JournalismPakistan.com | Published January 20, 2017 | Daud Malik
Join our WhatsApp channel
ISLAMABAD - BBC Urdu has denied its reporter Athar Kazmi is facing any internal investigation for his story on purchase of Park Lane flats by the family of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
Quoting sources, an APP story Wednesday said BBC is investigating the reporter “for publishing misleading story on Park Lane flats.” APP’s “highly placed sources” in BBC termed the story an “embarrassment”, saying the “reporter misled the duty editor who thought the article was carrying new information.” The APP story also gave the impression as if Kazmi is a PTI sympathizer, alleging that he has deleted his pro-PTI tweets.
As Supreme Court is hearing the Panama case against the Prime Minister and his family, BBC Urdu’s story on the purchase of Park Lane flats last Friday (January 13) maintained there has been no change in the ownership status of Park Lane flats since 1990. The story said letters were written to the sons of the prime minister for their response to the assertion that the flats were purchased from 1990 to 1996 and that there has been no change in the ownership. However, according to the story, there was no reply from Hussain Nawaz and Hassan Nawaz.
In a tweet BBC said there is no internal investigation into this report (Ather Kazmi) nor this news story (When were Park Lane flats purchased, or sold?).
Kazmi’s story was widely carried in Pakistan, especially in the Urdu media. It was the lead news in many mainstream Urdu newspapers.
In another tweet BBC said it stood by its story, saying it met its editorial standards including accuracy and impartiality.
June 11, 2025: Pakistan celebrated a narrow win over Bangladesh, but beneath the jubilation lies a deeper crisis—from sidelined veterans to a collapsing domestic structure—signaling an urgent need for cricket reform.
June 11, 2025: Journalists walked out of the post-budget press conference in Islamabad to protest the absence of a technical briefing and the government's dismissive behavior, calling it unacceptable and intolerable.
May 31, 2025: Dr. Nauman Niaz has issued a defamation notice to Shoaib Akhtar over derogatory remarks made during a recent broadcast, reigniting a longstanding media feud between the two prominent figures in Pakistan.
May 30, 2025: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has demanded the full repeal of PECA, citing its vague language, coercive powers, and threats to free speech and digital rights in Pakistan.
May 30, 2025: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has condemned the murder of journalist Syed Mohammed Shah in Jacobabad, calling for urgent justice and improved safety for media professionals in Sindh.
May 26, 2025: In Rawalpindi, police allegedly side with Jang Group to block 66 reinstated employees from resuming work despite court orders, drawing sharp criticism from unions and press freedom advocates.
May 25, 2025: PFUJ condemns the Jang Group's decision to dismiss over 80 employees in Rawalpindi, calling it an 'economic massacre.' The union warns of nationwide protests if workers are not reinstated.
May 25, 2025: Daily Jang Rawalpindi has terminated over 80 employees, including female staff, despite multiple court rulings in their favor—raising concerns over labor rights violations and misuse of authority in Pakistani media.
May 19, 2025 PJS reports 219 Palestinian journalists killed in Israeli attacks since October 7, with 30 women among the victims. Over 430 were injured and 685 family members were killed. Read more on the systematic targeting of media in Gaza.
May 15, 2025 Discover the legacy of Samiullah Khan, Pakistan’s legendary "Flying Horse," whose breathtaking speed and artistry redefined hockey. From Olympic glory to World Cup triumphs, his story is one of myth, movement, and magic.
May 04, 2025 Algerian authorities suspend Echorouk News TV for 10 days after it used a racist slur against African migrants. ANIRA demands an apology, calling it a violation of human dignity.
May 04, 2025 NCHR and MMfD launch a journalism fellowship to train reporters on digital rights & gender inclusion in Pakistan. Supported by UNESCO, this initiative aims to bridge the gender digital divide. Apply by May 15, 2025!
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.