JournalismPakistan.com | Published May 22, 2017 | Daud Malik
Join our WhatsApp channelISLAMABAD - In full-page newspaper advertisements against BOL TV, the Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA) Monday asked the Chief Justice of Supreme Court, the Prime Minister, and the Interior Minister to save Pakistani media from “dirty money and onslaught of criminals and manipulators”.
Demanding formation of a judicial commission to probe the assets and practices of BOL, the PBA wants the proposed commission to “immediately prohibit Axact’s channel BOL to air any transmission.”
Axact, the parent company of BOL ran into problems with the authorities in 2015 when a New York Times story claimed it was involved in selling fake degrees.
More recently, PEMRA canceled BOL licenses citing lack of clearance from the Interior Ministry to four of its directors on May 3. But the regulator’s decision was set aside by the Sindh High Court.
The adverts in the mainstream papers brought to the fore the bitter fight between BOL and the PBA. “Given the urgent threat of damage to Pakistan’s image, democracy, and national security, we urgently appeal that criminal operatives and their money be kept out of the media.”
The ad discusses in detail the fake degree scandal that first delayed the launch of BOL in 2015. It says that Axact has been selling fake degrees for over 10 years, adding the “amount scammed will run into half a billion dollars.”
It said Shoaib Shaikh, the group's CEO only paid Rs26 as tax. “The Federal Bureau of Investigation (USA) contacted a sting operation and nabbed Umair Hamid, a senior employee of Axact in wire fraud who has pleaded guilty to his crimes ‘on behalf of Axact’.”
The advertisement questions the source of funds that BOL is using to run its expenses. It also asks why the investigating officer did not object to bail of Shoaib Shaikh.
Towards the end, the advert demands that a judicial commission should look “into the mysterious and scandalous questions arising out of the investigation and prosecution against Axact, which has already been convicted in the US.”
It calls for the judicial commission to also probe “sources of funds that are being used by BOL through illegal offshore accounts.”
The ad also demands “reappointment of the former lead special public prosecutor and an independent investigation team to report to the commission.”
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.