Channel8 has suspended its planned coverage of the upcoming Shal and Shapik Festival in Zakho out of respect for the sudden passing of fellow journalist Halkawt Aziz.

Channel8 Media Corporation had deployed a dedicated production team to Zakho to finalize preparations for extensive coverage of the festival, which is scheduled to commence on the 10th of this month. 

However, following the sudden tragedy of the passing of Rudaw's correspondent and Baghdad bureau chief on Monday, the corporation is canceling its coverage of the festival's activities.

Aziz succumbed to severe injuries after a traffic accident on the highway connecting Baghdad and Basra. 

Cultural Profile: Zakho’s Shal and Shapk Festival 

The Shal and Shapik Festival (also spelled Shal u Shepik) is a major annual cultural and fashion event held annually the Zakho Independent Administration of the Kurdistan Region. It is explicitly designed to celebrate, preserve, and showcase traditional Kurdish men's attire and heritage textiles 

Shal û Shapk is a premium, traditional handmade suit worn by Kurdish men, consisting of a short upper-body jacket (Shal) and loose, gathered trousers (Shapik). 

Official and Media Tributes Pour In Across Kurdistan Region 

Channel8 Media Corporation issued an official statement earlier expressing deep sorrow over the tragic passing and extending its heartfelt condolences to his family, relatives, and colleagues at the Rudaw Media Network. 

A wave of condolences has swept across the Kurdistan Region, with senior government officials, political figures, and media institutions unifying to honor the late journalist's professional legacy and dedication.