Kamran Shahid clarifies position after Shahbaz Gill insults Dr. Vankwani in live show

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 20 March 2022 |  Cherie Conela

Kamran Shahid released a video to explain his role in a live show where Shahbaz Gill insulted Dr. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani. He expressed regret for the incident but deflected responsibility, highlighting his reliance on the mute system in place.

Summary

ISLAMABAD—Dunya News anchor Kamran Shahid, criticized criticism for facilitating PM's Special Assistant Shahbaz Gill insult parliamentarian Dr. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, has released a video message to clarify his position.

Since the TV channel installed a mute system, he assumed that no abuse would be broadcast or heard by anybody.

"The TV crew member, responsible for managing mute system, was performing his duties very well," he said, adding that: "The abusive remarks were in a large number to handle and censor by a single person."

"Such same members of parliament also utter many more nasty words, but there is no one blaming the speaker. Why am I being held responsible here?"

"What happened to Ramesh Kumar is very wrong, and I am ready to apologize to him unconditionally, but it is wrong to hold me responsible for it," he emphasized.

Meanwhile, Dr. Vankwani, in a legal notice served on Gill under the defamation laws, also criticized the role of the TV anchor. "It is highly unfortunate that the host of the show Mr. Kamran Shahid did not intervene and stop the verbal abuse and filthy language used by Gill."

KEY POINTS:

• Kamran Shahid criticized for allowing insults in his show.
• He claims a mute system was supposed to prevent foul language.
• Shahid ready to apologize to Dr. Vankwani for the incident.
• Dr. Vankwani served a legal notice to Shahbaz Gill for defamation.
• The controversy raises questions about responsibility in live TV broadcasts.