BOL News apologizes for program host's sarcastic remarks against minister

JournalismPakistan.com | Published 7 years ago

ISLAMABAD – BOL News on Friday apologized to state minister Murad Saeed for sarcastic remarks made against him by host Dr. Fizza Akbar Khan in the program Aisay Nahin Chalay Ga.

Sami Ibrahim, President and Managing Director said that Dr. Fizza perhaps got carried away and made comments that upset not just the minister but also the politicians, journalists, and others.

“All of them objected to her comments, which we recognize as a genuine complaint. Fizza also acknowledges this. I, on her behalf, apologize to Murad Saeed and the politicians whom we all respect.”

He praised Dr. Fizza as being a talented host and hoped that Saeed would accept their apology.

Regulator PEMRA on Thursday had warned BOL News to be careful in future.

Saeed is a Minister of State for Communications and Postal Services.

Dawn struggle deepens as closures raise fears for its future

December 11, 2025: Dawn Media Group faces escalating closures, financial pressure, and political retaliation, raising urgent questions about the future of independent journalism in Pakistan.

Journalists urge courts to quash warrants against Imaan Mazari, husband

December 10, 2025: Veteran journalists and rights activists raise alarm over non-bailable warrants against Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha, calling the NCIA case agenda-driven and a threat to free speech.

Rs524m in ads, empty newsrooms: Balochistan’s media paradox

December 10, 2025: Balochistan Assembly documents show over Rs524 million spent on government advertisements for Quetta-based newspapers in one year, raising questions about reach, oversight, and media sustainability.

Pakistan Railways details journalist and senior citizen concessions

December 09, 2025: Pakistan Railways briefed lawmakers on fare concessions for journalists, their families, and senior citizens, outlining costs and usage across the past five years.

PEMRA refers Aaj News episode to Council of Complaints

December 09, 2025: PEMRA has referred an Aaj News program to the Council of Complaints over alleged violations of the Electronic Media Code of Conduct following unverified political claims aired on November 18.

DawnNews.tv closure raises concerns over media job security in Pakistan

December 09, 2025: DawnNews.tv’s shutdown and related layoffs have intensified concerns about media worker rights and job security in Pakistan as unions urge the government to uphold labor protections.

Why Pakistan lags as foreign broadcasters choose India

December 08, 2025: India’s fast-growing media market, regulatory flexibility, and global influence are drawing major international broadcasters, including RT India, while Pakistan struggles to attract similar investments.

Sindh lawmaker apologizes after raising false news of Moin Khan’s death

December 06, 2025: A Sindh lawmaker apologized after mistakenly announcing cricketer Moin Khan’s death in the Assembly, highlighting concerns over rising misinformation and social media rumors in Pakistan.

Newsroom

Hong Kong set to deliver Jimmy Lai national security verdict

December 12, 2025 Hong Kong’s High Court is preparing to deliver a verdict in Jimmy Lai’s national security trial, a case highlighting deepening legal risks for media owners and press freedom in the region.

Lawmakers decry lack of accountability for attack on journalists

December 12, 2025 U.S. lawmakers and rights groups at the Capitol rally for accountability after a deadly 2023 attack on journalists in Lebanon, citing closed probes and no formal investigations into press deaths and injuries.

Independent Media challenges funding rules in South Africa

December 11, 2025 Independent Media in South Africa has appealed funding eligibility rules tied to press-council oversight, raising wider questions about platform grants and regulatory compliance in global media.

Israel media access ban in Gaza draws international press condemnation

December 11, 2025 International press freedom groups condemned Israel’s ongoing ban on independent foreign journalists entering Gaza, characterizing escorted access as restrictive and undermining transparency and independent reporting.

Civic freedoms report warns shrinking space for media

December 11, 2025 Civic freedoms are shrinking globally, with Asia-Pacific repressed or closed spaces impacting journalists and reporting, raising serious risks for media freedom and independent coverage.