BOL captain Azhar Abbas, four others resign

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 24 May 2015

BOL's CEO Azhar Abbas and four top executives have resigned amid the Axact scandal. The resignations highlight challenges facing BOL as it aims for prominence in the media landscape.

Summary

ISLAMABAD: In the wake of the Axact scandal, several top guns opted to part ways with BOL Saturday, among them the President and Chief Executive Officer Azhar Abbas (pictured).

Also heartlessly termintating their association with the channel that is to go on air in June were Kamran Khan (President and Editor in Chief of BOL Group), Iftikhar Ahmad, Asma Shirazi and Wajahat Saeed Khan (Executive Vice Presidents and Senior Anchorpersons).

Azhar Abbas tweeted: "I have resigned from BOL after speaking to my editors and staff. I did put together a great team of journalists. Wish them best."

He had joined BOL in 2013 from Geo where he was the Managing Director.

Iftikhar Ahmad then followed saying: "I can not work for an organization whose basic workings conflict with my proffesional comittment.Ive decided to disassociate myself from Bol."

His signing up by BOL in October last year had been termed as a "momentous victory" by the developing media group.

Asma Shirazi announced her decision through Twitter:  "I have Resigned from Bol News, truth must prevail," she said while Wajahat Saeed Khan said: "It's done. I will be back, but not on Bol. Pakistan Zindabad. Journalism Paindabad.

The resignations were a bog blow to BOL that aimed to become Pakistan's biggest media network.

Axact, the parent company of BOL is currently being investigated for its alleged involvement in selling fake degrees and diplomas.

KEY POINTS:

• Azhar Abbas, CEO of BOL, resigns amid Axact scandal.
• Iftikhar Ahmad and Asma Shirazi also terminate their association with BOL.
• The resignations are a setback for BOL's ambitions in the media industry.
• Axact is under investigation for allegations of selling fake degrees.
• Executives cite professional conflicts and commitment to truth as reasons for leaving.