Case Update Status

Aftab Iqbal apologized.

Summary of Case

"On 12 April, 2021 anchor Aftab Iqbal allegedly mentioned the Companions of Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.W.) inappropriately regarding the battle of Uhud in his show. Following which he was severely criticized. PEMRA has also sought an answer from Express News.

Last night, Aftab Iqbal in his show, Khabardar, on the private TV channel Express News, had inappropriately mentioned the Companions (R.A.) regarding the battle of Uhud. He was severely criticized until the issue started trending on Twitter and #sahaba_ka_ghutakh_aftab_qabal has been at the top of the Twitter trend list. People are expressing their grief and anger and demanding the government to punish Aftab Iqbal.

However, in view of the grievances and demands of the consumers, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has also issued a notice to Express News.

According to the press release, PEMRA has issued the notice to Express News for airing irresponsible words in its program, Khabardar, which was aired on April 11th, 2021, ordering the channel to be held accountable within 7 days.

Following the criticism on social media, Aftab Iqbal has released an explanatory video and apologized for his insolence.

In the video, Aftab Iqbal said that I have come with a very important explanation. The wish is that I explain but first, I will start with an unconditional apology.

Admitting his mistake, Aftab Iqbal said that last night in the episode of Khabardar, we had a foolish mistake and this example of how it has appeared here was not true. Referring to the battle of Uhud, and what I said, I apologize for it. God willing, it is unthinkable that the honor of the Companions (R.A.) would be insulted or such a satire would be uttered."

Category of Incident

Censorship

ICCS Status

ICCS Divisions: 0803-Acts related to freedom of expression or control of expression

ICCS Group: 08031-Acts against freedom of expression

ICCS Class: "N/A"

ICCS Crime: "Acts against freedom of expression"

Reported By

Baaghi/ PEMRA twitter

Date of incident

12

Month

April

Year

2021

Name of affected person

Aftab Iqbal

Other affected persons

No other person affected

Name of affected organization

Express News

Other affected organizations

No other organization affected

Action by

Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA)

City

Karachi

Province

Sindh

Designation

Anchor

Professional category

Journalist

Age of victim

59 Years Old

Marital Status

Compensation Details

Amount of compensation announced by government: No compensation announced

Date of compensation announcement by government: No compensation announced

Date of compensation paid by government: No compensation announced

Amount of compensation announced by others: No compensation announced

Date of compensation announced by others: No compensation announced

Date compensation paid by others: No compensation announced

FIR Details

Was FIR registered ?: No

Court Details

Was case investigated ?: Not applicable as PEMRA issued notice to TV channel.

Court where case was presented: Not applicable as PEMRA issued notice to TV channel.

Name of prosecuting lawyer: Not applicable as PEMRA issued notice to TV channel.

Date of first court hearing:

Date of last court hearing:

Status of court case: Not applicable as PEMRA issued notice to TV channel.

Journalist Union Status

PFUJ

Not applicable as PEMRA issued notice to TV channel.

APNS

CPNE

PBA

Media Source Status

Media reports:

Condemn Status

Colleague of victim

Not applicable as PEMRA issued notice to TV channel.

Employer organization

Not applicable as PEMRA issued notice to TV channel.

Press Club Status

Press club 1: Not applicable as PEMRA issued notice to TV channel.

Press club 2:

Press club 3: