ARY apologises to Prime Minister's advisor, ditches Lucman

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 28 May 2015

ARY News has settled a dispute by apologizing to advisor Shujat Azeem over inaccurate statements aired by Mubasher Lucman. Following a libel complaint, the channel acknowledges the errors and commits to broadcasting a clarification.

Summary

ISLAMABAD: ARY News Television has apologised to Advisor to Prime Minister on Aviation Shujat Azeem for two programs conducted against him by Mubasher Lucman, anchorperson of Khara Sach. Azeem had filed a libel suit against the channel’s management and Lucman for airing malicious programs against him. “I am writing in relation to the matters about which you have complained in connection with our Khara Sach programmes shown on 5 and 19 February 2015,” wrote Fayaz Ghafoor, CEO ARY Network Limited, to Azeem in a letter. “Following further investigation, ARY Network accepts that certain statements were made by the programme anchor, Mubasher Lucman, that were not accurate. I hereby apologise on behalf of ARY Network Limited for any distress that may have been caused as a result,” the letter said. The management also promised in the letter to broadcast a clarification in their primetime news bulletins. “I also hereby confirm that the statements made by Mr Lucman will not be repeated.” said the letter.

KEY POINTS:

• ARY News apologized to Shujat Azeem.
• Inaccurate statements were made by Mubasher Lucman.
• Azeem had filed a libel suit against ARY and Lucman.
• ARY promises to clarify the situation on air.
• The statement will not be repeated in the future.