'Tout' remark sparks heated clash between Athar Kazmi and Minister Azhar Kiani

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published 3 months ago |  JP Staff Report

ISLAMABAD — A heated exchange erupted on the popular political talk show Faisla Aap Ka on Hum TV, hosted by senior journalist Asma Shirazi, when Minister of State for Finance Azhar Kiani and journalist Ather Kazmi (pictured) clashed live on air.

During the debate, Minister Kiani accused Kazmi of pushing the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) narrative, claiming the journalist receives “talking points” from the party. Kazmi immediately challenged the allegation, urging the minister to prove his claim and provide evidence rather than make sweeping accusations.

As tensions rose, host Asma Shirazi intervened to prevent the discussion from descending into a shouting match. While Kazmi briefly turned his attention to the host, Kiani escalated the confrontation by labeling the journalist a “tout,” declaring he would prefer not to share a stage with him. The minister went further, suggesting Kazmi represented PTI interests while in London.

Kazmi hit back sharply, pointing to the minister’s electoral defeat in the general elections. He accused Kiani of entering the National Assembly through the controversial Form-47 results, which opposition parties have repeatedly criticized as manipulated.

“This person who lost the elections is calling us a tout. If you make a loser like him a minister, then that is what we will get,” Kazmi retorted.

The fiery exchange reflects the increasingly tense relationship between the government and sections of the media, with journalists frequently accused of political bias while officials face scrutiny over alleged election irregularities.