CPNE elects Kazim Khan unopposed as president, flags press freedom concerns

Prominent journalist Kazim Khan was once again elected unopposed as president of the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) during its annual general meeting held on the eve of World Press Freedom Day on Saturday, while Ayaz Khan was elected senior vice president. During the meeting, Ghulam Nabi Chandio was elected general secretary and Tanveer Shaukat deputy general secretary. The announcement was made by election committee chairman Ali Raza Lehri, who congratulated the newly elected members. The annual general meeting discussed the future of print media, the expanding influence of digital platforms and the economic challenges facing the media industry. 1-روزنامہ دنیا کے ایگزیکٹو ایڈیٹر کاظم خان سی پی این ای کے صدر منتخب ہو گئے ۔ روزنامہ پاک سندھ کے ایڈیٹر غلام نبی خان چانڈیو سیکرٹری جنرل منتخب ۔ 2-سال 27-2026 کو “ مزاحمت “ کا سال قرار دینے کا اعلان۔ صدر سی پی این ای 3- جس صحافت نے عزت دی آج اسکی عزت خطرے میں ہے ۔ کاظم خان 4-… pic.twitter.com/HjEmp4mEwk — Kazam Khan (@presidentCPNE) May 2, 2026 Addressing the meeting, Kazim said World Press Freedom Day would be observed as a year of “resistance and protection of press freedom in 2026”, adding that “resistance will begin at home”. He said efforts would be made to counter fake news propagandists, dummy newspapers and those shaping narratives on the payroll of political parties and institutions. “Every writer, every speaker, and everyone sitting in front of a camera is not a journalist. Journalism that once gave respect is now under threat,” he said, adding that powerful forces were attempting to control journalism. He further said those summoning journalists to offices and issuing threats in broad daylight must be resisted. Participants of the meeting noted that although digital media was expanding rapidly, print media would continue to retain its position as a credible and documentary source. Concerns were also raised over a sharp reduction in government advertising, which has created financial difficulties for newspapers and magazines. The decline in budgets and advertising share for regional newspapers was described as a serious issue. Speakers called on the government to provide subsidies or financial support to print media, ensure fair distribution of advertisements, restore quotas for regional newspapers and formulate a clear and transparent media policy. Suggestions were also made regarding digitalisation, including the establishment of an effective digital platform under CPNE, expansion of digital reach and adoption of modern technology. Participants stressed the need to counter the growing trend of fake news by promoting credible journalism, calling both print and electronic media a source of public trust. The meeting also discussed organisational reforms, media policy and financial structures, agreeing that CPNE must modernise its strategy in line with current challenges. It was further emphasised that integrating print and digital media was necessary to build a strong, sustainable and credible media system to uphold journalistic standards and promote democratic values. A special condolence session was held in memory of former CPNE secretary general late Amir Mahmood, where his services to press freedom and the organisation were acknowledged by his son Taimur Aamir, President Kazim Khan, Secretary General Ghulam Nabi Chandio and other members. At the conclusion of the meeting, Kazim and Chandio thanked all participants and appreciated the services of the CPNE secretariat staff. President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz congratulated the new officebearers. صدرِ مملکت کی صحافتی تنظیم کاؤنسل آف نیوز پیپرز ایڈیٹرز کے نو منتخب صدر کاظم خان، سیکریٹری جنرل غلام نبی چانڈیو، سینئر نائب صدر ایاز خان، نائب صدور شکیل احمد ترابی اور انور ساجدی، سیکریٹری اطلاعات منزہ سہام سمیت دیگر عہدیداران کو مبارکباد۔ صحافتی اقدار، حقائق پر مبنی رپورٹنگ اور… pic.twitter.com/pgqSzqCb3L — PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) May 2, 2026 وزیراعظم کا صدر کاظم خان، سیکریٹری جنرل غلام نبی چانڈیو، سینئر نائب صدر ایاز خان، نائب صدور شکیل احمد ترابی اور انور ساجدی، سیکریٹری اطلاعات منزہ سہام سمیت دیگر عہدیداران کے لیے نیک تمناؤں کا اظہار آزاد، ذمہ دار اور باخبر میڈیا جمہوری معاشرے کا بنیادی ستون ہے، امید ہے سی پی… pic.twitter.com/AsDxrVl6xe — PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) May 2, 2026 وزیراعلی مریم نواز شریف کی سینئر نائب صدر ایاز خان، نائب صدور شکیل احمد ترابی سیکریٹری جنرل غلام نبی چانڈیواور دیگر کے لیے نیک تمنائیں امید ہے سی پی این ای کے نو منتخب عہدیدار آزاد، ذمہ دارانہ صحافتی اقدار کے لئے بھرپور کردار ادا کریں گے. سی پی این ای قیادت سے قومی مفاد… pic.twitter.com/6OZ9RXBiNe — PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) May 2, 2026 Other elected office-bearers Other elected office-bearers include Arif Baloch as finance secretary and Manzah Saham as information secretary. Regional vice presidents were also elected: Qazi Asad Abid (Sindh), Shakeel Turabi (Rawalpindi/Islamabad), Mian Ahmad Hassan (Punjab), Tahir Farooq (Khyber- Pakhtunkhwa) and Anwar Sajdi (Balochistan). The joint secretaries include Munir Baloch (Balochistan), Maqsood Yousufi (Sindh), Tanveer Siddiqui (Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa), Babar Nizami (Punjab) and Yahya Sadozai (Rawalpindi/Islamabad). Other members of the standing committee include Hamid Hussain Abadi, Sardar Muhammad Siraj, Sher Muhammad Khawand, Abdul Rehman Mangrio, Zia Tanoli, Mudassar Iqbal, Shehzad Amin, Irfan Athar, Zulfiqar Ahmed Rahat, Abdul Salam Bhatt, Mumtaz Ahmed Sadiq, Faqir Manthar Mangrio, Ayaz Ali Memon, Nisar Khattak, Akmal Chauhan, Dr Zubair Mehmood, Masood Khan, Fazl Haq, Ali Ahmed Dhillon, Abdul Khaliq Ali, Taimur Aamir, Syed Intizar Hussain Zanjani, Mian Aslam, Hamza Ali Afghan and Mehmood Alam Khalid. Bilal Aslam and Obaid Aleem were also named as committee members, while the two-member arbitration committee comprises chairman Hassan Abbas and member Wazir Zada.

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Three-day technology and books festival kicks off in Karachi

The three-day Karachi International Books and Technology Fair (KIBTF) kicked off at the Karachi Expo Centre on Friday. Educational technologies, STEM competitions and thought-provoking talk sessions are also part of the festival. Authors, publishers, innovators, startup founders and other experts are participating during the three-day festival. “Haprow”, a cute little robot, grabbed attention as it was fabricated in Pakistan with the efforts of the National Incubation Centre, Karachi. The AI-enabled robot helps children in learning and is designed to be a virtual friend for children with autism. Its different version is a disinfection robot that kills germs and pathogens with ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Students in a competition at KIBTF. PHOTO: KIBTF Various new startups also showcased their digital products, offering 100% online classes with an effective learning feedback mechanism. An Islamabad-based company presented its school books with STEM learning to empower pupils with coding even at the primary level. Another ed-tech startup presented its experience in project-based learning for young minds to avoid rote learning. KIBTF kicks off in Karachi. PHOTO: KIBTF Fiction Genie and Storise are two homegrown companies dedicated to producing audiobooks of Pakistani publishers, as it is much needed in the scenario of digital learning. Both companies said they are working to provide a bigger platform for Pakistani authors and publishers. Students from different institutions participated in STEM competitions at KIBTF. PHOTO: BY AUTHOR Robothon and STEM competitions were another hallmark at KIBTF, where students from different schools participated with creative ideas. Discussion sessions KIBTF also arranged parallel sessions on learning and education. Different experts talked about the future of learning, teaching with AI, the single national curriculum, the role of journalism in education, smart classrooms and the future of book publishing. Panel discussions and talks are part of the fair. PHOTO: AUTHOR Ameena Saiyad, Dr Nigar Sajjad Zaheer, Ali K Chishti, Dr Naveed Yousuf and others expressed their views on different topics directly or indirectly related to education and learning. May 3 is the last day of KIBTF, where many inspirational discussions are planned. The topics range from AI in classrooms, ed-tech startups, learning strategies for autistic children, and talks on other subjects to be held.

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Punjab announces new kite flying rules for Basant 2027, sets strict safety rules

The Punjab government on Friday announced new rules and regulations for kite flying for next year’s Basant festival, setting December 30 as the deadline for their full implementation. Under the new rules, kite flying will only be permitted on structurally strong and secure rooftops. The boundary walls of rooftops must be at least three and a half feet high. Overcrowding on rooftops will not be allowed. Parents and guardians have been directed to ensure continuous supervision of children, who will not be allowed near rooftop edges without adult supervision. Read: 17 lives lost during Basant festival in Lahore, Punjab govt informs LHC According to a statement, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif emphasised that children’s safety remains the top priority, adding that running, jumping, hanging from edges, and aggressively retrieving kites have been strictly prohibited. The use of loud music, DJ systems, and noise-generating devices during kite flying has also been banned. Any activity causing disturbance to neighbours will be treated as a punishable offence under the law. The availability of first aid kits at all locations has been made mandatory, with easy access ensured. In case of any accident or emergency, citizens have been advised to immediately contact Rescue 1122. In the event of any accident or violation of the law, building owners and event organisers will be held personally and jointly responsible. The chief minister reiterated that strict legal action would be taken against violators, adding that no one would be allowed to endanger lives under the guise of kite flying. She directed all deputy commissioners and district police officers to ensure complete implementation of the regulations. Also Read: Kites in the sky, stories on screen: Basant in Punjabi cinema and music She also appreciated citizens for adhering to safety measures during Basant 2026 and expressed confidence that similar compliance would be observed in 2027. She urged citizens to follow all safety precautions, assuring them that the government stands with them in safely celebrating Basant.

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Punjab announces new kite flying rules for Basant 2027, sets strict safety rules

The Punjab government on Friday announced new rules and regulations for kite flying for next year’s Basant festival, setting December 30 as the deadline for their full implementation. Under the new rules, kite flying will only be permitted on structurally strong and secure rooftops. The boundary walls of rooftops must be at least three and a half feet high. Overcrowding on rooftops will not be allowed. Parents and guardians have been directed to ensure continuous supervision of children, who will not be allowed near rooftop edges without adult supervision. Read: 17 lives lost during Basant festival in Lahore, Punjab govt informs LHC According to a statement, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif emphasised that children’s safety remains the top priority, adding that running, jumping, hanging from edges, and aggressively retrieving kites have been strictly prohibited. The use of loud music, DJ systems, and noise-generating devices during kite flying has also been banned. Any activity causing disturbance to neighbours will be treated as a punishable offence under the law. The availability of first aid kits at all locations has been made mandatory, with easy access ensured. In case of any accident or emergency, citizens have been advised to immediately contact Rescue 1122. In the event of any accident or violation of the law, building owners and event organisers will be held personally and jointly responsible. The chief minister reiterated that strict legal action would be taken against violators, adding that no one would be allowed to endanger lives under the guise of kite flying. She directed all deputy commissioners and district police officers to ensure complete implementation of the regulations. Also Read: Kites in the sky, stories on screen: Basant in Punjabi cinema and music She also appreciated citizens for adhering to safety measures during Basant 2026 and expressed confidence that similar compliance would be observed in 2027. She urged citizens to follow all safety precautions, assuring them that the government stands with them in safely celebrating Basant.

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2 martyred in terrorist attack on security forces camp in K-P's Lakki Marwat

In a brazen overnight attack, terrorists belonging to the outlawed Fitna Al-Khawarij group targeted a security forces camp in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa's Lakki Marwat district on Thursday, martyring a police and a security official. According to security sources, the assailants launched a sudden assault late at night in the Shadi Khel area of the Bettani sub-division, triggering an intense exchange of gunfire that lasted approximately two hours. During the clash, Constable Irfanullah and security official Waseem were martyred. The funeral prayer of Constable Irfanullah was offered with full state honours at the Police Lines in Lakki Marwat. A police contingent presented a salute to the martyr, while senior officials laid floral wreaths on his coffin and offered prayers. Read More: Five injured in Afghan cross-border shelling A large number of mourners attended the funeral, including Lakki Marwat District Police Officer (DPO) Nazir Khan, Deputy Commissioner Hamidullah Khan, Superintendent of Police (Investigation) Murad Khan, along with other police officers, civil administration officials, and personnel from various departments. Paying tribute to the martyr’s sacrifice, DPO Khan stated that such timeless sacrifices by the police force were a guarantee for the establishment of lasting peace. He vowed that the sacrifices of the martyrs would never go in vain, and the war against terrorists would continue until the elimination of the last terrorist.

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Why Pakistan has emerged as the pivotal mediator in the Iran conflict

Ever since the US-Israeli war on Iran broke out on February 28, Pakistan's efforts to advance mediation have been difficult to ignore. The federal government has shuttled multiple peace proposals between both capitals, stretched its diplomatic bandwidth to get conflicting parties to the negotiating table, and, despite limited success in early April talks in Islamabad, it continues to acquire considerable support from both Iran and the United States in brokering a consensus on the path to de-escalation. The value of having no skin in the game These dynamics merit a deeper understanding of what constitutes Pakistan's role as a pivotal mediator in the conflict and the drivers that propel it to that status. First, Islamabad does not carry some of the constraints associated with Gulf countries and traditional US-focused mediators. For instance, Islamabad does not host any US military bases, making it a critical player in earning the trust of Tehran, which has attacked Middle Eastern countries, including mediators Oman and Qatar, for their perceived role in facilitating US attacks on the country. Islamabad preserves this trust by avoiding any appearance of military complicity — even tacit support for the US — which could bring it into the line of fire in the current war. Read More: Mojtaba Khamenei signals new Gulf chapter, calls for US exit from Hormuz On the other hand, Islamabad, as the destination of choice, provides ample geographical safety from core conflict flashpoints. For instance, Pakistan is not in close proximity to areas in the immediate periphery of the Strait of Hormuz, where fluctuating US-Iran tensions on opening up the waterway have sent substantial alarm across Middle Eastern economies. This matters to US negotiators, who have shown sensitivity to regions that could invite Iranian attacks, and similar threat perceptions for Tehran — which has seen much of its top leadership become the target of unwarranted Israeli-US attacks — make Islamabad a destination offering greater security and a stronger basis for negotiating in earnest. Gulf countries view Pakistan's role with a high degree of trust as well. This was apparent in the lead-up to the first round of "Islamabad Talks" when regional heavyweight Saudi Arabia partnered with Türkiye and Egypt to assess the contours of regional security in four-way talks in Islamabad. Pakistan also maintains very close ties with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, and the leadership has made the most of its multivector foreign policy by making time-sensitive visits to countries such as Qatar to gauge prospects for de-escalation. Pakistan is also among the few countries to have the ear of US President Donald Trump, who has voiced his support for the top leadership brass. Energy dependency as a driver of diplomacy This proximity enables Islamabad to credibly facilitate the vital exchange of competing peace plans to the benefit of US-Iran talks, as well as account for expectations regarding an enduring de-escalation scenario, as seen through the lens of major Gulf partners, including Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait. At the same time, Pakistan's geographical proximity to Iran — a close neighbour with a history of shared counterterrorism cooperation and energy ties — makes mediation a matter of strategic value when the economy is already on the margins. This reality, reinforced by growth risks and limited borrowing potential, makes it clear that Pakistan cannot afford to look the other way when drastic energy shocks from the Strait of Hormuz tensions affect global energy outlooks, as well as domestic energy supplies. Pakistan imports the lion's share of its gas from key Gulf countries. The energy factor lends Islamabad's mediation the additional immediacy that is central to seeing the conflict through for its domestic constituency as well. Pakistan's iron-clad relationship with China is also a positive reinforcer. This alignment is reflected in both countries' "five-point" peace plan, which calls for de-escalation and a resumption of peace talks. The federal government's history of opposing unilateral sanctions, firm regard for international law and refusal to take sides in the Iran-US conflict lends its mediating potential the promise of permanence, alignment with UN-backed dialogue principles, and rare credibility in brokering consensus. It is this practical reading of gradual but enduring peace talks momentum, geographical constraints, energy drivers, and close diplomatic proximity to both Tehran and Washington that gives Islamabad the leverage and endurance to emerge as a major mediator in the US-Iran war.

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Bajaur woman makes history with PAS allocation in CSS 2025

In a major milestone for the tribal districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Muneeba Hussain became the first woman from Bajaur to be allocated to the Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS) after successfully clearing the Central Superior Services (CSS 2025) examination. The 24-year-old candidate passed the competitive exam in her first attempt, securing a position in the top occupational group and bringing pride to the tribal district. Daughter of Dr Muhammad Arshad Hussain, Muneeba belongs to Wara Mamond in Bajaur. She holds a BS degree in English Linguistics from the National University of Modern Languages. Speaking to The Express Tribune, her father said that Muneeba had set her sights on CSS at an early stage. “She completed her FSc from Islamia College Peshawar and from the very first day of her higher education, she was determined to pursue CSS. She worked day and night to achieve this goal,” he said. Read More: FPSC notifies 327 posts for CSS 2025 He added that consistent hard work, coupled with family support and prayers — particularly from her grandfather — played a key role in her success. “Hard work never goes to waste. Even in today’s fast-changing, technology-driven world, students who remain focused on their education can achieve their goals,” he remarked. Muneeba termed her achievement a moment of pride for her family and province. She said her ambition had always been to accomplish something meaningful and make her family proud. Driven by a deep love for books and learning, she pursued CSS as a mission and achieved her goal. Her success is being widely seen as an inspiration for young women, particularly in the tribal districts, where access to higher education and competitive opportunities remains limited.

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