Pakistan’s Prime Minister and former cricketer Imran Khan has taken a note on the on-air heated argument between Shoaib Akhtar and PTV Sports anchor-person Nauman Niaz.
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After Pakistan’s 5 wicket victory against New Zealand on Wednesday, Nauman Niaz a veteran sports anchor had hosted Shoaib Akhtar many cricketing faces in a panel. The news anchor wasn’t happy after Shoaib Akhtar changed the topic of the question and started speaking on something else. The former pacer was then asked to leave the show on-air. Shoaib Akhtar demanded an apology and made his point clear. After which Akhtar decided to walk off the show. The anchor too did not stop the former pacer while he walked off.
Pakistan Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Ali Mohammad Khan revealed that the PM also has taken note of the issue and has directed the committee to take immediate action. Speaking on Geo News programme, Ali said that Imran Khan was upset that the host insulted a national legend in this manner.
“You cannot ask anybody to leave the show on the air, this is arrogance,” he said, adding that Niaz should have evaluated his and Akhtar’s value.
“Dr. Niaz should have thought a hundred times before insulting Akhtar,” he maintained, questioning “is this how we treat our national stars in front of international cricket greats”.
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Khan said: “This is an unpleasant event, no one is bigger than the state and nobody can misuse his/her power.”
He added that it was a big day for Pakistan as they defeated New Zealand and then this shambolic incident happened on air.
Acknowledging Akhtar’s efforts to resolve the issue on live television, he said: “I would also appreciate Akhtar because contrary to his nature he acted calmly although he is known for his aggression because he is a fast bowler.
He iterated that he would not allow anybody else to host the show. The minister said that neither the state-owned channel belongs to anybody’s father nor does the show.
He added: “Even the president and prime minister of Pakistan cannot do this.”
He added that he was informed by the media that on Thursday all the members of the panel were present in the studio and Niaz did not let the show proceed.
“I don’t have any personal grudges with Niaz but he had no right to insult our national star by doing so he has insulted the entire nation,” Khan added.
Shoaib Akhtar has raised Pakistan’s flag around the world and he is among those very few stars including Imran Khan Javed Miandad who have no controversy attached to their careers.
“Investigation in this regard will be held in this regard the immediate action will be taken,” he said.
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