‘Blind murder’ theory falls apart as TikToker killing probe uncovers family plot

The murder investigation into 28-year-old TikToker Shamsu Bibi, also known as Ayesha Gilamana, in Taxila took a dramatic turn on Saturday, with police alleging that her father, biological brother and close relatives were involved in the conspiracy to kill her. Police have arrested five suspects, including her father and brother, while the two alleged shooters are also in custody. Rawalpindi Operations SSP Malik Tariq Mehboob told a presser that preliminary investigations suggested Ayesha’s family disapproved of her TikTok and other social media activities, which had become a major source of conflict within the family. He said evidence gathered so far indicated that Ayesha had allegedly been killed in the name of honour and that her father, brother and other close relatives were allegedly involved in planning the murder. According to the SSP, an attempt was initially made to portray the killing as a blind murder and mislead the police by creating the impression that outsiders were responsible. However, as investigators widened the scope of the probe, evidence began pointing towards members of the victim’s own family. Mehboob said investigators examined footage from more than 100 CCTV cameras and used human intelligence and other sources to establish the circumstances surrounding the murder. The victim’s father and brother were subsequently brought into the investigation, following which details of the alleged planning and the roles of various suspects began to emerge. The SSP said the investigation indicated that Ayesha’s father Fazal, brother Bashir and other close relatives were allegedly involved in the conspiracy. In a surprising development, her father became the complainant in the murder case after her death, allegedly in an attempt to conceal the facts and mislead the law. He further disclosed that an earlier attempt had also allegedly been made to kill Ayesha. The suspects had reportedly planned to target her during a wedding ceremony in Haripur, but she escaped the attack after changing her route. Malik said five suspects had so far been arrested: the victim’s father Fazal, biological brother Bashir, cousin Ahsan, her father’s uncle Rozi Khan and the son of her cousin, Yasin. The two alleged shooters are also in police custody, while one of the arrested suspects has allegedly confessed during interrogation. The SSP said the preliminary investigation indicated that the murder was an alleged honour killing, but the probe was continuing and further significant revelations could emerge. He said investigators would strengthen the evidence against the arrested suspects before submitting the challan to the court.

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K-P CM Afridi vows to lead Sept 27 long march to Islamabad

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi on Saturday vowed to personally lead Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers in the September 27 long march to Islamabad, declaring that the announced date was firm and non-negotiable and that the party would not retreat until achieving its objective. The chief minister made the remarks during a one-day visit to Hangu as part of preparations for the long march. He addressed participants of the PTI’s Street Movement at Hangu Bazaar Chowk and Abu Bakr Siddique Chowk. PTI provincial president Junaid Akbar Khan, Provincial Ministers Shafi Jan and Meena Khan Afridi, and other party leaders and workers also attended the gatherings. Thanking the people and party workers for their participation, Afridi urged them to make comprehensive preparations for the September 27 march. “This time, there is no turning back. We will return victorious on September 27. I will lead you, so be prepared,” he said. The chief minister strongly criticised the alleged failure to implement a Supreme Court order regarding PTI founder Imran Khan’s medical treatment. He claimed that a three-member bench had directed that Imran be provided treatment at Shifa International Hospital, but the order had not been implemented despite the court allowing two days for arrangements. Afridi alleged that the government and administration had disregarded the judicial directive, undermining the authority of the judiciary. He questioned what he described as selective implementation of court orders, saying directives against PTI and its workers were implemented immediately, while the order concerning Imran’s treatment had not been enforced. “There cannot be one law for the weak and another for the powerful in the same country,” he said, urging the judiciary to ensure equal application of the law. He maintained that equal justice was at the heart of Imran’s struggle for real freedom and urged the courts to uphold justice without discrimination. The chief minister also expressed concern over the country’s economic situation, saying public debt had reached Rs97 trillion while ordinary citizens faced inflation and growing financial difficulties. He claimed industrial capital was moving abroad and farmers and the wider population were bearing the consequences of flawed policies. Describing Imran as a symbol of national unity, the chief minister said his return would restore public confidence in state institutions and bring peace. He criticised policies that, he alleged, were resulting in the loss of innocent lives while benefiting a small group of powerful people. He particularly appealed to the youth to participate in the September 27 movement, saying young people constituted around 90 per cent of PTI rally participants. “The youth have to decide the country’s future. They must stand up for their own future,” he said. Afridi also alleged continued repression of PTI workers and women, referring to the Muridke incident and alleged mistreatment of Imran’s sisters.

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8 Pakistan Bar Council members condemn ‘defiance’ of SC order amid Imran Khan’s treatment fiasco

Eight members of the Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) on Saturday strongly condemned “the government’s blatant, willful and deliberate violation” of a Supreme Court (SC) August 18 order concerning the medical examination of former prime minister Imran Khan. Three days ago, the SC ordered the government to transfer Imran to Shifa Inte­rn­ati­onal Hospital for examination and treatment by a multidisciplinary medical board. The government instead sent him to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for treatment, drawing the ire of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership and eventually leading to the filing of a contempt of court petition in the apex court today. A press release signed and released by the group under the Pakistan Bar Council Member letterhead said, “We, the undersigned, strongly condemn the blatant, willful and deliberate violation by the government and authorities of the order of the Supreme Court of Pakistan dated 18 August 2026 concerning the shifting, medical examination and treatment of Mr. Imran Khan, former prime inister of Pakistan.” The press release was signed jointly by PBC members Abid Shahid Zuberi, Muhammad Maqsood Buttar, Shafqat Mehmood Chauhan, Munir Ahmed Kakar, Abdul Sattar Khan, Salman Akram Raja, Salahuddin Ahmed and Qazi Muhammad Arshad. Read: PTI files contempt petition in SC over alleged violation of order on Imran's hospital transfer The statement further highlighted that the apex court’s August 18 order was “clear, unequivocal and binding”, which was flouted by the executive in “direct defiance” of the court’s directions. The group emphasised that the executive did not have the authority to defy SC’s directions and orders. Describing the alleged non-compliance as a serious assault on the independence, authority and dignity of the judiciary, it warned that the abeyance undermined the rule of law and “strikes at the very foundation of constitutional governance". Detailing its argument, the PBC members said the incident rendered the constitutional separation of powers meaningless. “Judicial orders are the principal constitutional safeguard against arbitrary state action,” the statement said, adding that failure to comply with SC orders placed the fundamental rights of citizens at risk. Outlining paragraph 14 of the top court’s order, the lawyers argued that the executive was fully aware of the binding nature of the directions and the consequences of non-compliance. The group maintained that the filing of a review petition by the government did not suspend the court’s August 18 order and therefore the executive was not authorised to disregard it. The signatories demanded that those responsible for the alleged violation be identified and prosecuted in accordance with the law. Read more: Medical board urges concessions for Imran The statement also criticised the 26th and 27th constitutional amendments, contending that these had eroded the supremacy of the rule of law, the judiciary and the Constitution. It argued that the amendments could not provide constitutional cover for disobedience of a subsisting SC order. “No constitutional amendment, political consideration or executive decision can place the government above a binding judicial command,” the lawyers stressed in the joint statement. They said SC orders could not be held in abeyance at the government’s whim. The statement also drew comparisons between the treatment afforded to other ex-premiers and political leaders facing criminal convictions. It said a former premier had been allowed to travel abroad for medical treatment pursuant to a court order and an undertaking executed on Rs50 stamp paper, referring to PML-N President Nawaz Sharif's flight abroad from prison. The lawyers questioned whether constitutional protections relating to life, health, dignity and access to medical treatment were being applied selectively based on the political circumstances of an individual. In concluding remarks, the members of the PBC called for the complete implementation of the apex court’s August 18 order and urged that those “responsible for defiance be dealt with strictly” in accordance with the law. Similarly, the Sindh High Court Bar Association Karachi (SHCBAK) also described Imran’s treatment at PIMS as “brazen defiance of the SC’s order by executive and [Adiala] jail authorities”. In a statement issued on the association’s letterhead, SHCBAK President Muhammad Haseeb Jamali said the executive and government functionaries were constitutionally bound to comply with judicial orders. He referred to Articles 5 and 190 of the Constitution, arguing that the former obliged citizens to act in accordance with the Constitution and law, while the latter required executive authorities to act in aid of the SC. The bar association also maintained that access to medical treatment was a fundamental human right that could not be denied to prisoners. In the context of the aforesaid, the SHCBAK president reminded the government about the principles of “tracheotomy of power” whereby judicial orders are binding on all and lamented that the recent incident of the SC’s order abeyance was not in line with it. The statement issued by him also alleged that the 26th and 27th amendments to the Constitution rendered the judiciary a “subordinate” of the executive. He contested that the recent violation of SC directions in Imran’s case was a prime example of it. Recalling that the judiciary was one of the three pillars of the state, the association called on the executive authorities, including Adiala jail officials, to immediately comply with the SC’s order and ensure Imran’s medical treatment as mandated by the apex court. It further urged the top court to take “strict legal action against all delinquent officers” found responsible for non-compliance. PBC VC disowns statement issued by 8-member group Separately, the PBC distanced itself from the statement issued by eight of its members, stressing that the views solely reflected individual opinions which could not be construed as the collective position of the country’s top representative body of lawyers. In a statement issued today by the PBC secretary, its vice chairman said, “It is clarified that the statement issued by eight out of the 23 members of the Pakistan Bar Council represents the views of those individual members and cannot be treated as the collective position of the Pakistan Bar Council.” Also Read: Two specialists from Shifa International Hospital participated in Imran's eye assessment: PIMS The 23-member council also underscored that it was governed by “democratic principles” that disallowed the minority from dictating the position of the majority. “The Pakistan Bar Council is an institution of the legal fraternity and must remain above political interests and personal agendas. Neither the platform of the Pakistan Bar Council nor that of the superior judiciary should be politicised or used for any ulterior motives,” the statement read further. The PBC also strongly condemned a separate statement issued by the Lahore High Court Bar Association, saying it categorically distanced itself from such statements. “These statements do not reflect the collective views, position, or policy of the legal fraternity and the institution,” it said. The PBC, which is the largest representative body of lawyers in Pakistan, reiterated that bar representatives should not use the council’s platform to further personal political agendas. The council said it remained firmly committed to the rule of law, independence of the judiciary, supremacy of the Constitution and the sanctity of constitutional institutions. The refutation also highlighted that the lawyers’ body expected “all members” to respect these fundamental principles and uphold the dignity and institutional autonomy of the PBC. Balochistan High Court Bar Association (BHCBA) President Mir Attaullah Lango also slammed the press statement issued by the eight PBC members, calling it “misleading and controversial”. Advocate Lango said differences and political matters within the lawyers’ community should remain confined to it and should not be allowed to affect or undermine the collective institutions of lawyers. The BHCBA president said collective platforms of the legal community should not be used to serve the interests of any individual or group. “Controversial statements in support of a particular person should be avoided,” Lango stressed. He said that history was a witness that lawyers’ politics had never served the interests of an individual; thereby, the benchmark should not be compromised. Advocate Lango vowed not to let lawyers’ representative organisation be used for group interests or personal agendas “under any circumstances”. Punjab legal fraternity exchange barbs after Imran’s treatment sparks row A stark divide among the members of the Punjab legal fraternity was also observed as an Imran Khan-supporting group warned of protests over what they described as the government’s failure to fully implement the SC’s directions regarding his medical treatment, while the other distanced itself from the statement, maintaining neutrality to allow the courts to determine sub judice matters on their legal merit. Speaking at a press conference at the Lahore High Court Bar Association (LHCBA), Imran’s counsel Barrister Salman Safdar said the federal top court’s recent order regarding his client’s medical treatment was in accordance with the constitution and law and should be implemented in letter and spirit. Safdar alleged that despite repeated judicial directions, Imran had been denied basic facilities by the government and kept in isolation. He also lamented that the former premier’s cases were not being fixed for hearing at a feasible frequency. Referring to a 2022 meeting with Imran, Safdar said, “The PTI founder had foretold that several cases would be registered against him,” adding that he was appalled that more than 400 cases were filed against the former cricketer turned politician. “Imran never attempted to evade the legal process, but he is not being provided adequate opportunities to properly defend himself,” the barrister maintained. Reiterating the claims of prolonged isolation in jail faced by Imran and his wife, the legal counsel submitted that the ex-premier’s health succumbed to circumstances. “The former prime minister’s eyesight deteriorated during his confinement,” he said while claiming that jail authorities confirmed it, though the government still refutes it. The barrister argued that the SC’s rulings were not being properly implemented to provide reprieve to Imran. Appalled by the treatment meted out to the former premier, he reminded the authorities, “Imran Khan is neither a terrorist nor involved in any case against the state.” Acknowledging that the PTI founder had been convicted in the Toshakhana case, Safdar claimed delayed hearings of Imran’s pending cases. Citing an example, the legal counsel asserted, “A bail petition before the Islamabad High Court had remained pending for around 18 months.” He warned that a continuous denial of justice would undermine public confidence in the legal system. During the press conference, LHCBA President Babar Murtaza also seconded Safdar’s opinion, calling it a denial of Imran’s fundamental rights. He stated that the PTI founder had spent around 10 months in solitary confinement that caused his poor health. Reverting the discussion towards alleged flouting of the SC order by the government, Murtaza reminded that the top court had passed directions after assessing Imran’s medical summary. He said that failure to comply with the order could amount to contempt of court. The bar leader warned that the legal fraternity would launch protests and stage a sit-in outside the Punjab Assembly if the court’s directions are not implemented. Senator Hamid Khan also voiced concerns over the alleged non-compliance with the judicial decision, warning that continued disregard for court orders would fuel unrest and undermine the rule of law. “Interference in judicial affairs is weakening the independence of the judiciary.” The senator reiterated the fears expressed by the PTI founder that his health was being compromised in custody. He also highlighted the possibility of serious consequences if adequate medical treatment was not provided to the former PM. Separately, Punjab Bar Council Vice Chairman Chaudhry Qaiser Nazir Ahmed Sahi and Executive Committee Chairman Chaudhry Arshad Ali Hanjra said the recent statements issued by “some members of the Pakistan Bar Council and Punjab Bar Council represented their personal views”. In a joint statement issued to the media, they contested that the statement by a handful of lawyers could not be treated as the collective position of the legal fraternity or the two bar councils. The council leaders also urged bar councils, bar associations and their representatives to exercise restraint while commenting on matters that were sub judice. “The Punjab Bar Council stressed that, with regard to matters that are sub judice, bar councils, bar associations and their representatives should refrain from issuing statements that could potentially influence judicial proceedings, undermine institutional independence or affect public confidence,” the statement issued by the council’s secretary, on behalf of the duo, read. The two officials called upon all stakeholders to respect the judicial process and allow the courts to determine sub judice matters on their legal and constitutional merits.

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8 Pakistan Bar Council members condemn ‘defiance’ of SC order amid Imran Khan’s treatment fiasco

Eight members of the Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) on Saturday strongly condemned “the government’s blatant, willful and deliberate violation” of a Supreme Court (SC) August 18 order concerning the medical examination of former prime minister Imran Khan. Three days ago, the SC ordered the government to transfer Imran to Shifa Inte­rn­ati­onal Hospital for examination and treatment by a multidisciplinary medical board. The government instead sent him to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for treatment, drawing the ire of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership and eventually leading to the filing of a contempt of court petition in the apex court today. A press release signed and released by the group under the Pakistan Bar Council Member letterhead said, “We, the undersigned, strongly condemn the blatant, willful and deliberate violation by the government and authorities of the order of the Supreme Court of Pakistan dated 18 August 2026 concerning the shifting, medical examination and treatment of Mr. Imran Khan, former prime inister of Pakistan.” The press release was signed jointly by PBC members Abid Shahid Zuberi, Muhammad Maqsood Buttar, Shafqat Mehmood Chauhan, Munir Ahmed Kakar, Abdul Sattar Khan, Salman Akram Raja, Salahuddin Ahmed and Qazi Muhammad Arshad. Read: PTI files contempt petition in SC over alleged violation of order on Imran's hospital transfer The statement further highlighted that the apex court’s August 18 order was “clear, unequivocal and binding”, which was flouted by the executive in “direct defiance” of the court’s directions. The group emphasised that the executive did not have the authority to defy SC’s directions and orders. Describing the alleged non-compliance as a serious assault on the independence, authority and dignity of the judiciary, it warned that the abeyance undermined the rule of law and “strikes at the very foundation of constitutional governance". Detailing its argument, the PBC members said the incident rendered the constitutional separation of powers meaningless. “Judicial orders are the principal constitutional safeguard against arbitrary state action,” the statement said, adding that failure to comply with SC orders placed the fundamental rights of citizens at risk. Outlining paragraph 14 of the top court’s order, the lawyers argued that the executive was fully aware of the binding nature of the directions and the consequences of non-compliance. The group maintained that the filing of a review petition by the government did not suspend the court’s August 18 order and therefore the executive was not authorised to disregard it. The signatories demanded that those responsible for the alleged violation be identified and prosecuted in accordance with the law. Read more: Medical board urges concessions for Imran The statement also criticised the 26th and 27th constitutional amendments, contending that these had eroded the supremacy of the rule of law, the judiciary and the Constitution. It argued that the amendments could not provide constitutional cover for disobedience of a subsisting SC order. “No constitutional amendment, political consideration or executive decision can place the government above a binding judicial command,” the lawyers stressed in the joint statement. They said SC orders could not be held in abeyance at the government’s whim. The statement also drew comparisons between the treatment afforded to other ex-premiers and political leaders facing criminal convictions. It said a former premier had been allowed to travel abroad for medical treatment pursuant to a court order and an undertaking executed on Rs50 stamp paper, referring to PML-N President Nawaz Sharif's flight abroad from prison. The lawyers questioned whether constitutional protections relating to life, health, dignity and access to medical treatment were being applied selectively based on the political circumstances of an individual. In concluding remarks, the members of the PBC called for the complete implementation of the apex court’s August 18 order and urged that those “responsible for defiance be dealt with strictly” in accordance with the law. Similarly, the Sindh High Court Bar Association Karachi (SHCBAK) also described Imran’s treatment at PIMS as “brazen defiance of the SC’s order by executive and [Adiala] jail authorities”. In a statement issued on the association’s letterhead, SHCBAK President Muhammad Haseeb Jamali said the executive and government functionaries were constitutionally bound to comply with judicial orders. He referred to Articles 5 and 190 of the Constitution, arguing that the former obliged citizens to act in accordance with the Constitution and law, while the latter required executive authorities to act in aid of the SC. The bar association also maintained that access to medical treatment was a fundamental human right that could not be denied to prisoners. In the context of the aforesaid, the SHCBAK president reminded the government about the principles of “tracheotomy of power” whereby judicial orders are binding on all and lamented that the recent incident of the SC’s order abeyance was not in line with it. The statement issued by him also alleged that the 26th and 27th amendments to the Constitution rendered the judiciary a “subordinate” of the executive. He contested that the recent violation of SC directions in Imran’s case was a prime example of it. Recalling that the judiciary was one of the three pillars of the state, the association called on the executive authorities, including Adiala jail officials, to immediately comply with the SC’s order and ensure Imran’s medical treatment as mandated by the apex court. It further urged the top court to take “strict legal action against all delinquent officers” found responsible for non-compliance. PBC VC disowns statement issued by 8-member group Separately, the PBC distanced itself from the statement issued by eight of its members, stressing that the views solely reflected individual opinions which could not be construed as the collective position of the country’s top representative body of lawyers. In a statement issued today by the PBC secretary, its vice chairman said, “It is clarified that the statement issued by eight out of the 23 members of the Pakistan Bar Council represents the views of those individual members and cannot be treated as the collective position of the Pakistan Bar Council.” Also Read: Two specialists from Shifa International Hospital participated in Imran's eye assessment: PIMS The 23-member council also underscored that it was governed by “democratic principles” that disallowed the minority from dictating the position of the majority. “The Pakistan Bar Council is an institution of the legal fraternity and must remain above political interests and personal agendas. Neither the platform of the Pakistan Bar Council nor that of the superior judiciary should be politicised or used for any ulterior motives,” the statement read further. The PBC also strongly condemned a separate statement issued by the Lahore High Court Bar Association, saying it categorically distanced itself from such statements. “These statements do not reflect the collective views, position, or policy of the legal fraternity and the institution,” it said. The PBC, which is the largest representative body of lawyers in Pakistan, reiterated that bar representatives should not use the council’s platform to further personal political agendas. The council said it remained firmly committed to the rule of law, independence of the judiciary, supremacy of the Constitution and the sanctity of constitutional institutions. The refutation also highlighted that the lawyers’ body expected “all members” to respect these fundamental principles and uphold the dignity and institutional autonomy of the PBC. Balochistan High Court Bar Association (BHCBA) President Mir Attaullah Lango also slammed the press statement issued by the eight PBC members, calling it “misleading and controversial”. Advocate Lango said differences and political matters within the lawyers’ community should remain confined to it and should not be allowed to affect or undermine the collective institutions of lawyers. The BHCBA president said collective platforms of the legal community should not be used to serve the interests of any individual or group. “Controversial statements in support of a particular person should be avoided,” Lango stressed. He said that history was a witness that lawyers’ politics had never served the interests of an individual; thereby, the benchmark should not be compromised. Advocate Lango vowed not to let lawyers’ representative organisation be used for group interests or personal agendas “under any circumstances”. Punjab legal fraternity exchange barbs after Imran’s treatment sparks row A stark divide among the members of the Punjab legal fraternity was also observed as an Imran Khan-supporting group warned of protests over what they described as the government’s failure to fully implement the SC’s directions regarding his medical treatment, while the other distanced itself from the statement, maintaining neutrality to allow the courts to determine sub judice matters on their legal merit. Speaking at a press conference at the Lahore High Court Bar Association (LHCBA), Imran’s counsel Barrister Salman Safdar said the federal top court’s recent order regarding his client’s medical treatment was in accordance with the constitution and law and should be implemented in letter and spirit. Safdar alleged that despite repeated judicial directions, Imran had been denied basic facilities by the government and kept in isolation. He also lamented that the former premier’s cases were not being fixed for hearing at a feasible frequency. Referring to a 2022 meeting with Imran, Safdar said, “The PTI founder had foretold that several cases would be registered against him,” adding that he was appalled that more than 400 cases were filed against the former cricketer turned politician. “Imran never attempted to evade the legal process, but he is not being provided adequate opportunities to properly defend himself,” the barrister maintained. Reiterating the claims of prolonged isolation in jail faced by Imran and his wife, the legal counsel submitted that the ex-premier’s health succumbed to circumstances. “The former prime minister’s eyesight deteriorated during his confinement,” he said while claiming that jail authorities confirmed it, though the government still refutes it. The barrister argued that the SC’s rulings were not being properly implemented to provide reprieve to Imran. Appalled by the treatment meted out to the former premier, he reminded the authorities, “Imran Khan is neither a terrorist nor involved in any case against the state.” Acknowledging that the PTI founder had been convicted in the Toshakhana case, Safdar claimed delayed hearings of Imran’s pending cases. Citing an example, the legal counsel asserted, “A bail petition before the Islamabad High Court had remained pending for around 18 months.” He warned that a continuous denial of justice would undermine public confidence in the legal system. During the press conference, LHCBA President Babar Murtaza also seconded Safdar’s opinion, calling it a denial of Imran’s fundamental rights. He stated that the PTI founder had spent around 10 months in solitary confinement that caused his poor health. Reverting the discussion towards alleged flouting of the SC order by the government, Murtaza reminded that the top court had passed directions after assessing Imran’s medical summary. He said that failure to comply with the order could amount to contempt of court. The bar leader warned that the legal fraternity would launch protests and stage a sit-in outside the Punjab Assembly if the court’s directions are not implemented. Senator Hamid Khan also voiced concerns over the alleged non-compliance with the judicial decision, warning that continued disregard for court orders would fuel unrest and undermine the rule of law. “Interference in judicial affairs is weakening the independence of the judiciary.” The senator reiterated the fears expressed by the PTI founder that his health was being compromised in custody. He also highlighted the possibility of serious consequences if adequate medical treatment was not provided to the former PM. Separately, Punjab Bar Council Vice Chairman Chaudhry Qaiser Nazir Ahmed Sahi and Executive Committee Chairman Chaudhry Arshad Ali Hanjra said the recent statements issued by “some members of the Pakistan Bar Council and Punjab Bar Council represented their personal views”. In a joint statement issued to the media, they contested that the statement by a handful of lawyers could not be treated as the collective position of the legal fraternity or the two bar councils. The council leaders also urged bar councils, bar associations and their representatives to exercise restraint while commenting on matters that were sub judice. “The Punjab Bar Council stressed that, with regard to matters that are sub judice, bar councils, bar associations and their representatives should refrain from issuing statements that could potentially influence judicial proceedings, undermine institutional independence or affect public confidence,” the statement issued by the council’s secretary, on behalf of the duo, read. The two officials called upon all stakeholders to respect the judicial process and allow the courts to determine sub judice matters on their legal and constitutional merits.

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Major rivers swell amid heavy rains

Heavy rains have increased water flows in Punjab's rivers, with medium-level flooding reported at Kalabagh on the Indus and high-level flooding in Nullah Palkho at Wazirabad, while several other rivers and waterways are also carrying elevated flows. According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), the Indus was experiencing a medium-level flood at Kalabagh, where water inflow stood at 425,000 cusecs and outflow at 416,000 cusecs. It added that low-level flooding was also prevailing in the Indus at Tarbela, Chashma and Taunsa. The PDMA said water flows in the Chenab, Jhelum, Ravi and Sutlej rivers remained within normal levels. Water flow at Tarbela was recorded at 267,000 cusecs, while Chashma and Taunsa were carrying 360,000 cusecs and 317,000 cusecs, respectively, according to the authority. The PDMA said water flow in the hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan was normal, while a high-level flood situation prevailed in Nullah Palkho at Wazirabad, where the discharge reached 5,800 cusecs. A low-level flood was also reported in Nullah Basantar and Nullah Aik in Narowal, while Tarbela Dam had reached 100% of its storage capacity and Mangla Dam was 72% full. The Indus River System Authority (Irsa) said it released 414,900 cusecs from various rim stations against an inflow of 448,200 cusecs. According to data released by the authority, the water level at Tarbela Dam stood at 1,550 feet, which was 148 feet above its dead level of 1,402 feet. Inflow and outflow at the dam were both recorded at 259,900 cusecs. At Mangla Dam, the water level in the Jhelum River stood at 1,215 feet, or 165 feet above its dead level of 1,050 feet. The inflow was recorded at 40,700 cusecs, while the outflow stood at 7,000 cusecs, the Irsa date showed. The releases at Kalabagh, Taunsa, Guddu and Sukkur were recorded at 383,200 cusecs, 296,900 cusecs, 282,800 cusecs and 213,400 cusecs, respectively. The authority said 43,500 cusecs of water was released from the Kabul River at Nowshera, while the Chenab River recorded a release of 90,400 cusecs at Marala. The PDMA said the sixth spell of rains continued until Friday and urged citizens to adopt precautionary measures in view of the prevailing weather and flood situation. People have been advised to avoid recreational activities around rivers, canals and streams.

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Fact check: Viral visuals of Imran Khan from recent Islamabad hospital visit are doctored or old

Multiple users, a majority of whom appear to be PTI supporters based on their past posts, have been sharing visuals across social media platforms on August 21, 2026, purportedly showing incarcerated party founder Imran Khan from his recent hospital visit. However, the visuals are AI-generated or old. On August 21, a fan account of former anchorperson Imran Riaz shared an image on X, allegedly showing Imran stepping down from the ambulance, with the following caption: “Breaking news. All restrictions have been shattered, no one could stop it, Khan’s picture has gone viral.” The post gained 286,500 views. Former anchorperson Sabir Shakir also shared the same photo with the following caption: “Thousands of efforts were made to stop Imran Khan’s picture, all of which failed.” The post racked up 193,000 views. Another pro-PTI account shared the same image with the following caption: “Grok says that this image is real.” The post accumulated 76,600 views. A high-quality version of the same image was also shared by a pro-PTI user of X, which gained 46,000 views. “Murshid’s first picture,” the caption read. Several other pro-PTI accounts on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and X also shared the same image, as seen here, here, here, here, here, here, and here, collectively gaining 49,000 views. Some users were seen in the comments disputing the nature of the image, saying it was AI-generated. A slightly different, clearer and brighter version of the image was also being shared. A pro-PTI account shared the image and gained 103,500 views. Journalist Fakhar Ur Rehman also shared the same image on X with the following caption: “Now who has leaked these pictures and what is the motive? It certainly indicates to subside the much talk about Pakistan’s incarcerated ex-PM İmran Khan health or provide an argument or evidence to the sitting government, which has challenged the Supreme Court to shift İmran Khan to a private hospital? Or to show that the order has been complied with? By now, the government must have confirmed or denied reports that İmran Khan has been shifted back to Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi.” The post gained 12,400 views. Image of Imran inside car Similarly, another image also got traction on several social media platforms, allegedly showing Imran inside a vehicle under red lights. On August 20, a pro-PTI user, based on their past posts, shared an image on X allegedly showing Imran in a car while being transferred to Al Shifa International Hospital with the following caption: “Breaking news: All restrictions have been smashed, no one could stop it, Khan’s picture has gone viral, Jani’s meeting has happened” The post gained 135,000 views Another PTI supporter, based on their past posts on Facebook, shared the same image in a similar context with the following caption: “Go ahead then, PTI supporters — have a look for yourselves” The post was liked by 3,500 users. A London-based social media activist, who appears to be a PML-N supporter based on their past posts, reposted the same visual with the following caption: “Brother, don’t go blind on the captain, you’ve turned him into the Dajjal” The same visual in a similar context was shared by several other PTI and PML-N supporters on different social media platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and X, as seen here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here, collectively accumulating 22,000 views. Video of convoy taking Imran to hospital A video was also widely shared that allegedly showed the convoy taking Imran to the hospital. The footage shows several vehicles and motorcycles travelling in what appears to be an official security convoy, with flashing police lights and sirens audible in the background. An X account, which appears to support the PTI based on its previous posts, shared the viral video with the caption: “Imran Khan is coming.” The post accumulated approximately 121,000 views. Around the same time, an X user who identifies him as a journalist and had previously worked with The Nation and Nawa-i-Waqt Group per his Facebook profile, shared the same video with the caption: “Imran Khan is being cruised to Shifa International Hospital amid stringent security sending a loud, urgent warning noise from emergency vehicles like police cars with blaring sirens, fire trucks, or public safety systems.” The post accumulated approximately 16,000 views. Former anchorperson Jameel Farooqui also posted the same video with an Urdu caption that translates to: “Khan Sahib has blown through all the protocols — welcome to Shifa.” His post accumulated approximately 88,000 views. Nasim Siddiqui, whose X profile identifies him as a foreign correspondent for Express News, also shared the same video with an Urdu caption that translates to: “Check out Khan’s arrival. Road to Shifa Hospital.” His post accumulated approximately 56,000 views. Another X account that also appears to support the PTI based on its previous posts shared the footage with the caption: “They’re just patrolling everywhere, and there’s still no sign of Imran Khan; he’s yet to come.” The post accumulated approximately 32,000 views. Islamabad-based journalist and Arab News Pakistan editor Mehreen Zahra-Malik also shared the same video with the caption: “Adiala to Shifa.” Her post accumulated approximately 19,000 views. Senior Pakistani journalist and host of On The Front with Kamran Shahid on Dunya News, Kamran Shahid, also posted the same footage from his official X account with the caption: “Imran Khan finally transferred to the hospital!” His post accumulated approximately 15,000 views. Bol News also shared the same video on its Bol News Breakings Facebook page with an Urdu caption that translates to: “A glimpse of the convoy, special scenes,” accompanied by hashtags including #ImranKhan and #AdialaJail. The post accumulated 6,000 views. On the same day, RT India, the English-language India-focused media operation of Russian state-controlled broadcaster RT, also shared the video with the following caption: “Khan was taken to the hospital from Adiala Jail amid concerns over his deteriorating health. He was moved back to prison after the medical examination.” The post accumulated 831 views. The identified posts collectively accumulated more than 203,000 views. Methodology A fact-check was initiated to determine the veracity of the visuals due to high virality and keen public interest in the PTI founder’s health. There is also curiosity surrounding Imran, given that he has been behind bars for three years and has not yet made a public appearance. A keyword search was conducted to verify whether any credible Pakistani or international media outlets or official PTI platforms had shared the same visuals of Imran stepping down from an ambulance or inside the vehicle, but it yielded no results. Ambulance image The image was analysed using the OpenAI tool for the SynthID watermark and detected a SynthID signal, indicating that the image likely originated from or was edited using OpenAI tools. SynthID works by embedding an invisible digital watermark directly into AI-generated media content. Unlike normal metadata, the watermark forms part of the content itself and is designed to remain detectable even after the media is doctored, such as cropping, applying filters or lossy compression. The photo was subsequently analysed using other AI-detection tools. Undetectable AI flagged the visual as nine per cent real, indicating it was AI-generated. Meanwhile, TruthScan flagged the image as 91pc AI-generated, and UncovAI labelled it as 74pc doctored. The slightly different, clearer and brighter image was examined for visual discrepancies and showed that the name tags on the uniforms of the two cops wearing Islamabad police uniforms appeared distorted and contained gibberish writing — a typical indicator of AI-generated content. Moreover, the arm badge visible on the left sleeve of one of the officers did not resemble the official Islamabad Police shoulder patch. The uniforms shown in the viral image also do not appear to display the Pakistan flag insignia on the sleeves. The image was subsequently analysed using multiple AI detection tools. TruthScan flagged the viral image as 96pc AI-generated. Similarly, Hive Moderation flagged the viral image as 44pc AI-generated. Google’s SynthID analysis determined that part of the viral image has been edited or generated using Google AI. These findings establish that the viral image is not authentic and has been generated using AI tools. Image of Imran inside car A reverse image search was conducted to trace the source of the image, which yielded the same visual shared by several social media accounts in mid-July. A TikTok user who appeared to be a PTI supporter based on their past posts shared the same visual on July 17, 2026. @khanedits254 #CapCut part8Pakistan ImranKhan fypシ゚viral ♬ الصوت الأصلي - ابومــ𝄠ــعتز❥⛎ Similarly, former PTI MPA and provincial minister for communication and works in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Shakeel Ahmed, also shared the same visual on his TikTok account on July 20, 2026. @shakeelahmad.mpa   ♬ original sound - 𝙐 𝙎 〽️ 𝙄 🪽✨ A further search showed that a PTI supporter, based on their username and past posts, had shared a similar image on X on July 14, 2026. پاکستان اور دنیا بھر میں رہنے والے خان کے چاہنے والوں کو السلام علیکم ❤️ pic.twitter.com/bIVSiHiMKt — Mudassir Hassan (@Mud_PTI) July 14, 2026 The image was analysed using OpenAI’s content verification tool, which checks files for provenance signals associated with OpenAI-generated content, including C2PA (Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity) metadata and SynthID watermarks. The tool detected a SynthID signal, indicating that the image likely originated from OpenAI’s generative tools. OpenAI notes that a detected signal reliably indicates that the content likely originated from its tools. Furthermore, forensic analysis of the image using AI detection tools such as Undetectable AI, Fake Image Detector, Truth Scan, and Deep AI also labelled it as AI-generated content. Another Forensic tool also identified the source of the content, labelling it 99pc generated through OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Video of convoy taking Imran to hospital A reverse image search was then conducted using keyframes extracted from the viral video to determine whether the footage had appeared online before August 20. The search led to a TikTok post uploaded on April 11, 2026, containing the same footage. The post was titled “High security protocol in Islamabad, Pakistan” accompanied by hashtags such as #jdvance #usa🇺🇸 #iran #pakistan. @hamzarajpoot_03 High security protocol in Islamabad Pakistan #pakistan #jdvance #usa🇺🇸 #iran #pakistan ♬ original sound - Hamza✨❤️ United States Vice President JD Vance had arrived in Islamabad on April 11 to lead a high-level US delegation for peace talks with Iran mediated by Pakistan. A subsequent keyword search uncovered another TikTok post from April 11 containing the same footage with no specific caption related to JD Vance’s visit to Pakistan. @desert.creatives4 High security protocol in Islamabad for elite-level international movement. Today’s environment demanded maximum security presence as high-profile individuals gathered under strict protocol. This is how professional bouncers protocol mobility & VIP security systems operate in real-time. ✔ High-alert security deployment ✔ Professional bouncers & protocol teams ✔ Controlled movement & protection ✔ Elite-level security standards For those who understand real security — this is the standard. 📍 Pakistan 📲 Follow for elite security & protocol content #VIPSecurity #ProtocolMovement #IslamabadSecurity #EliteProtection #protocol ♬ original sound - 🇦🇪HaBiBi iN DuBai🇦🇪 A video on Instagram in a post from April 21 was also found. While its caption only read “Islamabad High Alert On”, hashtags accompanying the post included references to the Islamabad talks and the Iran war.         View this post on Instagram                       The exact origin and context of the video are still being determined, but it is confirmed that it is unrelated to Imran’s hospital visit. Imran has remained incarcerated in Adiala jail while facing multiple legal cases. In early 2026, concerns over his health intensified after his legal team reported that he had developed central retinal vein occlusion, resulting in significant vision loss in his right eye. He was reportedly transferred to Islamabad’s Shifa International Hospital for a medical check-up and treatment in the early hours of August 21 following the Supreme Court’s orders to the government to do so. However, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar later clarified that Imran was taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, a government-run facility where the PTI founder has undergone treatment for an eye ailment in recent months. Imran was declared medically fit and taken back to Adiala jail later. Fact-check status: False The claim that viral visuals show Imran Khan stepping down from an ambulance or inside a vehicle during his recent hospital visit or his security convoy is false. The visual of him stepping down from the ambulance is AI-generated, while the one of him inside a vehicle with red lights and the convoy transporting him are old. This fact check was originally published by iVerify Pakistan — a project of CEJ-IBA and UNDP.  

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JUI-F, TTAP join hands in parliament

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) Chairman Mahmood Khan Achakzai on Thursday held their first meeting with opposition leaders, agreeing to establish a united opposition and begin the process from parliament. The meeting, which was also attended by PTI leaders, brought together the JUI-F and Tehreek Tahafuz Aaine-Pakistan as part of efforts to build a broader opposition platform. Further consultations are expected, with sources saying a joint parliamentary party meeting of opposition parties will be convened on Friday. Fazl reached the opposition chamber along with a JUI-F delegation to meet Mahmood Khan Achakzai. Achakzai and Fazl later proceeded together from the opposition.  The opposition lobby to the opposition chamber, accompanied by PTI leaders. The JUI-F and the TTAP agreed to establish a united opposition, with the process to begin from parliament. Fazl made the announcement while speaking to the media alongside opposition leaders. “Today was the first sitting with the opposition. We have decided that a united opposition should be formed. This was the first meeting and there will be further consultations,” he said. Sources said the meeting also agreed that a joint parliamentary party meeting of opposition parties would be convened on Friday. The participants also discussed the health of PTI founder Imran Khan, according to sources. The opposition alliance would also hold a meeting with Fazl, sources said. Asked whether the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) would also be included in the opposition alliance, Fazl said the PPP was part of the government and that they were discussing the opposition. He said an all-parties conference should also be discussed. Asked by a journalist whether the opposition parties would stand together on the streets as well or only in parliament, Fazlur Rehman quipped, “We recite Surah Fatiha and you have already reached Surah Nas.”

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