In Peshawar, Pakhtoon Digital, a leading digital news outlet in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has accused the provincial government of exerting pressure following its coverage of sensitive topics, including a report concerning the brother of KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi.
The platform came under scrutiny after publishing reports based on tweets, analyses, and video clips from senior journalists. Subsequently, a legal notice was issued questioning the airing of such content. The situation escalated when Aamir Afridi, brother of Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, filed a defamation lawsuit seeking millions of rupees in damages against Pakhtoon Digital. The notice also challenged reports alleging commission-taking and financial irregularities.
Kashif Uddin Syed, editor of Pakhtoon Digital, defended the outlet’s editorial decisions, emphasizing that all reports were grounded in verified and credible journalistic sources, including authenticated social media posts and video evidence. He affirmed the platform’s commitment to independent and fearless journalism, stating that freedom of expression and journalistic integrity remain non-negotiable principles.
Meanwhile, prominent politician Sher Afzal Marwat criticized corruption within KP’s government departments, claiming that recruitment processes are driven by financial transactions rather than merit. Speaking to the media, Marwat questioned the delay in cabinet formation and alleged that ministries are effectively being sold. He warned that those who purchase ministries would prioritize recovering their investments over public service.
Marwat also highlighted the need for the return of Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur to restore party affairs, suggesting that the PTI founder is being misinformed and kept from the truth. He described the current provincial leadership as inexperienced and incapable of managing large public events. Reflecting on political missteps, he admitted that resignations from assemblies and dissolving governments were significant errors.
In a significant development, Marwat stated that the release of the PTI founder would require a strong protest or a decisive long march. He further cautioned that Pakistan is facing a war-like situation, with tensions in the Middle East impacting the country’s economy.
