Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal has responded to widespread speculation following a brief and unusual disruption during his live interview on ARY News, urging the public and political observers to refrain from drawing political conclusions from the incident.
The incident occurred on Thursday night when Iqbal appeared via video link on ARY News’ political talk show 11th Hour, hosted by Waseem Badami. As the minister was discussing ongoing talks between the government and the opposition, the live transmission was abruptly interrupted.
During the broadcast, an unidentified voice, not visible on screen, was heard shouting aggressively, “Shut this,” moments before Iqbal’s video link was disconnected. The unexpected disruption immediately raised concern, prompting host Waseem Badami to pause the programme and question whether the minister was safe.
“I hope everything is well. I don’t know what just happened,” Badami remarked on air as viewers watched the sudden break in the interview.
Shortly afterward, Ahsan Iqbal rejoined the programme and reassured viewers that there was no cause for alarm, confirming that “all was well” and continuing with the discussion.
Despite the quick clarification on the show, clips of the incident circulated widely on social media platforms, sparking speculation and rumors. Many users suggested the disruption could have political implications, given the sensitive nature of the discussion and Pakistan’s charged political environment.
Addressing the matter directly, Iqbal took to social media platform X early Friday morning to explain the situation. He clarified that the interruption was entirely accidental and unrelated to politics.
“A brief disruption occurred during a live broadcast when someone nearby, having an argument, was unaware that I was live on air,” the planning minister wrote. He added that he rejoined the interview shortly afterward and urged commentators to “avoid unnecessary politicisation of this.”
The clarification came in response to a post by senior journalist Ajmal Jami, who said he had personally spoken to the minister after watching the clip. According to Jami, Iqbal explained that a family gathering was taking place at his Islamabad residence at the time of the interview.
“He said there was a family gathering at his Islamabad residence when children unexpectedly entered his study. He rejoined the show shortly after,” Jami wrote.
Information Minister Ataullah Tarar also weighed in on the matter, confirming that he had spoken to Iqbal and corroborating the explanation. Tarar stated that the interruption occurred when children ran into the study unexpectedly, emphasizing that there was no security concern or political pressure involved.
“Kids came into the study running unexpectedly. All is well, and he has rejoined the show,” Tarar said.
With clarifications from multiple sources, the government has sought to put an end to speculation surrounding the incident, reiterating that it was a domestic mishap rather than a politically motivated act.
