On December 25, 2025, during a live remote interview on ARY News’ “11th Hour” program hosted by Waseem Badami, Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal experienced a brief but dramatic interruption.
What Happened
While speaking mid-sentence, a hand appeared on screen, removing the microphone (or device), and a male voice shouted, “Band karo isay” (“Turn this off” or “Shut this down”).
“Shut it down.”
During a live program, someone forcibly had Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal’s video turned off. Shocking scenes.#AhsanIqbalXMohammadAliJinnah#Liveshow #Ahsaniqbal #Crypto #MerryChristmas #quaideazam #QuaidEAzamDay #25dicembre pic.twitter.com/f5gQOYluwS— Six-Zero (@sixzero7890) December 25, 2025
The feed cut abruptly to black, sparking immediate speculation on social media about possible interference, censorship, or even a security issue. Iqbal was joining remotely from his residence in Islamabad, not from the studio.
After the Interruption
Shortly after, he rejoined the program. When Badami asked if everything was okay, Iqbal confirmed it was and continued the interview without further elaboration on air.
Official Explanation
Ahsan Iqbal later posted on X (formerly Twitter)
“Thank you for the messages of concern. A brief disruption occurred during a live broadcast when someone nearby having an argument was unaware that I was live on air. I rejoined the interview shortly afterward. I hope we can avoid unnecessary politicisation of this.”
Thank you for the messages of concern. A brief disruption occurred during a live broadcast when someone nearby having an argument was unaware that I was live on air.
I rejoined the interview shortly afterward. I hope we can avoid unnecessary politicisation of this. https://t.co/c4opMKphqS— Ahsan Iqbal (@betterpakistan) December 25, 2025
Journalist Ajmal Jami also spoke to Iqbal, who mentioned a family gathering at home with children unexpectedly entering the room.
After watching the clip, I spoke to @betterpakistan. He said there was a family gathering at his Islamabad residence when children unexpectedly entered his study. He rejoined the show shortly after. @WaseemBadami can confirm.
Paayen? @WaseemBadami ! https://t.co/NJwibH9VgB— Ajmal Jami (@ajmaljami) December 25, 2025
Government spokespersons and PML-N leaders echoed that it was a domestic mishap, not interference.
Public Reaction
The clip went viral, with some users joking or speculating about “handlers” or political pressure, while others accepted the explanation as a simple accident.
“بند کرو” سے “آل از ویل” کے درمیان وہی کچھ ہے جو اس ملک میں رہنے والوں کے ساتھ ہورہا ہے#AhsanIqbal https://t.co/kbOFBYmp8v
— Sidrah Dar (سدرہ ڈار) (@SidrahDar) December 25, 2025
No evidence of censorship or external interference has emerged, and reports describe it as a broadcast mishap.
This incident occurred on Christmas Day (December 25, 2025), coinciding with Quaid-e-Azam’s birth anniversary celebrations in Pakistan.
