Islamabad, December 26,2025: Planning and Development Minister Ahsan Iqbal on Friday dismissed speculation surrounding the brief disruption of his live interview with ARY News anchor Waseem Badami, urging the public to avoid what he termed “unnecessary politicisation” of the incident.
The interruption occurred on Thursday night when Iqbal joined ARY News programme 11th Hour via video link. While he was discussing the issue of talks between the government and the opposition, the conversation was suddenly disrupted after a voice — not visible on screen — was heard shouting in an aggressive tone, “Shut this,” following which the minister’s call was disconnected.
The unexpected break prompted host Waseem Badami to express concern on air. “I hope everything is well. I don’t know what just happened,” he remarked. Shortly afterward, Iqbal rejoined the programme and assured viewers that everything was fine.
The incident quickly sparked widespread speculation on social media, with several users suggesting that the disruption may have had political implications.
However, the planning minister clarified the matter early Friday morning in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “A brief disruption occurred during a live broadcast when someone nearby, having an argument, was unaware that I was live on air,” he wrote, adding that he rejoined the interview shortly afterward. He appealed to the public to “avoid unnecessary politicisation of this.”
Iqbal’s clarification came in response to a post by senior journalist Ajmal Jami, who said he had spoken to the minister after watching the clip. According to Jami, Iqbal explained that a family gathering was taking place at his Islamabad residence and children had unexpectedly entered his study, causing the disturbance. “He rejoined the show shortly after,” Jami added.
Information Minister Ataullah Tarar also confirmed the explanation, stating that he had spoken to Ahsan Iqbal and that “kids came into the study running unexpectedly.” “All is well, and he has rejoined the show,” Tarar said.
