Pakistan’s ad ban on Dawn sparks media freedom concerns Belarus journalist Maryna Zolatava freed after four years Tunisia protests revive press freedom concerns PFUJ raises alarm over pressure on Dawn Media Group Japan anti-espionage law plan raises media freedom fears Washington Post AI podcast sparks accuracy concerns Pope warns Italian intelligence against smearing journalists Trial of Meydan TV journalists opens in Baku China charges journalist Du Bin under public order offense RT India deletes video of Shahbaz Sharif waiting to meet Putin Pakistan’s ad ban on Dawn sparks media freedom concerns Belarus journalist Maryna Zolatava freed after four years Tunisia protests revive press freedom concerns PFUJ raises alarm over pressure on Dawn Media Group Japan anti-espionage law plan raises media freedom fears Washington Post AI podcast sparks accuracy concerns Pope warns Italian intelligence against smearing journalists Trial of Meydan TV journalists opens in Baku China charges journalist Du Bin under public order offense RT India deletes video of Shahbaz Sharif waiting to meet Putin
Logo
Janu
Opportunities

Lights off at BOL

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published 10 years ago

Join our WhatsApp channel

Lights off at BOL

ISLAMABAD: Uncertainty continued to prevail at BOL News Monday, the staff being told not to come to work on Tuesday.


The management committee comprising senior journalists reportedly met CEO Shoaib Ahmed Shaikh today but the meeting brought no good news for the employees. The staff remains unpaid for six months.

 

The committee includes Faisal Aziz, Khawar Naeem Hashmi, Nazir Leghari and Amir Zia. They told staffers to expect some decision in two days.


The troubled channel's offices opened partially on Monday after the Eid holidays. However, there was little the staff could do with the lights and computer systems off, insiders told JournalismPakistan.com. The studios, cafe and the gaming zone remained shut, they said.


ARY boss Salman Iqbal, who announced takeover of BOL on August 20, is said to be in Dubai while Shoaib Ahmed Shaikh is still under arrest. His main company Axact was allegedly involved in selling fake degrees.


Sensing the situation was unlikely to improve, many staff members have already quit with several others also weighing their options.


 

Explore Further

Media bodies condemn ad ban on Dawn TV and radio

Media bodies condemn ad ban on Dawn TV and radio

 December 13, 2025: Pakistani media bodies have condemned the government’s unannounced ban on advertisements to Dawn Media Group’s TV and radio outlets, calling it an attack on press freedom.

Newsroom
Belarus journalist Maryna Zolatava freed after four years

Belarus journalist Maryna Zolatava freed after four years

 December 14, 2025 Belarusian journalist Maryna Zolatava was released after spending more than four years in detention, along with 123 other political prisoners, highlighting the ongoing struggles for press freedom under Lukashenko.


Tunisia protests revive press freedom concerns

Tunisia protests revive press freedom concerns

 December 14, 2025 Protests in Tunisia on December 13 spotlight jailed journalists and politicians, renewing international concerns over legal and administrative pressure on independent media.


Japan anti-espionage law plan raises media freedom fears

Japan anti-espionage law plan raises media freedom fears

 December 14, 2025 Japan plans fast-track anti-espionage and secrecy laws, prompting warnings from legal experts and press advocates that broad rules could chill journalism and weaken source protection.


Washington Post AI podcast sparks accuracy concerns

Washington Post AI podcast sparks accuracy concerns

 December 13, 2025 Washington Post launches an AI-personalized podcast that permits user customization but faces staff and industry criticism over accuracy mistakes and journalistic integrity in early rollout.


Pope warns Italian intelligence against smearing journalists

Pope warns Italian intelligence against smearing journalists

 December 13, 2025 Pope Francis warns Italian intelligence to avoid smearing journalists and respect confidentiality, amid concerns over spyware, leaks, and surveillance targeting reporters and rights defenders.


Popular Stories