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.

The operation, led by NCCIA Punjab Director M Ali Wasim, resulted in the seizure of 24 mobile phones and a laptop, which are undergoing forensic examination.

In Lahore, 18 suspects were arrested for allegedly using fake identities including relatives, visa agents, government officials and Punjab Safe Cities Authority personnel to defraud victims. In one case, imposters allegedly posing as a relative and a visa agent defrauded a victim of Rs 25.86 million.

In Faisalabad, three suspects were arrested for allegedly conducting online trading fraud, causing a reported loss of Rs 54.6 million.

While in Multan, seven suspects were arrested who allegedly impersonated bank employees and individuals residing in Britain. They are accused of soliciting money under false pretenses, such as prize money, customs clearance, taxes, and visa renewals

According to reports, he complained of chest pain on the night of August 2 and received treatment at a local health facility. Although he was discharged, he did not regain consciousness the following morning and was pronounced dead after being rushed to a hospital.

Funeral prayers were held in Islamabad before his body was taken to his hometown of Khairpur for burial. The funeral was attended by journalists, media representatives, and political leaders.

National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, PPP spokesperson Shazia Marri, and Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry expressed condolences, offering prayers for the deceased and his family.

During a meeting chaired by Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema on July 31, the government emphasised that its top priority is to support freelancers, e-commerce entrepreneurs, and other digital professionals in remote regions who continue to face challenges due to slow and unreliable internet connectivity.

The meeting, attended by Minister for IT & Telecom Shaza Fatima Khawaja and senior officials, focused on expanding fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) and 5G infrastructure. Officials set targets to extend FTTH coverage to 10 million homes, increase average broadband download speeds to 85 Mbps, positioning Pakistan among the world’s top 50 countries for broadband performance, and raising tower fibreisation to 60%.

The meeting also considered reforms including targeted tax relief for internet users in remote areas, abolishing right-of-way fees, launching a single-window approval portal, introducing district-level licensing, and ensuring fixed broadband connectivity for public institutions such as schools and healthcare facilities.

A roundtable consultation on the effective implementation of the Sindh Protection of Journalists and Other Media Practitioners Act, 2021 was held at Sukkur Press Club on July 20, organised by the Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF), in collaboration with the Commonwealth Foundation.

The consultation, facilitated by Advocate High Court Muhammad Hassan Pathan, brought together journalists, media unions, government officials, police, political representatives, lawyers, civil society and other stakeholders and emphasised a need to strengthen coordination amongst the government, law enforcement, media and civil society institutions.

The consultation focused on building stakeholders’ understanding of the Act, its rules and the Sindh Commission, clarifying the roles of relevant stakeholders and discussing challenges to journalists’ safety in the province. The participants received a detailed overview of the media safety law and its protections for journalists, the role and status of the Commission and the procedure to file a complaint under the law.

While most participants were aware of the law, they acknowledged having limited knowledge of the Commission’s functioning.

Participants raised concerns about how the Commission, based in Karachi, could effectively respond to journalists facing threats in remote areas of Sindh. They were informed about district-level information department structures and networks of civil society organisations and media bodies that could facilitate access to the Commission.

The discussion also highlighted the absence of a systematic mechanism for documenting attacks against journalists in the Sukkur division. Media unions have organised protests and other actions following attacks, including demonstrations over the murder of senior journalist Jan Muhammad Mahar in August 2024, but such activities have not been systematically documented.

Former Sukkur District Bar Association president Advocate Sundar Khan Chachar suggested that the law should contain specific provisions dealing with attacks against journalists, in addition to provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC). Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Sukkur Azhar Khan Mughal responded that PPC provisions were already included in the schedule of the law. The suggestion was noted for consideration, with participants observing that legislation can be amended and strengthened over time.

Women and human rights activist Ghazala Anjum called for greater women’s representation in the Sindh Commission, while SSP Sukkur recommended that copies of the law be provided to district headquarters to improve awareness and implementation.

The consultation also urged political parties to sensitise their workers about respecting media professionals and to clearly reject violence against journalists.

The consultation concluded that effective implementation of the provincial media safety law requires continued engagement among all stakeholders.

A roundtable consultation on the effective implementation of the provincial media safety law was held at Gym Khana Club Sanghar on July 23, organised by the Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF), in collaboration with the Commonwealth Foundation. The consultation was facilitated by Advocate High Court Muhammad Hassan Pathan.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Sanghar Mukhtar Ahmed Memon said police received complaints regarding harassment of journalists and dealt with them according to the law. He appreciated PPF’s awareness initiative and announced that copies of the Act would be kept at police stations across the district.

The consultation focused on building stakeholders’ understanding of the Act, its rules and the Sindh Commission, clarifying the roles of relevant stakeholders and discussing challenges to journalists’ safety in the province. The participants received a detailed overview of the media safety law and its protections for journalists, the role and status of the Commission and the procedure to file a complaint under the law.

Sanghar Press Club former president and senior journalist Anjum Aftab Nizamani noted that the press club had not previously even received a copy of the law. Participants welcomed the detailed information provided by PPF and stressed the importance of taking awareness of the law to the grassroots level.

Nizamani further added that journalists’ safety was essential for a strong democratic society and stressed that legislation must be effectively implemented.

Participants also discussed the need for stronger implementation mechanisms. The legal fraternity suggested introducing specific provisions under the journalists’ protection law for crimes against journalists, rather than relying solely on provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code. A district-level watchdog group was recommended to monitor implementation, while media representatives called for district-level representation in the Commission and urged media owners to provide journalists with insurance and training.

Advocate Sunil Kumar and Advocate Shehryar Ali said Pakistan had good legislation but that poor implementation remained a major challenge, while offering legal assistance to journalists in Sanghar.

Participants also identified the absence of a mechanism for systematic data collection on attacks against journalists as an important concern.

Women’s rights activists stressed the need for female representation in the Commission. Participants also called for political party workers to be trained to respect media professionals and for political parties to clearly reject violence against journalists.

The consultation concluded with stakeholders gaining a greater understanding of the Act and its Commission and sharing recommendations for its effective implementation.

This guideline could have an adverse effect on press freedom and the ability of the media to report and diminish the information landscape in Pakistan. The guideline, requiring registration of all journalists residing in Pakistan, including local journalists, contributing to foreign media, could escalate the spread of disinformation and misinformation in the absence of reported and verified news from media outlets. 

PPF urges the authorities to reconsider this policy and rather than restricting the space for the media to report, work towards achieving the Constitutional rights to free expression and access to information. 

According to the guidelines: “All journalists residing within Pakistan, contributing to foreign media in any capacity, i.e., regular, freelancer, contributory, stringer, retainer, sponsor, fixer, assignee, attached etc. shall register themselves on the portal for their mandatory registration with EP Wing.” 

The guideline states that the policy applies to Registration and Media Accreditation to be granted to the foreign media houses, organisations and outlets working in Pakistan and all eligible journalists, media owners, media professionals, sources, freelancers, sponsors, fixers, attached persons, assignees etc., of Pakistan working or contributing for them.

The guideline states: “EP Wing reserves the right to approve or reject any Accreditation application. The journalists can appeal to the Secretary Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in such cases.” This doesn’t, however, clarify if the EP Wing is required to explain the basis for rejecting a request. Additionally, while the right to appeal a rejection is provided, this process may fall beyond the reporting window of a journalist, thus leaving them unable to do their work.

The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has condemned the guidelines. In a statement, PFUJ President Afzal Butt and Secretary General Arshad Ansari said that the notification amounts to an attack on freedom of expression. They said that the government has not only banned foreign journalists from visiting most areas of the country but has also restricted the movement of Pakistani media persons working with international media outlets. 

Karachi Press Club President Fazil Jamili termed the new guideline as “aggressive.”  “Mandatory registration, strict NOCs for travel outside major cities, & vague grounds for cancellation are clear steps to suppress independent reporting,” he said. 

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) also expressed deep concern over the guideline. 

Just days before the publication of the guideline, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting took note of what it termed as Al-Jazeera’s “selective reporting from handpicked polling stations in Muzaffarabad.”  Since then, Al Jazeera’s website has not been accessible in Pakistan. PPF is concerned by this approach of placing blanket bans on entire media platforms in response to their coverage.

During his address, Jan reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to press freedom and political tolerance, saying it would continue issuing no-objection certificates (NOCs) for public gatherings.

He also announced an increase in the Journalists’ Endowment Fund from Rs200 million to Rs500 million to support journalists requiring medical treatment, paid tribute to journalists killed in the fight against terrorism, and warned against the spread of misinformation on unverified social media platforms.

During a separate visit to the Haripur Press Club, the minister announced a Rs10 million grant and reiterated the provincial government’s commitment to journalists’ welfare. He highlighted additional initiatives, including residential plots, a pension scheme, and financial assistance for journalists suffering from serious illnesses.

The visits, accompanied by Provincial Education Minister Arshad Ayub Khan and Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Malik Adil Iqbal, formed part of a provincial government outreach initiative directed by Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi to engage with citizens and address public concerns.

Speaking at the inauguration of the National Press Club’s website, he criticised the previous government’s decision to cap federal grants at Rs1 million for the National Press Club and Rs500,000 for smaller press clubs, saying amendments to remove these limits were underway.

Several dignitaries, including Principal Information Officer Raisa Adil and club officials, attended the ceremony.

Tarar said the reduction in official advertising rates had placed a long-term financial burden on media organisations. He maintained that the current government does not discriminate against media outlets based on their editorial stance and said no organisation has been denied government advertisements. He added that a dispute involving one newspaper had been resolved through dialogue.

The minister said the government would introduce policies to expand financial opportunities for television channels and newspapers while urging media owners to use government payments to clear employees’ salaries and dues. He also called for a joint employment policy for media workers, announced plans for a compensation mechanism for journalists killed in the line of duty, and directed the finalisation of health card proposals.

Tarar also announced the establishment of a digital lab at the National Press Club, featuring a podcast studio and digital content creation facilities, and said the government would collaborate with universities to provide digital skills training for journalists.

He added that issues relating to journalists’ residential plots, the National Press Club building, travel concessions, and housing projects would be addressed through consultation with stakeholders. The ceremony concluded with the National Press Club conferring honorary membership on the minister and presenting him with a commemorative shield.

Information Secretary Muhammad Rashid Hanif, Director General Information Tariq Jamil Durrani, and Deputy Director Information Mirpur Division Raja Muhammad Sohail Khan called on print, electronic, and digital media to strictly follow the AJK Election Commission’s code of conduct. They urged journalists to avoid publishing unverified reports, rumours, inflammatory material or misleading information that could undermine public trust or disrupt the electoral process.

The officials also emphasised the responsible use of social media platforms, including Facebook, X, WhatsApp, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, advising journalists to share only verified information and refrain from content that could incite unrest, confuse voters, or affect law and order. The Information Department assured media organisations of continued coordination by providing timely and authenticated official information throughout the elections.

Describing the media as a key pillar of democracy, the officials expressed confidence that journalists would uphold professional and ethical standards while promoting factual reporting and avoiding sensationalism.

A single-member bench comprising Justice Muhammad Ijaz Khan heard a petition filed by the Council of Newspaper Editors (CPNE) KP for the release of pending advertisement payments from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Department.

KP Advocate General Shah Faisal informed the court that so far 17 complaints of outstanding dues had been received, with statistics showing that some media employees reportedly earn only Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000 per month, well below the government’s minimum wage of Rs 45,000. Outstanding dues to journalists were estimated at around Rs 15 million.

The advocate general also highlighted the broader issue of labour rights within the media sector. It was noted that out of 113 newspapers on the provincial media list, only 56 had disclosed details of their employees, and minimum and maximum wages given to them.

AG Faisal said that regarding the outstanding dues to newspapers, the advertisement section of the information and public relations department had nearly completed the process of cross-checking cheques, which would be issued to CPNE with its record and the release would also likely be made “shortly.”

Justice Khan expressed deep concern over the reported low wages, emphasising the necessity for all employers to adhere to minimum wage laws, especially given the current cost of living. He indicated that non-compliance with minimum wage laws could lead to legal proceedings, referencing previous similar actions concerning labour rights violations.

The bench said that prior to passing any order it would give an opportunity to comply with the law regarding payment of minimum wages to employees.

The advocate general also suggested that salaries be paid through bank transactions to ensure transparency.

The next hearing has been fixed for September 7.

Justice Muhammad Azam Khan heard the case, during which, Additional Attorney General (AAG) Rashid Hafeez argued for vacating the interim relief, claiming the employees were not currently in service or performing official duties. However, the court directed the AAG to consult with the newly appointed interior secretary and stated that a decision would be made after the court vacations.

The employees’ legal representative shared that salaries had only been released for two months and further payments were still being withheld. Justice Khan noted that the court had already given appropriate directions and that the main petition would be decided following the vacation period.

Furthermore, it was argued by the counsel for the petitioners that the authorities were presenting inconsistent positions across various legal forums, including the Sindh High Court’s constitutional bench, the National Assembly, and the IHC. They highlighted that the officer who applied for the vacation of the stay order was serving on deputation and lacked the competence to file such an application.

The AAG disclosed that cases involving Grade-17 and Grade-18 employees would eventually be handled by the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) as the service rules pertinent to these cases were still being finalised and awaited approval.

An event titled “Measuring the Social and Economic Impact of Digital Media: Evidence for Policy,”  at the Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI), Barkat highlighted the fragmented regulatory landscape, where responsibilities are divided among various bodies including the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), the Ministry of IT and Telecom, and the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA).

Speaking at the event, Barkat expressed concern over the absence of a dedicated agency to monitor and address complaints related to social media, adding that the general public is mostly unaware of how to pursue complaints against digital media violations.

He noted that Pakistanis spent over $689 million on digital media in 2024, including approximately $27 million on music and $158 million on video games. The spending continued to rise in 2025, with $392 million expended on video-on-demand services, a significant portion of which involved adult content.

The PEMRA Director General also highlighted the detrimental effects of social media on mental health, particularly among the youth. The excessive use of digital media led to economic and social consequences, including mental health issues stemming from lack of sleep and the spread of misinformation and disinformation in the political realm.

Barkat emphasised the urgency of implementing Pakistan’s AI policy to mitigate potential risks and promote the safe and progressive use of technology.

Retired Brigadier Raashid Janjua reflected on the transformative effect of social media on youth learning patterns, noting that in the modern age, information is becoming more significant than traditional knowledge.

The NCCIA’s spokesperson detailed that the operations led to the capture of Haroon Qureshi in Lahore, Abdul Rehman and Muhammad Ayaz in Faisalabad, and Farhad Abbas in Multan. The suspects are currently under investigation, with legal proceedings initiated based on the digital evidence gathered, including mobile phones and other electronic devices now undergoing forensic analysis.

Haroon Qureshi is accused of targeting multiple women through social media, engaging in harassment and intimidation. Abdul Rehman and Muhammad Ayaz allegedly exploited a couple, using objectionable digital content to blackmail them for money. Meanwhile, Farhad Abbas’s arrest in Multan followed allegations that he shared private photographs and videos of a woman on social media to blackmail her.

The meeting, chaired by Syed Muhammad Ali, was the first for the newly reconstituted Council of Complaints Islamabad, which the federal government appointed on July 20. The session took place at PEMRA’s headquarters, with council members Fauzia Shahid, Gauhar Zahid Malik, Dr. Surayya Kanwal Afridi, and Kaiwan Hamid Raja in attendance.

During the meeting, the Council Secretary provided a detailed briefing on the status of pending complaints, summarising the Council’s performance over the last two years. It was disclosed that through 38 meetings held during this period, the Islamabad Council of Complaints had managed to dispose of 637 cases, setting a new benchmark for complaint resolution.

The Council also reviewed progress on implementing its earlier recommendations and sought updates on holders of landing rights permissions and the distribution of foreign television channels across Pakistan’s broadcast networks. A key recommendation urged PEMRA to ensure that all distribution network operators strictly comply with Sections 19 and 19(2) of the PEMRA Ordinance (Amended), 2007. This measure aims to ensure that distributors carry only foreign television channels holding valid licences, thereby safeguarding public interest and promoting a fair media environment, and to strengthen oversight of both domestic and foreign electronic media content aired in Pakistan.

Additionally, the Council examined and decided on nine agenda items related to broadcast content.

The suspension, which began on June 5 following the outlawing of the JAAC, was partially lifted, at approximately 10 pm, shortly after PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari vocalised demands for the restoration during a public reception and media talk in Muzaffarabad.

The suspension disrupted communication, digital banking, businesses, and journalists’ ability to cover political and electoral developments in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. It remains unclear whether broadband services were restored across the entire division or only in parts of the capital.

The timing of the internet’s restoration precedes the second phase of the AJK Legislative Assembly elections in the Muzaffarabad Division.

The committee was informed that only 9 out of approximately 372 eligible cases had been transferred to the NCCIA. All these cases were transferred by Sindh Police; the majority are still handled by provincial police forces. This contrasts with the amendments in the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act, 2025, which grant the NCCIA exclusive investigative authority.

The committee also noted that under-trial Peca cases pending before courts had not been executed, prompting the committee to direct provincial inspectors general of police and advocate generals to expedite the process and clarify delays.

The committee also discussed NCCIA notices issued to a newspaper columnist over an article deemed offensive by a bureaucrat. After the agency clarified that it had only sought the columnist’s version and had not initiated criminal proceedings, the committee directed the NCCIA to refer the matter to the Press Council of Pakistan, stressing that PECA should not be used against regulated media content.

The meeting also touched on the controversial approval of the film ‘Buleha’ by the Central Board of Film Censors, which was criticised for allegedly misrepresenting Sufi poet Hazrat Baba Bulleh Shah. The committee recommended renaming the film and removing certain dialogues, stressing the importance of respecting historical figures and cultural sentiments.

The committee addressed the allocation of government advertisements, urging the Press Information Department to ensure a 25% quota for regional newspapers is implemented effectively, especially in Sindh and Balochistan.

The committee also discussed the allotment of housing for journalists and media workers, directing the formation of a subcommittee to oversee the implementation of the housing quota recommendation and propose future initiatives.

The committee also addressed the grievances of Radio Pakistan pensioners and directed the relevant authorities to resolve the 353 pending commutation cases without delay.

On July 21, during a meeting at PEMRA headquarters in Islamabad chaired by MNA Pullain Baloch, the committee reviewed PEMRA’s performance and the functioning of its Councils of Complaints. The PEMRA Chairperson and the Executive Director General (Operations) briefed committee members on the authority’s regulatory role, organisational structure, and the 2023 amendments to the PEMRA Act, which empower the regulator to address complaints regarding the non-payment of salaries to electronic media workers.

The Executive Director General (Operations) briefed the committee on pending and resolved complaints and said the federal and provincial Councils of Complaints are authorised to resolve complaints and recommend corrective or punitive action to the PEMRA Authority.

The committee was informed that the Councils of Complaints for Islamabad and Balochistan have been notified, while those for Punjab and Sindh are awaiting approval. It also urged stricter enforcement of the electronic media code of conduct, particularly for television dramas and advertisements, and recommended making the release of government dues to media outlets conditional on the timely payment of employees’ salaries.

The session saw participation from key figures including Attaullah Tarar, Minister for Information and Broadcasting, and various committee members such as Saad Waseem, Nadeem Abbas, and Asia Naz Tanoli among others. Several attended through digital means, including Molana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri and Kiran Imran Dar. High-ranking officials from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, along with the PEMRA Chairperson and other departmental heads, were also present.

The workshop, organised by the Lead Exposure Elimination Project (LEEP) in collaboration with UNICEF Pakistan and Commsman Consultants, drew over 30 health and environment journalists from prominent media outlets. Attendees were briefed on the latest findings concerning childhood lead exposure, its primary sources, and the necessary actions required to mitigate risks nationwide.

Professor Dr. Zafar Fatmi from Aga Khan University highlighted that childhood lead poisoning is often a silent issue, with many affected children showing no apparent symptoms while suffering irreversible neurological damage. Dr. Fatmi stressed that there is no safe level of lead exposure, with common sources including deteriorating lead paint, contaminated spices, traditional cosmetics like surma, and informal recycling of lead-acid batteries.

Dr. Humaira Irshad of UNICEF Pakistan shared insights from the Pakistan Childhood Lead Exposure Survey, which examined 2,175 children across seven high-risk cities. Findings revealed that approximately one in four children had elevated blood lead levels, with Karachi showing a particularly high prevalence of nearly 39% among children in high-risk areas. Dr. Irshad pointed out the necessity for a comprehensive national survey to accurately assess the scope of lead exposure across the country.

Abid Hasan, Country Head of LEEP Pakistan, said a national blood lead level survey and source identification study were needed to determine the true scale of the problem and develop a comprehensive action plan. He said Pakistan has already introduced limits on lead in decorative paints and turmeric, while standards for surma are being developed. He added that regulatory efforts had significantly reduced lead contamination in paints and turmeric.

Officials from the Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) and Sindh Food Authority highlighted ongoing enforcement against illegal lead-acid battery recycling and lead-adulterated food products, while urging greater public awareness and media support.

Concluding the workshop, speakers called on journalists to produce evidence-based reporting to help raise awareness, strengthen regulatory action and reduce children’s exposure to lead.

The committee, chaired by Senator Sarmad Ali, met in Islamabad to discuss a range of issues affecting the media sector, including the welfare of media workers, government advertising policies, support for regional media, discrepancies in social media data presented by the NCCIA, and the financial performance of Pakistan Television (PTV).

A meeting focused on the welfare of media workers. The committee recommended withholding government advertisements and revising advertising rates for media organisations that fail to pay salaries and other dues on time. It also recommended that media houses register with the Employees’ Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI) and provide life insurance coverage for their employees.

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar told the committee that the welfare of media workers remains a top government priority. He said mechanisms have been introduced to link the release of government advertisements with the timely payment of employees’ salaries and dues. The minister also informed the committee that government advertisements to Suno News had been suspended following layoffs at the channel, adding that discussions with the management had resulted in the reinstatement of several employees.

The minister invited proposals for a life insurance scheme for media workers and indicated that the government could contribute to such a fund.

The committee also supported the introduction of a compensation package for the families of media workers who die while on duty. Senator Syed Waqar Mehdi proposed recommending a fixed compensation amount, while Senator Sarmad Ali stressed that media organisations have a responsibility to provide financial support to the families of employees who lose their lives in the line of duty.

Discussing government advertising, Tarar said the revised advertising policy gives priority to electronic media, followed by print and digital media. He said a third-party verification mechanism has been introduced to authenticate digital advertising, while only a limited share of government advertisements is allocated to social media platforms.

The committee also discussed discrepancies in data previously presented by the NCCIA with regards to social media accounts. Members noted that the figures had been disowned by NCCIA officials during an earlier subcommittee meeting. Expressing concern over the inconsistencies, the committee directed the agency to submit verified and accurate data to ensure transparency. It also instructed the NCCIA to ensure that no action is taken against newspapers or their websites, noting that such matters fall outside the agency’s legal mandate.

The committee underscored the importance of supporting print and regional media to counter misinformation and maintain a balanced national narrative. Particular attention was drawn to the challenges faced by regional newspapers in Balochistan, with the committee directing the ministry to formulate a comprehensive policy to promote and safeguard regional publications.

Tarar also informed the committee that Pakistan Television (PTV) had achieved financial self-sufficiency for the first time, enabling it to ensure timely salary payments. He added that PTV had hired 216 employees on a contractual basis to meet operational requirements while managing pension liabilities and had secured the exclusive broadcasting rights for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The committee also discussed concerns over the recently released film Buleha. It decided to summon members of the Central Board of Film Censors and the film’s producer at its next meeting to explain the approval of the film and address concerns over the use of revered Sufi poet Bulleh Shah’s name in a violent context.

According to police, Aslam, a resident of Mohallah Karampura, was identified after investigators traced the mobile number used to upload the video. The investigation confirmed that she is not affiliated with the Punjab Police and used a counterfeit police uniform.

District Police Officer (DPO) Javed Iqbal Chadhar said the suspect was taken into custody. He also warned that the  use of official uniforms to make videos is a crime.

Speaking at a press briefing on July 21, NCCIA Punjab Director Muhammad Ali Wasim said the network had been operating since 2019, targeting individuals seeking services from the embassies of Italy, Germany, Sweden, Oman, and Saudi Arabia. The group allegedly used fake Google business profiles, counterfeit websites, forged documents, call-forwarding, and caller ID spoofing to deceive victims. Some suspects also posed as Singapore Police officers during video calls to intimidate victims.

The arrests followed a raid on a fake call centre in Bahria Town Phase IV, Rawalpindi, where authorities seized 21 mobile phones, a vehicle, a Singapore Police uniform, phishing emails, fake appointment letters, PTCL records, Gmail accounts, and other digital evidence for forensic analysis.

In a separate operation, the NCCIA dismantled a phishing network operating the Tycoon2FA platform, which allegedly created more than 96,000 phishing applications,fake accounts, and malicious links targeting victims in Pakistan, the Americas, Central Asia, and Europe. Two suspects were arrested, and computers, servers, mobile phones, and storage devices were seized. The agency said proceeds from the fraud had been invested in properties in Islamabad, with confiscation proceedings underway.

The operations, supervised by NCCIA Punjab Director Muhammad Ali Wasim, led to the seizure of mobile phones, SIM cards, and other digital devices containing electronic evidence.

In Lahore, Qaiser Bilal was arrested for allegedly creating a TikTok account to post a woman’s photographs and impersonating a government official to intimidate and blackmail her. In Faisalabad, Subhan Ahmad was arrested for allegedly blackmailing a complainant’s sister through social media and WhatsApp, while in Multan, Muhammad Imran was detained for allegedly sharing objectionable images of a complainant via WhatsApp and harassing her family  and her. A court granted four days’ physical remand of Imran for further investigation.

NCCIA Punjab Director Wasim said the agency remains committed to protecting women from online threats and ensuring the strict enforcement of cybercrime laws. He added that the NCCIA would use advanced digital forensic techniques to bring offenders to justice.

The Sindh government announced plans to create a provincial-level monitoring cell aimed at addressing the challenge of “negative and misleading propaganda” on social media platforms. The initiative, detailed by Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon on July 22, seeks to ensure accountability of those disseminating false information and to safeguard national interests.

During a meeting, officials discussed the need to counter coordinated misinformation campaigns and harmful online content. The meeting was attended by Information Secretary Kashif Gulzar Shaikh, Director General Information Moiz Pirzada, and others.

Memon emphasised the need for legal action against those spreading false and misleading information, stating, “Effective legal action against those involved in spreading false and misleading information is essential.”

He added that while freedom of expression is a constitutional right, it should not be used as a shield for spreading falsehoods, and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting accurate information and protecting the country’s national interests.

The prolonged shutdown disrupted education, businesses, government services, and online work, particularly affecting students, freelancers, and digital businesses. During the election campaign, political leaders, including PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, criticised the suspension, while PPP AJK President Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin urged authorities to restore internet access to ensure fair elections and voters’ access to information.

Services began returning on the evening of July 23, with connectivity restored in Mirpur, Kotli, and Bhimber, although many users reported slow speeds. Internet access remained suspended in Muzaffarabad and adjoining areas, with residents continuing to contact service providers.

Freelancers and residents welcomed the restoration but urged the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to waive internet charges for the suspension period, arguing that users should not be billed for unavailable services.

On July 24, during a hearing before Justice Muhammad Azam Khan on a petition filed by NCCIA contract employees seeking regularisation of their services, the court granted the agency a final opportunity to submit a detailed reply by July 30 after the agency sought more time. Justice Khan warned that the case would be decided on the available record if the NCCIA failed to comply.

The court also suspended ongoing NCCIA recruitment advertisements until the petition is decided. The next hearing is scheduled for August 22.

Key figures attended, including Provincial Minister for Revenue and Estate Tariq Mahmood Aryan, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister for Food Muhammad Israr, MPAs Tariq Saeed and Adnan Khan, and senior officials from the Police, Home and Law departments. The Advocate General, Special Prosecutor, and Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Assembly Secretariat Tariq Noor, along with other relevant officers, were also present.

The meeting reviewed the progress into the investigation of the incident. Committee members said the police had already been provided with a detailed proforma for submitting the investigation record and had been asked for a step-by-step account including the status of investigations, evidence collected, legal proceedings, details of the accused, and the quality of the investigation before filing challans.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the report, Aftab Alam directed the police to resubmit it in the prescribed format, stressing the need for transparency, accountability, and professional standards. The police department was instructed to provide all relevant documents and evidence before the committee’s next meeting to facilitate a detailed review and recommendations.

The notice did not specify the content for which she had been summoned; however, it was issued after an interview Noreen gave to a YouTube channel, where she made controversial claims about the Pakistan Army and Maarka-e-Haq.

The notice warned Niazi that non-compliance with the summons will be seen as an admission of guilt and could lead to action under Section 174 of the Pakistan Penal Code.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and other ministers have condemned Noreen’s statements and have called for her to apologise.

The committee highlighted the ongoing issue of delayed payments from clients, including substantial arrears from various federal government departments. This delay placed significant financial strain on newspapers, undermining their operational viability.

During the deliberations, members advocated for abolishing the centralised policy on government advertising. They proposed reinstating the previous system where client departments could recommend their preferred media outlets for advertising. This change, the committee argued, would increase advertisement volume for newspapers and allow the Press Information Department (PID) more flexibility in advertisement placement across different media platforms.

Further, the committee urged for the empowerment of PID’s regional offices in Karachi, Hyderabad, Quetta, Lahore, and Peshawar. They recommended immediately discontinuing the current practice where media recommendations by these regional offices are modified at the central level to enhance efficiency and responsiveness.

Additionally, the members called for simplifying the procedural requirements for renewing newspaper declarations and transferring declarations following a publisher’s death, describing the current procedures as unnecessarily burdensome.

The meeting also served as an occasion for the committee members to express their condolences for recent losses within their community, including the sister of Munir Jillani, the son of Qazi Imtiaz, and the father of Noorullah Malik. A moment of Fateha was observed in memory of the departed souls.

Attendees included prominent regional newspaper representatives such as Muhammad Humayun Gulzar from Sayadat Bahawalpur, Tanveer Siddiqui from Aaj Peshawar, Mohsin Siyal from Aftab Multan, and several others.

During a press briefing, Hussain outlined various actions by JAAC, which he said were contrary to Kashmiri values and unethical.

According to Hussain, the banned organisation utilised women and children as human shields, a tactic emerging after the group’s leaders reportedly became indifferent and reneged on their commitments. The Home Secretary criticised the JAAC for diverting students from their studies, thereby risking their futures, and for blocking roads, which severely hampered civilian movement and daily life.

Hussain accused the JAAC of promoting anti-state narratives, inciting antagonism against the Pakistan Army, and attempting to weaken the historical bonds between Pakistan and AJK. He stated that these actions suggest the group’s primary aim is to disrupt AJK’s peace, economy, and law and order rather than advocating for people’s rights.

Hussain announced that the general elections in AJK would proceed as scheduled on July 27. He commended the political parties for their ongoing campaigning efforts across the region, including in the Poonch division.

In a condolence message, APNS President Senator Sarmad Ali and Secretary General Muhammad Athar Kazi, on behalf of the office-bearers and members of the Executive Committee, conveyed their profound sympathies to the bereaved family. They expressed hope that the family would find the strength and patience to cope with this significant loss and prayed that Almighty Allah grant eternal peace to the departed soul.

Justice Mohammad Ijaz Khan, presiding over a single-member bench, ordered the Information Department’s secretary, Matiullah Khan, to settle outstanding advertisement dues by July 30.

The court was responding to a contempt plea by the Council of Newspapers Editors (CPNE) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which alleged the government had failed to clear advertisement dues despite assurances given to the court in 2024. The hearing revealed the “pathetic conditions” faced by various newspaper employees who were not even being paid minimum wages as under the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Payment of Wages Act, 2013 and even those salaries are not being paid to them, in clear violation of the law.

A day prior, the court summoned the information secretary following his department’s failure to issue the required cheque payments to newspapers.

Just days earlier, the Khyber Union of Journalists and the Peshawar Press Club, had also urged the Chief Justice of the Peshawar High Court, SM Attique Shah, to consider the plight of media industry workers before releasing any funds owed to newspapers.

Information Secretary Matiullah Khan informed the court that his department’s advertisement section was fast-tracking the finalisation of cheques for petitioners, though he requested additional time due to the volume and to ensure accuracy with the department’s records. The bench asked him to complete it before the next scheduled hearing date.

On July 15, the Peshawar High Court (PHC) directed the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Secretary of Information to appear before the court with payment cheques for outstanding advertisement dues owed to various newspapers. The order was issued by Justice Ijaz Khan during the hearing of a contempt petition filed by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chapter of the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE).

The legal action by CPNE, represented by advocates Shahid Naseem Chamkani and Ahsan Masood, follows the non-fulfilment of a previous court order dated May 22, 2024, mandating the clearance of approximately Rs 180 crore in outstanding payments for government advertisements published across the province. Despite the provincial administration acknowledging these dues during the initial writ petition and requesting additional time to settle the payments, the dues remained unsettled, prompting the current legal proceedings.

On the same day, the Khyber Union of Journalists (KhUJ) and the Peshawar Press Club (PPC) urged that government advertisement dues be released to media organisations only after they clear salary arrears and other financial obligations owed to journalists. In a joint statement, KhUJ President Kashifuddin Syed and PPC President M. Riaz called on the Chief Justice of the PHC  to ensure compliance with this condition.

Senator Sarmad Ali, President of APNS, along with Muhammad Athar Kazi, the Secretary General, conveyed hopes that Adil would champion press freedom and effectively address prevailing challenges within the print media sector. They emphasised the importance of maintaining the existing cordial relations between the PID and the print media, which they believe will continue to prosper under Adil’s leadership.

The APNS officials also took the opportunity to acknowledge the efforts of the outgoing PIO, Mubashir Hassan, appreciating his cooperation and support toward the newspaper industry during his tenure.

Expressing hopes that pending issues of the print media would be resolved on a priority basis, the APNS highlighted the need for the implementation of previously approved increases in government advertising rates, a rise in the volume of government advertisements, and the settlement of longstanding dues.

The resolution calls for the provincial government to recommend to the federal government to bring comprehensive legislation to regulate children’s access to social media. It aims to ensure the protection of children’s physical, mental, psychological, and moral development, which the resolution states is a constitutional and moral responsibility of the state.

According to the proposal, the federal government should bring legislation that prohibits minors under the age of 16 from creating or maintaining social media accounts without consent from parents or legal guardians verified through a dependable age-verification mechanism. Moreover, the resolution urges the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to develop and enforce robust age-verification systems across all social media platforms in Pakistan.

The resolution also emphasises the need for social media companies to adhere to child protection standards by promptly removing harmful content and creating a safer digital environment for minors. It suggests that relevant federal and provincial departments should initiate ongoing awareness campaigns to educate parents, teachers, and children about digital literacy, online safety, and responsible internet use.

Globally, there is a trend towards imposing stricter regulations on children’s use of social media, with countries like Australia instituting age-based restrictions and enhancing child online safety laws.

During the visit, Tahir Andrabi, the spokesperson for the ministry, provided a briefing to the 85 participants, who included members from the media, civil society, and various political parties. The briefing centred on several critical aspects of Pakistan’s foreign policy, focusing particularly on the country’s foreign policy priorities in the current evolving regional and global contexts.

Additionally, Andrabi discussed the ministry’s pivotal role in advancing and protecting Pakistan’s national interests through diplomatic channels.

Presiding over the case, Justice Muhammad Azam Khan addressed the legal petitions initiated by Aamir Sohail Anjum and 42 other NCCIA employees, all holding positions at Grade 16 or higher. The employees, accompanied by their legal counsel, were present during the proceedings, but the NCCIA did not file its response, ignoring prior court instructions.

Expressing his dissatisfaction, Justice Azam Khan issued a stern warning to the agency, stating that it must provide its reply by the next scheduled hearing. He emphasised the urgency of resolving the matter and indicated that failure to respond could lead the court to decide based on existing records.

“You must file your reply by the next hearing. The court also has to decide the matter,” remarked Justice Khan. He further noted that the absence of a response would prompt the court to proceed with a decision on the case.

Additionally, the court extended a previous interim order that prevented the NCCIA from taking any disciplinary action against the petitioners. The proceedings have been adjourned until July 24.

The committee was briefed by PTA Chairman Hafeez ur Rehman, who reported that following the 5G spectrum auction, the total available spectrum had increased from 274MHz to 754MHz. Despite this, 5G services, initiated in 22 cities, are currently operating on existing mobile towers and network infrastructure, with plans for new infrastructure in future phases to enhance service quality.

One significant issue highlighted was electricity shortages affecting telecommunications infrastructure, particularly mobile towers, leading to disrupted services and poor connectivity. The prolonged power outages, lasting up to 10 hours a day in some areas, were noted as a major hurdle in providing consistent telecom services.

The PTA has engaged with Nepra and relevant power companies to address these power issues, and the prime minister set up a high-level committee to find a sustainable solution for uninterrupted power supply to telecom towers.

The committee addressed the taxation on imported mobile phones. The PTA chairman clarified that 92% of smartphones used in Pakistan were locally manufactured or assembled, reducing the burden of import duties which apply predominantly to brands like Apple and Google Pixel. The committee urged the IT Ministry to encourage these global brands to set up local manufacturing or assembly facilities in Pakistan.

Bokhari highlighted the discrepancy in claims made by PTI representatives regarding the issuance of blue passports to lawmakers across all provinces, clarifying that in Punjab, such passports are only granted to Members of the Provincial Assembly for official use during their tenure, without extension to family members. She condemned the lavish expenditures these privileges would entail, underlining past abuses of such perks.

The minister expressed particular concern over the bill’s impact on journalists, noting that it proposes allowing only certain journalists access to the assembly, effectively barring others which she said was a “direct attack on press freedom,” a move she stated would have led to significant backlash if proposed in Punjab.

Bokhari urged the Pakistan Muslim League (N) KP chapter to legally challenge the bill, criticising PTI for its contradiction in claiming to oppose elitism while seeking extensive privileges for its members. She pointed out PTI’s long-standing governance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, arguing that it has not brought significant improvements in law enforcement, employment, education, healthcare, or counterterrorism efforts.

The decision followed a review ordered by KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi. Afridi on July 8 directed a review of the recently enacted KP Provincial Assembly (Powers, Immunities and Privileges) Act, 2026 following strong criticism from the media and the public. He instructed that the law’s controversial provisions be reassessed in consultation with parliamentary leaders.

KP Information Minister Shafi Jan, in a video message, stated that the chief minister chaired a meeting which  KP Assembly Speaker Babar Saleem Swati joined via video, in which it was decided to withdraw all controversial components of the Act. Jan assured that the clauses would be “restored and corrected” in line with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Powers, Privileges, and Immunities) Act, 1988.

According to Nazim, the legislation allows for punitive measures such as imprisonment and fines for journalists who criticise the Speaker of the Assembly or the assembly procedures.

Nazim pointed out that existing legal frameworks already address issues like false reporting or misrepresentation of facts. He argued that introducing new criminal provisions specifically targeting journalists is unwarranted and detrimental to the principle of freedom of expression.

The spokesperson also raised concerns about the opacity surrounding the law’s approval process, suggesting that keeping the legislation shielded from public and media scrutiny indicates a lack of governmental transparency. He called for the law’s immediate withdrawal and encouraged a broad coalition of journalists, legal experts, civil society groups, and political entities to unite in opposition to the statute.

The Act, approved on April 30 and signed into law by the governor on May 6, significantly increases the powers and immunities of provincial assembly members. Notable provisions include issuing lifetime official passports to members and their spouses, extensive immunity from preventive detention, and entitlements to up to eight non-prohibited-bore weapon licences.

During a cabinet meeting, CM Afridi highlighted the recent heavy criticism the amendments have attracted and suggested that provisions affecting media personnel need particular reconsideration. The Chief Minister referred to the principles of Imran Khan, emphasising freedom of expression and the importance of critical journalism.However, he said that his government and himself also faced criticism from “black channels” that ran misleading propaganda against the government.

He contrasted the situation in KP with other provinces, where he claimed journalists face harsher repercussions for government criticism, adding that the KP government had not taken any illegal action against anyone, intead that legal action was only taken if someone spread fake propaganda.

In response to the controversy, Afridi engaged with KP Assembly Speaker Babar Saleem Swati to organise discussions with parliamentary leaders to address the public and the media’s concerns.

At a joint press conference, government and opposition lawmakers argued that many of the disputed provisions were carried over from the 1988 law. Information Minister Shafi Jan also rejected claims regarding blue passports and additional weapon licences, stating those amendments were introduced by the opposition rather than the cabinet.

PPP lawmaker Ahmad Karim Kundi and ANP’s Arbab Usman defended the act, stating that the provisions were justified given the province’s unique challenges and sacrifices. They insisted that elected officials need adequate facilities to serve effectively.

The provincial government promised further consultations with journalist bodies.