure of all commercial banks and financial institutions in Nushki since August 5. The closures are expected to continue until the end of August, leaving government employees, pensioners, students and businesses unable to access salaries, pensions and other financial services.

Police arrived at the site and shifted Kanrani’s body and his injured brother to the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital. Authorities said the motive behind the attack has not yet been determined.

Law enforcement later arrested a suspect, identified only as Hafiz, who is currently in police custody as investigations continue. According to The News, sources said that the killing was over a land dispute.

Kanrani resided in Sohbatpur district. He was a senior reporter for a web-based news channel and served as vice president of the Awami Press Club Sohbatpur.

Funeral prayers were held at Khair-ul-Amal Imambargah in Ancholi, followed by his burial at Wadi-e-Hussain graveyard.

Business Recorder and members of the journalism community paid tribute to Mehdi’s professionalism and legacy, extending condolences and prayers for his family. Mehdi is survived by a wife and six children.

On July 21, the apex court had adjourned hearing the case as it said that the IHC had already fixed the sentence suspension application for July 24. The Supreme Court also noted that if an urgency arose, they could move an application for an early hearing.

After this, the IHC had said that the petitions filed by Mazari and her husband, Hadi Ali Chatta were in admissible.

The latest request, filed by senior counsel Faisal Siddiqi, cites repeated delays despite the Supreme Court’s May 12, directive to the IHC to decide her sentence suspension application as quickly as possible and preferably within two weeks. Subsequent hearings were repeatedly adjourned due to prosecution requests and procedural issues, and no date was set after the IHC dismissed objections to the maintainability of her plea.

Another urgent application was filed on July 27, Mazari and her husband but this was not fixed for hearing before the IHC.

In his condolence message, Tarar expressed grief over the loss and extended sympathies to the bereaved family. He prayed for forgiveness and a place in paradise for the deceased and for strength and patience for the family during this difficult time.