Federal Minister for Planning and senior PML-N leader Ahsan Iqbal briefly disappeared from a live television interview on Thursday after his video link abruptly disconnected, prompting concern among viewers. During the moment his connection dropped, a voice could be heard saying, “shut this down (bund karo isay),” sparking speculation online about what had transpired.
@ajmaljami hurried to rescue Ahsan Iqbal but was unsuccessful. As per this so called journalists, there were children at home who disrupted the live broadcast, but it was an adult’s voice that was instructing Ahsan Iqbal to halt this broadcast
This is how genuine assets of the… pic.twitter.com/MiSLU5DPV7— Yasar Maqbool (@yasar_maqbool) December 25, 2025
When the link was restored shortly afterwards, the host welcomed Iqbal back and noted that many viewers had become alarmed by the sudden break in transmission, with some asking if everything was alright. Iqbal calmly reassured the audience by responding, “all is well.” The host then said he would not probe further if everything was fine and moved to resume the discussion, mentioning that only a few minutes remained in the programme.
Read more: Trump says US struck Islamic State targets in Nigeria after group targeted Christians
Later, in a clarification posted on X, formerly Twitter, Iqbal thanked people who had reached out with concern and explained that the disruption had resulted from an argument nearby, as someone was unaware he was live on air. He added that he rejoined the interview shortly afterwards and expressed hope that the incident would not be unnecessarily politicised.
The clip of the interruption quickly circulated on social media, where differing claims emerged regarding the cause of the disruption. Some users alleged that the video connection had been forcibly cut during the broadcast, generating further speculation.
Wait, what just happened? Ahsan Iqbal’s video was abruptly cut during a live show.
pic.twitter.com/B1a50hCR3U— Faizan (@faizannriaz) December 25, 2025
Read more: Trump sends Christmas wishes to ‘radical left scum’
A journalist who later spoke to Iqbal posted that the minister clarified the interruption occurred during a family gathering at his Islamabad residence, when children unexpectedly entered his study. Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar also shared a similar account, stating that children had suddenly run into the room and reaffirming that “all is well,” as Iqbal promptly returned to complete the interview.