Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sohail Afridi’s brother Amir Afridi issued a legal notice of defamation against Pakhtun Digital News Channel and its journalist, which the organization has rejected as baseless.
Pakhtun Digital News Channel has issued a clarification statement after the legal notice received from the provincial government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, saying that the organization’s job is only to convey news to the public, and not to hurt the feelings of any individual or organization.
According to details, the legal notice was issued on March 27, 2026, in which Pakhtun Digital’s director and journalist Kashifuddin Syed was addressed. The notice has been issued by Amir Afridi.
The notice states that the channel aired allegations against Amir Afridi of illegal activities, embezzlement of public funds and taking commissions in development projects, while also claiming that his name was linked to corruption by linking him with Chief Minister Sohail Afridi.
According to the organization, Pakhtun Digital always publishes news based on authentic sources and verified reports of journalists and avoids any kind of yellow journalism or rumor-mongering.
In its response, Pakhtun Digital News Channel clarified that the relevant news was not fabricated by the organization, but rather the content was taken from video clips of other journalists and social media platforms, especially Twitter, and was reported in accordance with journalistic principles.
The organization says that if there is any dispute in any news, the responsibility lies with the original sources, not with a media platform that merely reports. Pakhtun Digital also said that sometimes when news reflects on the government or related institutions, some quarters take it personally, although the publication of news is part of the public’s right to information and is not targeted against anyone.
The legal notice has demanded the deletion of the content within 48 hours, issuing an apology and being careful in the future, otherwise it has warned of legal action including a fine of Rs 5 million.
However, Pakhtun Digital has rejected these demands, saying that the organization is an independent and autonomous media platform and reserves the right to take legal action in its defense in case of any pressure or harassment.
The organization further clarified that despite the legal notice, it will continue to fulfill its responsibility according to journalistic principles and continue to provide transparent, authentic and timely news to the public.
Pakhtun Digital appealed to the provincial government to view media reports in the context of journalistic freedom and public service and to consider the work of the organization in the national interest, not as a means of hurting anyone’s feelings.
According to the organization, transparent and responsible journalism is the foundation of every democratic society, and Pakhtun Digital will continue to deliver factual news to the public in the future, maintaining this principle.
Read also:Court dismisses defamation case against ex-minister Kamran Bangash
