A crackdown against corrupt TV anchors on the cards

JournalismPakistan.com | Published 7 years ago

ISLAMABAD – A crackdown against leading television anchors allegedly involved in corruption and money laundering could begin as soon as this month.

Ghulam Murtaza, a senior journalist with BOL News, tells JournalismPakistan.com that names of five prominent presenters are on the list.

“They have amassed wealth, have properties in Pakistan and abroad, and are living beyond their means,” he said.

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has reportedly gathered all evidence in this regard and shared it with the relevant institutions, including the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).

“It is now up to the authorities how they go about dealing with them,” said Murtaza.

He pointed out that the United Arab Emirates authorities shared evidence of their ill-gotten wealth with the Pakistani officials.

Dive Deeper

JournalismPakistan cofounder Stephen Webb releases Dusk memoir

December 19, 2025: JournalismPakistan cofounder Stephen Webb releases Dusk, a poetic memoir blending memory and myth, reflecting on Punjab villages, faith, and belonging shaped by decades in journalism.

Pakistan minister flags AI impact on advertising jobs

December 18, 2025: Pakistan’s information minister warns AI is disrupting advertising jobs and invites proposals to protect creative professionals, signaling an early policy debate on AI and employment.

PTI announces boycott of select TV anchors and talk shows

December 18, 2025: Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf announces a boycott of several prominent TV anchors and talk shows, directing party leaders and spokespersons to avoid appearing on the listed programs.

Pakistan to launch BEEP secure messaging app for officials

December 17, 2025: Pakistan plans to launch the BEEP secure messaging app for government officials by June 2026, modeled on WeChat, with end-to-end encryption and oversight by NITB.

GTV News confers vice president title on Gharidah Farooqi

December 17, 2025: GTV News announces the ceremonial appointment of senior anchor Gharidah Farooqi as Vice President, citing her professionalism, credibility, and contributions to Pakistani television journalism.

Court reserves decision on Matiullah Jan narcotics charges

December 17, 2025: Islamabad court reserves decision on journalist Matiullah Jan’s request to drop narcotics charges, with defense citing lack of evidence and prosecutors opposing the plea.

Arshad Sharif widow reports escalating harassment in Islamabad

December 17, 2025: Widow of slain journalist Arshad Sharif says harassment is escalating in Islamabad as she seeks justice, citing slow investigations and renewed safety concerns after court findings.

HRCP warns ad ban on Dawn threatens press freedom

December 16, 2025: HRCP warns of shrinking press freedom in Pakistan after a reported ban on government advertisements to Dawn Media Group, calling the move coercive and discriminatory.

Newsroom

Israeli journalists rally against proposed media restrictions

December 19, 2025 Israeli journalists convene in Tel Aviv to oppose proposed government measures they warn could undermine press freedom, media independence, and the operating environment for newsrooms.

UAE creates National Media Authority under new law

December 19, 2025 The UAE issued a federal decree law establishing the National Media Authority, merging existing media bodies to unify policy, oversee content standards, and regulate media under Cabinet authority.

Dhaka protests torch Prothom Alo and Daily Star offices

December 19, 2025 Protests in Dhaka saw mobs storm and torch Prothom Alo and The Daily Star offices, trapping journalists inside and raising fresh concerns over press safety ahead of elections.

Iranian editor jailed in provincial criticism case

December 18, 2025 Iranian editor Majid Beiranvand has been sentenced to prison and internal exile, highlighting growing pressure on regional journalists and the use of criminal penalties to curb provincial reporting.

How combative videographers are changing protest coverage in Britain

December 18, 2025 Reporting examines how confrontational freelance videographers covering asylum hotel protests are reshaping local news sourcing, safety, and editorial practices in the United Kingdom.