Domino effect: Senior journalists leave BOL amid controversy
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KARACHI: Senior journalists associated with Bol Network — the sister organisation of Axact — have announced their resignations from the company just days after an explosive New York Times story raised questions about Axact's involvement in a fake degree scam.
Kamran Khan, the president and editor-in-chief (co -founder) of BOL Group, was the first to announce his disassociation from Bol.
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The senior investigative reporter tweeted that while charges against Axact are far from proven in court, his conscience is not letting him continue and that he has decided to part ways with Bol immediately.
Azhar Abbas, the president and CEO of BOL News, also announced his resignation through Twitter, saying that he has resigned from BOL after speaking with his editors and staff. Abbas wished his team great success in future.
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Senior Executive Vice President of Bol Network Iftikhar Ahmed and Executive vice president and senior anchorperson Asma Shirazi are also among the high-profile journalists who have resigned so far.
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Know more: Nisar vows transparent investigation of Axact fake degree scam
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Investigative journalist Wajahat Saeed Khan has also announced his resignation from Bol Network, saying he will soon be joining some other news channel.
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There are reports that other senior journalists associated with Bol Network will be tendering their resignations soon.
Last week, action against Axact kicked off after Nisar ordered an inquiry into the story published by The New York Times that claimed the company was issuing fake degrees as part of a massive, global scam.
The minister in his directive also said that the FIA was to determine whether the contents of the NYT story were true and whether the company was involved in any illegal business which may bring a "bad name" to Pakistan.
The detailed NYT report titled "Fake Diplomas, Real Cash: Pakistani Company Axact Reaps Millions" and written by New York Times Pakistan bureau chief Declan Walsh outlined how Axact — referred to as a "secretive Pakistani software company" — allegedly earned millions of dollars from scams involving fake degrees, non-existent online universities and manipulation of customers.
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On DawnNews
May 23, 2015 09:29pm
We have managed to create an environment conducive to fraudsters and menacing to good, nice people. We must first realize this reality then work together to change it.
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May 23, 2015 09:30pm
War of media channel owners. Its not only limited to Axact or Bol, whenever there is a new entrant, corporate criminals will use their channels to create a mindset.
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May 23, 2015 09:31pm
Well that escalated quickly
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May 23, 2015 09:33pm
Well done
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May 23, 2015 09:33pm
good decision
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May 23, 2015 09:34pm
"Investigative" journalists unaware of their own employers wrongdoings. Ironic indeed.
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May 23, 2015 09:41pm
Kindly return the huge salaries you received.
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May 23, 2015 09:47pm
The story of axact is not just related to Pakistan. Well, how on earth is it possible to use the name of John Kerry with his signature for years! Are the American Senators so cheap? or the NSA was lull on axact?
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May 23, 2015 09:48pm
The truth is unravelling. Now it seems like a domino effect!
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May 23, 2015 09:50pm
This is how monetary values get precedence over loyalty. The case has yet to decide but banishing in such a hard time is a matter of reputation for these folks...no matter...life goes on...
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May 23, 2015 09:52pm
I am surprised that these senior "investigative" journalists were unaware about Axact's shady ways.
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May 23, 2015 10:02pm
I always thought howcome some1 is paying such amounts for nothing
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May 23, 2015 10:03pm
Sensible decision by the concerned journalists. Professional integrity is more important than monetary rewards.
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May 23, 2015 10:08pm
WOW!. "Where there is smoke, there is fire"!.
Wish you all the best in your future endeavors"!.
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May 23, 2015 10:09pm
Home Coming :)
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May 23, 2015 10:13pm
Great decision, everyone was willing Kamran khan and others to leave a place with strong doubts. Axact/Bol response to NYT report is also fragile. Hope truth will come soon.
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May 23, 2015 10:18pm
Good move taken by the Kamran and other journalists .,axact is totally fabric and now it has become feeble after the blame on it ..
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May 23, 2015 10:28pm
A thorough investigation should be held and accounts and tax returns of these journalist should be checked in detail
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May 23, 2015 10:31pm
The right way is to find those who got or bought those fake degrees, where ever they are, inform their employer, and let them speak up who gave them degrees.
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May 23, 2015 10:32pm
Talk about a fall from grace
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May 23, 2015 10:34pm
Good Steps in the right direction.
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May 23, 2015 10:40pm
They are setting a good precedence here but I find it very ironic that the top/best "investigative" journalists of this country couldn't investigate this company before joining its team
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May 23, 2015 10:41pm
Axact and Bol almost damaged the credibility and standing of honest journalists like Iftikhar, Asma and Khan.
Glad they disassociated from Bol just in time.
But I wonder how come these people were not aware of the coming storm????
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May 23, 2015 10:45pm
It is not domino effect but the plan. This whole drama shows how hard it is to challenge the established media houses.
All these have lost credibility by resigning as it is their responsibility to cope with the external pressure.
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May 23, 2015 10:48pm
They should have thought about why this man is offering so much money before joining Bol. They should have investigated because this is what they always claimed, an investigative journalist.
Anyways, their resignation is a redeeming act now.
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May 23, 2015 10:50pm
It's a wise decision. Kamran Khan himself is a brand and he did not let it compromise.
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May 23, 2015 10:52pm
Appreciate your resignation and this is to your own benefit and reputation
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May 23, 2015 10:55pm
it was only a matter of time.. anyway good decision. its nice to see journalists siding with truth considering some of the bad image we have of print media!
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May 23, 2015 10:56pm
All these journalists left their earlier channels for money, Bol offered them big bucks. Today Pakistani news channels are the second biggest horse-trading platform after politics. I don't trust any of these journalists.
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May 23, 2015 11:00pm
One cannot believe that these journalists and others who left recently before the crisis had no idea about the working of this company. They went for big money and now when the things are unfavorable they are leaving the organisation.Journalists are the most inquisitive and smart class of our society so their reasons of not knowing have no weight.
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May 23, 2015 11:03pm
They all took very long to make their decision which is in line with public sentiment. I feel for the IT talented lot whose talent could have used constructively.
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May 23, 2015 11:03pm
The so-called investigative journalists' didn't even know about their organization. So in essence, they were part of the multi-million dollar business allegedly involved in fake degrees. This shows the professionalism of our media and its personnel. They are rather supposed to expose public and private sector organizations for their malpractices. They should be thanking NYTimes for opening their eyes and arousing their conscience. Their resignations will exaggerate the truth behind NYTimes story.
However, it is yet to be proved whether charges leveled against Axact are true.
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May 23, 2015 11:10pm
Feeling bad for the little guys who are now left in a very difficult situation. It's harder for them to leave their jobs in this market.
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May 23, 2015 11:10pm
Good decision by Kamran Khan! He is one the best and fair journalist in Pakistan and we need more people like him. Best of luck!!
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May 23, 2015 11:17pm
Good for journalism in Pakistan. Well done, you all. No sane person would believe you in BOL anyway. Wish you a good future.
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May 23, 2015 11:24pm
It is funny and sad that this had to be exposed by NTY and not by our own intelligence agencies and investigative journalists.
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May 23, 2015 11:27pm
its like all media houses against one weak one
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May 23, 2015 11:28pm
@Asim Munir Brand of what? Corruption.
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May 23, 2015 11:29pm
They resigned because their prestige were at risk. But is it not surprising that no body including these learned person have had any idea about the Axact's illegal activities
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May 23, 2015 11:34pm
i am sure all of the resigned employees will regret later.
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May 23, 2015 11:40pm
@Warrior Bin Qadim At-least someone has a soft corner for BOL. Well done Mr. Qasim
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May 23, 2015 11:43pm
Why the other staff male and female introgated by FIA , but not there's journalists.
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May 24, 2015 12:04am
There are many companies who have carried out multi billion dollar frauds...only recently JP morgan was finned 6 billion dollars in their forex scam...I am sure tata and reliance must have had done their fraudulent activities...but the government of their country makes sure that these companies are punished but not not completely destroyed and shut down. No matter what we say Axact was a very unique company with workforce of over 2000 individuals.they paid their employees much higher salaries and had much better working environment then any other company in Pakistan.they were also creating a mark in the international IT sector...a competition with our neighbours. if they were proven guilty then they should have been finned and asked to compensate all the kids who got their degrees from their client universities...
But they should have not been completely destroyed. We as a nation very actively participate in destroying giant but never dare to even dream to become one...
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May 24, 2015 12:15am
the top journalists who call themselves top investigators and authority didnt know they were associated with such an organisation i duobt their credentials and they were lying to us on other channels
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May 24, 2015 12:15am
Wonder !!!!!
Why these high profile investigative journalists remained ignorant of the Axact scam?
They should also admit that they know nothing and stop preaching the nation
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May 24, 2015 12:16am
Those who resigned must offer to become witnesses of the state and help unearth the monstrous scam.
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May 24, 2015 12:17am
Why our agencies were in slumber when Axact was earning millions of dollars? Is it that the real threat is from Bol and all media owner are united against this network?
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May 24, 2015 12:18am
That's convenient! I am sure all of them knew the truth. Had the story not broken, they would've continued to enjoy the millions in pays and benefits. Everyone should be taken to task.
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May 24, 2015 12:18am
This shows money is not everything but the prestige and dignity count. The journalists had 'surrendered' their prestige and dignity before money and joined an unfamiliar strange media house just for the sake of money. The top notch 'investigators' could not investigate the new comer in the market and blindly joined the organization. Now onset caused them to leave and 'waking up' their consciences. In my opinion they must be investigated that whether they were involved in that business or not.
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May 24, 2015 12:20am
In my view all of them should be part of investigation and they should fully cooperate. First question what made them to join the group and being senior folks in journalism how come they have not done due diligence. It looks they all attracted by money and position. Any professional will do great level of due diligence for any start up. I have heard them on YouTube saying big stuff about Axact owners and now simply resignation should not be consider enough. Authorities should do proper investigation from all of them.
Now interesting to see where they finally land or stay out of job. Anyway, they have made enough to survive.
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May 24, 2015 12:21am
One thing is proven, Media is really a "Badmash". There are lot of corruption in Pakistan, every single block of Government sector specially in Sindh full of corruption. But no news, no "investigative" story. But when it comes to their stake, they have made it. Only corruption, Mafia and "badmashi" will prevail with this not Justice. By the way i am not linked in any way with Bol. Thanks
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May 24, 2015 12:24am
Such companies who have brought disrepute to pakistan must be brought to justice and if convicted severely punished. For how long we will tolerate embarrassment in front of the civilised world. The greed of material wealth has to finish if we are to be respected as a civilised nation.
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May 24, 2015 12:29am
Why not round up all the fake degree holders holding important positions and task them most severely before others. All fake law-makers must be put behind heavy bars.
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May 24, 2015 12:29am
A very courageous move by these journalists! Respect and Applause!
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May 24, 2015 12:34am
Although leaving / deserting parent networks was not good but this decision to leave BOL is praiseworthy for sure. Wish and pray that every thing mentioned in NYT report / article is proved correct and culprits are severely punished.
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May 24, 2015 12:49am
This episode has unearthed the growing mafia character of Pakistani media. It seems that the country will soon be unworthy of any meaningful business with the total disregard to justice and fairplay being displayed by all quarters concerned. For its part, government is falling to the trap and has unnecessarily opened inquiries that were unwarranted (tax, bank accounts etc. before any proof of a wrong-doing). At the end of the day even if axact comes clean it will have suffered irreparable loss to its reputation. Given that it brought foreign exchange for the country, which company will have the guts to grow in this corrupt environment and whose loss it will be. I believe this made-up scandal will bring media in a top blackmailing position for the times to come.
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May 24, 2015 01:41am
So all the big shots resigned, and what did they do for the staff that had followed them to BOL?
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May 24, 2015 02:12am
All these this is not good decision, in good days you were with them, but in bad days leaving alone, this is selfish, it is not yet proved, let law decide course of action, In my life I have personally seen two scandal BCCI bank, (suffered with the hands of western banks BCCI was one of the largest and great bank) than Kalia and Khanani Money changers similar type of propaganda and closed. till today no result or out come. Similar propaganda with the help of NY times, Pakistani competitors are propaganda ? let wait see what law decide still no FIR registered.
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May 24, 2015 03:06am
@Khan It is a matter of honesty, I am glad it is initiated by a Western journalist...Two books are essential in the understanding of the media. Inside the CBS News and second one was published here in the UK by Nick Davies, Flat Earth News, Sadly, in Pakistan, they get plots, money from transfers, 101 ways of earning money, Shukar hai kisi naay ab is taraf dehand dia...
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May 24, 2015 03:12am
We expected better from these top journalists. They did not bother to find out where there employer is getting its money from?
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May 24, 2015 04:23am
They know the truth, they are not resigning just because of NYT report.
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May 24, 2015 04:57am
Everyone is jumping to the conclusion before any investigation
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May 24, 2015 05:03am
@Hassan
Some of them may not have wanted to know. They are simply people.
Everyone has to pay his bills.
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May 24, 2015 06:51am
I am happy to note the resignation of some of most senior journalist but they should also realized what they have been reporting in the past damaging the reputation of political parties and politicians. Good luck to all of them
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May 24, 2015 07:10am
So once again...money talks...
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May 24, 2015 07:19am
How easy to fool Intellentia ? Every body has price tag. You pay and you hire. Need to get the lists of diploma and degree receiver and see their current status and should inform their employers.
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May 24, 2015 07:24am
A positive move by the senior journalist Mr. Kamran Khan.
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May 24, 2015 07:33am
I don't know who will come to save this country, we as a nation have failed to deliver the goods and just blaming the 2% elite while sitting in drawing rooms is no way helping this country on a road map of prosperity of the country. We all need to be vocal & vibrant to raise the issues a common man is facing in day to day life , for which we need to come out on streets to protest against the poor governance by the people
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May 24, 2015 08:30am
Hopefully these "principled"journalists return their lucrative sallieries too :)
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May 24, 2015 08:44am
@Asim Munir : He already compromised my dear by joining BOL
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May 24, 2015 10:23am
At least BADAMI was more clever and he left the BOL on time.
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May 24, 2015 11:30am
@Abu.Ashhad He was more informed than others. All these journalist should donate their extra money from BOL to Edhi ,SIUT or any other institution of their liking to make it Halal. In fact they have lost their creditential as an honest journalist.
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May 24, 2015 12:03pm
Let someone else take over .......... run the place above board ........... so many people's lives and jobs are at stake
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May 24, 2015 12:16pm
I don't see anything "Brave" in these decisions. They saw the ship sinking and decided to jump.Would be fun to see their reactions if somehow axact/bol can come clean from all this.
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May 24, 2015 12:25pm
Established Media Houses don't want to allow a new entrant! Very simple. Only allegations, nothing proved. Media Houses have already declared Axact guilty. Unfair and unacceptable.
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May 24, 2015 12:40pm
Credibility of journalists at stake. Do they work only for money without caring from where its coming from.
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May 24, 2015 12:41pm
@Abu.Ashhad I agree. Badami is one of the most intelligent and brilliant young TV anchors in Pakistan.
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May 24, 2015 12:47pm
@Asim Munir But joining BOL was a very unwise decision on the part of Mr. Kamran Khan.
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May 24, 2015 01:00pm
Though, the report has to be finalized about axact scandal. But a million dollar question is, how come such prominent investigative journalist of our society have not been able to find out what their employer is doing? I hope they will take care about it in their future endeavors.
I wish all of them to be on the right path, before its too late.......!
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May 24, 2015 01:08pm
Truth must prevail and justice must be done , but not on media.It should be fair and not reflect media rivalary.
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May 24, 2015 01:18pm
They had no qualms about being paid handsomely for many months just for having their names associated with BOL and not asking any pesky questions. Now they can keep a 'clear conscience' and move on as 'investigative journalists'.
Looks to me that money triumphed over anything else, which is sadly a common state of affairs.
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May 24, 2015 02:10pm
Weight is off loaded when a boat is drowning.
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May 24, 2015 02:17pm
I, an ordinary citizen, came to know about this scam a year ago. How come these journalists didn't know about whats going on?
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May 24, 2015 04:01pm
I think one should know for whom I am working.
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May 24, 2015 04:06pm
They joined BOL as they were offered money beyond their imagination. Now since they see Axact/Bol in trouble, each one of them is pretending to show they have some ethical reason to leave. Would their ethics ask them to refund all the money they got from Bol (for just sitting home)? No!!! they have selective ethics. Shame on them.
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May 24, 2015 04:09pm
Hence proved we are all puppets of US. One article took the whole company down. I wish same attitude would have had taken against Nawaz Sharif and Zardari cases Pakistan would be a total different country.
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May 24, 2015 05:54pm
@Larkanavi.... SURE !!!! wait till this saga is revealed...
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May 24, 2015 06:25pm
Its clear that all the journalists resigning from Bol knew of everything ! They should be questioned by FIA as well !
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May 24, 2015 06:32pm
It took public shaming and naming by NYT to make our "veteran journalists"resign from BOL. It is difficult to believe that these journalists were unaware of what was going on in AXACT. Had it not become a scandal of unmanageable magnitude, they would have continued with this money making business without any hesitation.
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May 24, 2015 07:31pm
@syed wasim haider
Yes agreed with your comments. The way Kamran Khan gave speech
describing ceo of axact as angel and praising like anything.
He must return whatever he received so the others involved knowingly.
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May 24, 2015 09:25pm
my my my! All big guns of investigative journalism join a channel that is not operational and did not bother to investigate how the network was being funded. They all lost integrity.
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