JournalismPakistan.com | Published February 15, 2016
Join our WhatsApp channel
ISLAMABAD - Aaj News Television appeared to put its competitors to shame by presenting the point of view of Axact - something other channels have continually ignored.
In the program Aaj Rana Mubashir Kay Saath aired on February 13, the host Rana Mubashir tries to investigate why a challan has not been submitted against Axact in the court even after eight months. Axact, the parent company of BOL News Television landed into problems after a New York Times story last May alleged it was involved in selling fake degrees to students.
Subsequently, Axact and BOL News CEO Shoaib Ahmad Shaikh was arrested and the company offices sealed. This affected over 30,000 employees.
Shoaib Ahmad Shaikh's lawyer Raja Rizwan Abbasi, the guest on the show, was asked what were the charges leveled against his client. These he said were those of fraud, forgery and anti money-laundering, besides some sections of electronic transaction act mentioned in the FIR.
Abbasi said if any IT-related person ever read the charges he would think this was some kind of a joke.
About Axact's alleged involvement in money-laundering, the lawyer explained all the money came from abroad. In the last three to four years the company brought in about $700million. He said this was done legally through the State Bank and by declaring it on the e-form. "When someone's money is coming from outside, why would he ever get involved in money-laundering. As per law, he can send one-third amount abroad legally but this was never done.
About the inordinate delay in submitting the challan, he was forthright in saying this has not been done because there is no evidence. "There is no substance and facts are twisted."
He said their application seeking bail for nine people was rejected on the grounds that this was a high-profile case.
On the allegation of Axact issuing fake degrees, Abbasi said this was not true. "There is not a single degree Axact issued... in fact they printed those degrees here as asked for by their customers. We have all the relevant contracts and licenses in this regard."
Axact, he said was not just involved on the education side but was also providing nine other services. "If there was a question mark on one, why then were the nine others shut down," he asked.
He went on to ask why is that Axact's point of view has never been presented before the public.
Related posts from JournalismPakistan Archives:
Axact-BOL boss shifted to Jinnah Hospital
Axact-BOL boss Shoaib Shaikh taken into custody
Fake degrees operation likely providing financial fuel for BOL: New York Times
April 30, 2025: Freedom of expression in Pakistan is under threat, as the 2025 Freedom Network report reveals increased arrests, censorship, and legal restrictions following amendments to PECA, posing serious risks to journalists and democratic values.
April 30, 2025: Dawn has criticized the Indian media's calls for war and condemned the banning of 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, urging a rational response after the Pahalgam attack that left 26 dead.
April 28, 2025: India has banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, including major news outlets and individual journalists, following the deadly Pahalgam attack. Tensions escalate as Islamabad demands a neutral probe.
April 23, 2025: Pakistani journalists respond in unison to a post hinting at a possible Indian military strike. Citing the 2019 ‘Swift Retort,’ they warn of a stronger response if provoked again.
April 21, 2025: After being expelled from PTI, MNA Sher Afzal Marwat launches personal attacks on journalists and Aleema Khan, sparking outrage on social media over his offensive remarks.
April 21, 2025: Journalist Sanaullah Khan reveals that the FIA has launched a financial crackdown on YouTubers by freezing the bank accounts of journalists and their family members—raising serious concerns over freedom of expression and legal process.
April 20, 2025: Dr. Nauman Niaz launched his fifteenth book, In A Different Realm: Story of Quadruple and Triple Centuries 1876–2025, at an elegant Islamabad event, reflecting on cricket’s rarest feats and his journey as a scholar of the game.
April 11, 2025: Sindhi journalist AD Shar was brutally murdered in Khairpur, Sindh. His body was found dumped on Handiyari Link Road. PFUJ has declared a three-day mourning period and demanded justice.
April 23, 2025 Discover Dr. Nauman Niaz’s In A Different Realm: Story of Quadruple & Triple Centuries 1876–2025, a profound exploration of cricket's most monumental innings, blending historical analysis with poetic narrative.
April 22, 2025 Once a beacon of hope for Pakistan's cricket revival, the Pakistan Super League now grapples with stagnation and moral compromises. Can this cultural symbol reclaim its lost soul?
April 21, 2025 An Italian newspaper, Il Foglio, successfully published a month-long AI-written insert and praised its irony and analytical abilities, while affirming that AI will complement—not replace—quality journalism.
April 03, 2025 The International Press Institute (IPI) and International Media Support (IMS) invite nominations for the 2025 World Press Freedom Hero and Free Media Pioneer Awards. Recognizing courageous journalists and innovative media, the awards will be presented at IPI’s 75th-anniversary World Congress in Vienna. Submit your nominations by April 30, 2025.
April 01, 2025 Photojournalist Suresh Rajak was burned alive while covering a violent protest in Kathmandu. The IFJ and its affiliates condemn the attack and call for an urgent investigation to hold the perpetrators accountable.