Karachi's security situation, marked by sectarian violence and terrorism, has impacted its business environment, leading to capital flight and reduced investment. The recent attack on Ismailis in Safoora Goth and the murder of activist Sabeen Mahmud highlight the ongoing challenges. Despite the violence, communities like the Ismailis and Bohras continue to contribute to the economy through business and philanthropy. Opinions among business leaders and economists vary on the long-term effects of such incidents on commercial interests. While some see a trend of capital and families moving to safer environments like Dubai, others believe the resilience of these communities will prevail. The government's Karachi operation and National Action Plan aim to improve the situation, with some success in reducing daily killings. However, the business community remains skeptical, calling for more decisive action and depoliticization of the police.

In the first half of 2019, the number of Twitter accounts reported by the Government of Pakistan decreased by 40% compared to the previous year, with 1,798 profiles reported. Despite the highest number of content removal requests sent by the government, Twitter did not comply with any. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority reports content for hate speech, impersonation, or blasphemy. Twitter's transparency report also highlighted that its technology tools removed half of the abusive content proactively, and there was a significant increase in accounts locked or suspended for rule violations. The report's release followed Twitter's announcement to ban political advertising.

A Supreme Court bench dissolved after judges recused themselves from a case challenging the appointment of two Election Commission of Pakistan members. The matter was referred to the chief justice for a new bench. The appointments of Khalid Mehmood Siddiqui and Munir Ahmed Kakar were contested for not following constitutional procedures. The government defended the appointments, while opposition criticized them as unilateral and unconstitutional.

The National IT Board of Pakistan, on behalf of the government, approached Twitter to restore approximately 40 of the 200 Pakistani accounts suspended for pro-Kashmir posts after India revoked Kashmir's special status on August 5. Despite no official response from Twitter, Pakistan has reached out again for justification. Accounts suspended included those of journalists and news channels reporting on rights violations in Kashmir. Twitter denies bias and upholds its policies against terrorism and abuse. Digital rights group Bolo Bhi emphasizes the need for nuanced policies by tech companies in international conflicts.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in Pakistan announced the 8th Interim Wage Award for newspaper employees, offering an increase in salary between Rs5,000 and Rs8,500. Despite the increment being considered insufficient by some, it reflects the government's commitment to resolving journalists' issues. The announcement was made by PM's Special Assistant on Information Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan, and the wage award was formulated with input from the Implementation Tribunal for Newspapers Employees. The media industry has faced a financial crisis with layoffs and non-payment of dues, but the government is taking steps to address these issues, including resuming grants and increasing tribunals for complaint redressal. Critics argue that the government's measures are part of a strategy to control the media.

The article by W. Tariq discusses the decline in trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan, attributing it to various factors such as political tensions, border closures, and changes in trade policies. The Afghanistan Transit and Trade Agreement (ATTA) and its successor, the Afghanistan and Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement (APTTA), were established to facilitate trade, but have faced challenges. The withdrawal of NATO troops and reduced international funding have decreased demand for Pakistani exports. Both countries have accused each other of harboring militants, further straining relations. Pakistan's major exports to Afghanistan include mineral products, foodstuffs, and machinery, but trade has declined in almost all sectors except chemicals, dairy products, foodstuffs, and machines. Alternative trade routes and partners are being sought by both countries, with Afghanistan expanding trade with Iran and India, and Pakistan focusing on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Efforts are being made to improve the situation, including upgrading border infrastructure with the help of the Asian Development Bank and revising regulatory duties on certain items.

The article discusses six instances in 2017 where Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) demonstrated political behavior similar to other mainstream parties, contradicting its own narrative of change. PTI's chairman, Imran Khan, is criticized for inconsistent stances on issues such as disqualification of politicians, nepotism, constitutional amendments, and mega projects like the Peshawar BRT. The article also touches on PTI's approach to foreign loans and internal party dynamics, suggesting that PTI's actions are driven by a quest for power rather than a commitment to change.

The Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee has condemned the violence in occupied Kashmir and called on the United Nations to assist in granting Kashmiris their right to self-determination. The committee emphasized that the Kashmiri struggle for freedom, which has intensified following the killing of separatist leader Burhan Wani by Indian forces, is not terrorism but a fundamental right.