Renowned television host Aftab Iqbal has spoken about his satirical show, which was taken off air by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority back in 2022.
Journalist Murtaza Ali Shah shared a short video clip on his social media account featuring Aftab Iqbal in which the TV host revealed that former Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General (r) Qamar Javed Bajwa had taken his satirical show off air over his parody.
Iqbal stated that he made a parody song with visuals related to the then COAS General Qamar Javed Bajwa, which offended him and led to his satirical comedy show being taken off-air.
He also acknowledged that if he had not made that parody of the former Army Chief, his show would never have gone off the air.
In 2022 Iqbal wrote, “PEMRA is the instrument of a fascist imported govt which can’t tolerate any justifiable criticisms. My Programme, which is recognised as satire, has been forced off the air. Is this democracy worse than Mussolini’s fascist Italy? I intend to contest these illegal actions on every forum.”
Following the announcement, several journalists, politicians, and activists called on the government to review the action, citing freedom of expression.