JournalismPakistan.com | Published October 04, 2021 | Cherie Conela
Join our WhatsApp channelISLAMABAD – The international scandal unfolded by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), dubbed as Pandora Papers, unveiled several Pakistani media owners allegedly having offshore companies.
"Mir Shakil Ur Rehman [owner of Jang Group] is also mentioned in the #PandoraPapers. Credit to @geonews_urdu n Mir Family," TV anchor Shahid Maitla stated in a tweet.
Besides Mir Shakil ur Rehman, Dawn CEO Hameed Haroon, Express Media Group CEO Sultan Ali Lakhani, BOL Media Group CEO and Chairman Shoaib Ahmed Shiekh, and late owner of Pakistan Today Arif Nizami also owned offshore companies, The News reported.
The ICIJ report disclosed that Mir Shakil, the country's most prominent media organization owner, holds an offshore company registered as Brookwood Ventures Limited in the British Virgin Islands (BVI). At the same time, Rehman negated to comment on the current matter, saying the company was already "declared."
According to the Pandora Papers, Dawn CEO Hameed Haroon owns Bardney Limited, registered in the Republic of Seychelles. Similarly, the list also includes Century Media Network, owned by Sultan Lakhani—the owner of Express Media Group. Meanwhile, Lakhani responded to the allegations saying 'all companies are legal' under applicable laws.
Renowned journalist and founder of Pakistan Today Arif Nizami, who passed away recently, was also among those listed in the 'Panama-2' scandal. Nizami owned New Mile Production Limited in BVI incorporated in July 2000 with him, and his wife declared as its beneficial owners. Nizami and his wife held investment portfolios with a private bank.
However, Chairman and CEO of the BOL Media Group and Axact, Shoaib Ahmed Sheikh, said that the ICIJ's report that accused him of owning an offshore company was malicious, ill-willed, and misleading.
Amna Butt, an employee of Gourmet Group, which owns the GNN TV channel, also holds an offshore company, Gourmet Holdings Limited, in the BVI jurisdiction
June 11, 2025: Pakistan celebrated a narrow win over Bangladesh, but beneath the jubilation lies a deeper crisis—from sidelined veterans to a collapsing domestic structure—signaling an urgent need for cricket reform.
June 11, 2025: Journalists walked out of the post-budget press conference in Islamabad to protest the absence of a technical briefing and the government's dismissive behavior, calling it unacceptable and intolerable.
May 31, 2025: Dr. Nauman Niaz has issued a defamation notice to Shoaib Akhtar over derogatory remarks made during a recent broadcast, reigniting a longstanding media feud between the two prominent figures in Pakistan.
May 30, 2025: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has demanded the full repeal of PECA, citing its vague language, coercive powers, and threats to free speech and digital rights in Pakistan.
May 30, 2025: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has condemned the murder of journalist Syed Mohammed Shah in Jacobabad, calling for urgent justice and improved safety for media professionals in Sindh.
May 26, 2025: In Rawalpindi, police allegedly side with Jang Group to block 66 reinstated employees from resuming work despite court orders, drawing sharp criticism from unions and press freedom advocates.
May 25, 2025: PFUJ condemns the Jang Group's decision to dismiss over 80 employees in Rawalpindi, calling it an 'economic massacre.' The union warns of nationwide protests if workers are not reinstated.
May 25, 2025: Daily Jang Rawalpindi has terminated over 80 employees, including female staff, despite multiple court rulings in their favor—raising concerns over labor rights violations and misuse of authority in Pakistani media.
May 19, 2025 PJS reports 219 Palestinian journalists killed in Israeli attacks since October 7, with 30 women among the victims. Over 430 were injured and 685 family members were killed. Read more on the systematic targeting of media in Gaza.
May 15, 2025 Discover the legacy of Samiullah Khan, Pakistan’s legendary "Flying Horse," whose breathtaking speed and artistry redefined hockey. From Olympic glory to World Cup triumphs, his story is one of myth, movement, and magic.
May 04, 2025 Algerian authorities suspend Echorouk News TV for 10 days after it used a racist slur against African migrants. ANIRA demands an apology, calling it a violation of human dignity.
May 04, 2025 NCHR and MMfD launch a journalism fellowship to train reporters on digital rights & gender inclusion in Pakistan. Supported by UNESCO, this initiative aims to bridge the gender digital divide. Apply by May 15, 2025!
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.