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Pakistani journalist Murtaza Ali Shah was assaulted and injured while covering a protest march in central London. According to reports, Shah was attacked while reporting on a march organised by supporters of the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which began at Hyde Park and proceeded towards the Pakistan High Commission. A large number of British Kashmiris gathered at Hyde Park before the march to express concern over the deteriorating situation in Azad Kashmir. Protesters called for an end to violence, the restoration of fundamental rights, and the resumption of dialogue. Eyewitnesses and videos showed that Shah came under attack as the march approached the Pakistan High Commission. While reporting from the scene, he was allegedly kicked and punched from both the front and behind by at least three individuals. A crowd quickly surrounded the journalist, escalating tensions until Metropolitan Police officers, protest organisers, and other participants intervened to prevent the situation from worsening. Police later escorted Shah away from the crowd and ensured his safety. According to reports, when Shah returned to the Pakistan High Commission to continue his reporting, members of the same group allegedly attempted to harass him again.

The Vice Chairman of the Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) has rejected a statement issued by eight members of the council, saying their views represent their individual opinions and cannot be considered the collective position of the institution. In a statement issued from Islamabad, the Vice Chairman said the Pakistan Bar Council has 23 members, while only eight members had issued the statement in question. He stressed that in a democratic institution, a minority cannot impose its position on the majority. He said the views expressed by the eight members should therefore not be presented as the official stance of the Pakistan Bar Council. According to him, the council’s collective position can only be determined through its proper institutional process. The Vice Chairman further said the Pakistan Bar Council must remain above political interests and personal agendas. He stressed that the institution should work to protect the independence of the legal profession and uphold the rule of law rather than become involved in political disputes. He also warned against using platforms of the superior judiciary and bar associations for political purposes. He said legal institutions and professional forums should maintain their dignity and should not be turned into platforms for advancing individual or political interests. The Vice Chairman said the Pakistan Bar Council strongly condemned the statements issued by the eight members and formally distanced itself from them. He made it clear that the statements did not represent the collective position of the council. He also criticised a statement issued by the Lahore High Court Bar Association, describing it as condemnable. He maintained that statements issued by individual members or groups within bar bodies should not automatically be treated as the official position of the entire legal community. The development comes amid growing debate within legal circles over the role of bar councils and associations in political and judicial matters.

The Muttahida Madaris Council Pakistan has publicly distanced itself from recent remarks made by Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman regarding the Pakistan Army and the country’s martyrs. In an official statement, the council said religious seminaries across Pakistan have always stood with the country’s armed forces and fully respect the sacrifices made by military personnel in defending the nation. It stressed that no seminary or religious educational institution supports any narrative that could be interpreted as being against the armed forces. The council reaffirmed its commitment to national unity and expressed solidarity with Pakistan’s security institutions. It also paid tribute to the country’s martyrs, saying their sacrifices for national security and peace deserve the highest respect. The controversy began after Fazlur Rehman addressed a public gathering in Kasur, where he spoke about the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. During his speech, his comments about soldiers and martyrdom sparked widespread criticism from political leaders and members of the public. Several politicians described the remarks as inappropriate and called on the JUI-F chief to publicly clarify or withdraw his statement. They maintained that the sacrifices of soldiers should not become part of political debate and should always be treated with respect. Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan strongly criticised the remarks and urged Fazlur Rehman to issue a public apology. He also proposed the formation of a Senate committee to examine the issue and determine whether the veteran politician should be formally called to explain his comments. The matter has also entered the legal arena. A sessions court has issued a notice to the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) regarding the registration of a cybercrime case linked to the controversial remarks. The agency is expected to submit its response during the legal proceedings. Legal experts say the court will review the available evidence before deciding whether further action is warranted under the relevant laws. The controversy has continued to dominate political discussions, with leaders from different parties expressing contrasting views over the issue. While critics insist that the remarks were disrespectful to the sacrifices of the armed forces, supporters of Fazlur Rehman have defended his right to express political opinions.