Media control at play on ARY News or a broadcast mishap

JournalismPakistan.com | Published 1 hour ago | JP Staff Report

A live ARY News interview with Ahsan Iqbal was briefly disrupted on air, sparking online debate before the minister and government issued explanations.
Summary

ISLAMABAD — A video clip showing Federal Planning and Development Minister Ahsan Iqbal being abruptly interrupted during a live television interview on ARY News has circulated widely on social media, prompting questions and speculation about the nature of the disruption.

The incident occurred during 11th Hour, hosted by Waseem Badami, as Iqbal was speaking about parliamentary matters. In the viral clip, the minister is heard mid-sentence before a hand appears on screen, removing the microphone in front of him, accompanied by the phrase “band karo isay,” abruptly cutting off his remarks.

On-air disruption sparks questions

At the time of the interruption, Iqbal was not physically present in ARY News studios and was joining the program remotely from another location. The disruption appeared to originate from his surroundings rather than from within the broadcaster’s control room or studio environment.

The sudden interruption appeared to leave both the minister and the anchor momentarily confused. Badami told viewers that he was unsure what had happened at Iqbal’s location, adding on air that he hoped everything was fine and asking his production team for clarification. The moment fueled online commentary, with some social media users presenting the clip as an illustration of alleged media control in Pakistan.

Shortly afterward, Iqbal rejoined the live program. When asked by Badami whether everything was all right, the minister replied affirmatively. The anchor then indicated he would not press for further details during the broadcast, and the interview continued.

Clarifications from Iqbal and the government

Following the broadcast, Iqbal addressed the incident in a post on X, saying the disruption occurred because someone nearby was arguing and was unaware he was live on air. He said he rejoined the interview shortly afterward and urged against what he described as unnecessary politicization of the episode.

Federal Information Minister Ataullah Tarar also commented publicly, stating that he had spoken to Iqbal and that children had entered the study unexpectedly during the live session. He added that the situation was normal and that the minister had resumed the interview.

The explanations provided by Iqbal and Tarar sought to counter speculation that the interruption was the result of censorship or editorial interference. While the clip continues to circulate online, no evidence has emerged to contradict the official accounts of the incident.

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