JournalismPakistan.com | Published June 27, 2012 | Z B Saigol
Join our WhatsApp channel
KARACHI: It is confirmed that Dr Amer Liaquat has returned to his roost at Geo. Yesterday I had accurately speculated in my report for JournalismPakistan.com that there was a good possibility the ‘pious’ doctor might ditch ARY and return to Geo, the channel that not only made him an “Aalim Online” but a superstar of sorts.
Today Mir Ibrahim Rehman, CEO Geo Network, warmly welcomed the return of his prodigal anchor and founding member of Team Geo with a letter addressed to Geo employees, informing them of Liaquat’s return to the network in a position of increased responsibility.
According to Mir Ibrahim’s letter of welcome, all differences with Liaquat had been ironed out and on his return he would be wearing three hats.
a) As Vice-President of Geo TV Network and part of the Network Committee, he would be part of important decisions regarding the network.
b) He would also supervise the “Geotainment” department with the responsibility of spreading knowledge and information and producing religious programming along with other Geotainment programs.
c) As Group Executive Director and Editor Religious Affairs, he would be available to guide on religious content for the Jang/Geo Group.
Mir Ibrahim said he had a lot of confidence in Liaquat’s capabilities and reiterated the management would extend full support to him in promoting and strengthening the reputation of the organization.
Very conveniently no mention was made of the leaked pre-program prepping videos that surfaced in February this year which showed this so-called religious expert using abusive language and insensitive remarks for a troubled woman. The leaked videos went viral back then.
It also sparked differences with the Geo management that resulted in Liaquat quitting and taking his piousness on a tour of sorts, including one to the USA. But that now appears to be a mere hiccup.
Apparently the Geo management has been encouraged by the thick-skinned approach adopted by Dunya TV towards controversial anchor Meher Bukhari who has managed to hang on to her job despite messing up big time alongside fellow anchor Mubashar Lucqman while prepping for an interview with property tycoon Malik Riaz.
Having got his way, Liaquat is expected to do as he pleases.
When I spoke to some people on the street, they were aghast at the news. Here are some of the reactions I encountered:
“What? He is back.”
“This has got to be a joke, right?”
And…
“If that man advises me on religion, there is no telling what I might do. There is nothing simple or honest about him. This is a crazy decision. I’m disgusted.”
But we have short memories. Meher is still there, so why not Liaquat?
(Z B Saigol is a guest writer)
*The views expressed by the writer do not necessarily reflect the views of JournalismPakistan.com
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.