JournalismPakistan.com | Published November 19, 2017
Join our WhatsApp channel
ISLAMABAD: Anchor Aamir Liaquat who quit BOL News Saturday and then apologized to those he may have hurt, kept Twitterati quite busy Sunday morning.
In a satirical comment, author Mohammad Hanif tweeted: “Our country has become so polarized, so polarized: A doctor with a fake degree can’t get along with the people who are world famous for selling fake degrees. Mulk ka Khuda hafiz.”
However, Dawn journalist Cyril Almeida tried to cool down the expectations that the good doctor is a changed man. “Relax. He’ll do a bit of religious programming to rehabilitate his image and then be back on the market with plenty of time before next Ramazan gameshows. C’est la vie…”
In response to a tweet by activist Marvi Sirmed was adamant that the anchor’s apology would not be accepted easily. “Not done Mr @AamirLiaquat. You accused people of blasphemy and treason. Put their lives in danger. Had you have little bit of conscience, you'd have resigned before spitting that much venom. No, you're not forgiven. Nothing forgotten.”
Another Twitter user - Arsh e Pakistan – summed up the “journey of Ghalib Liaquat - Geo to ARY ARY to Geo Geo to Express Express to Geo Geo to Bol; and now Bol to ???”
Commenting on Liaquat’s apology, journalist Omar R. Quraishi maintained: “Basically Aamir Liaquat has proved that he will say whatever his employers want him to say on TV regardless of libel laws - or any other law or editorial principle.”
When asked about his diatribe against Mir Shakeelur Rehman and Geo, Liaquat simply said it was the policy of BOL TV.
Geo presenter Hamid Mir asked the BOL Media Group to “pay all outstanding dues to its former and current staff.”
Najam Sehti, who was regularly attacked by Liaquat during his stay at BOL TV, simply retweeted the tweet of activist Jibran Nasir – “Janab @aamirliaquat muaaf karne wali Zaat khuda ki hai. Aap nay jo kia us se sirf dil azaari nahi hoi, logon ki zindagi ko khatraat bhi lahak hoye. Kisi ko Ghaddar toh kisi ko Gustakh, Mulhid ya Badkirdar bana dia gaya aur maazrat ke saath aap koi kam sin bachay nahi hain.”
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.