Shahzeb Khanzada says he stands by his comments on Jehangir Tareen

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 29 January 2020

Shahzeb Khanzada stands firm on his statements regarding Jehangir Tareen's alleged involvement in the sugar mafia. Tareen has issued a legal notice demanding a public apology.

Summary

ISLAMABAD—Shahzeb Khanzada, host of the Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath on Geo News, on Wednesday said he stands by his comments he made about PTI leader Jehangir Tareen in his show.

The PTI leader on January 25 served a notice on Shahzeb, saying in his talk show on January 21, the host gave the impression that Tareen was part of a “sugar mafia” and “collusively involved or complicit in causing artificial inflation” of refined sugar across the country.

According to Dawn.com, Khanzada, while refusing to apologize for his statements, dedicated a portion of his program on Tuesday night to refute the claims made by Tareen in his notice.

He said several efforts were made to reach the PTI leader. He showed screenshots purportedly of text messages exchanged between Tareen’s assistant and his team as they tried to contact the PTI leader.

The anchorperson said he would respond to the PTI leader in the court, adding he decided to use the forum of his show to respond as social media have picked the story.

Tareen has also served a notice on Waseem Badami, host of talk show 11th Hour, on ARY News for referring to the PTI leader as “corrupt.” He has demanded “proper public apology” both from Shahzeb and Badami.