Nowshera cleric gets bail for misogynist rant
Nowshera police on Thursday, April 29, arrested Mufti Sardar Ali Haqqani who was seen delivering a ‘provocative’ speech against women educators, doctors and nurses in a video that went viral on social media. The cleric was produced before a judicial magistrate where he admitted to his wrong-doing, and was subsequently awarded bail on submission of two surety bonds.
Police say that the cleric has delivered similar speeches in the past.
Mohmand families demand recovery of missing persons
Relatives of victims of enforced disappearances in Mohmand continued their sit-in for the third consecutive day on Friday, April 30. Protestors reiterated their demand to the government, law enforcement agencies and security forces that their loved ones be immediately released or presented in court for due proceedings if they were found to be involved in criminal activity.
US Secretary of State expresses concern over curbs on Pakistani media
United States Secretary of State Anthony Blinken while addressing a virtual roundtable meeting on Wednesday, April 28, expressed his concern over threats to and harassment of media outlets, and journalists and their families at the hands of security forces, political parties, militants and other groups in Pakistan. He posited that media restrictions and lack of accountability for attacks and harassment against journalists are clear threats to exercising the right to freedom of expression and association.