The ARY Network on Wednesday announced it has “parted ways” with anchorperson Arshad Sharif without citing a specific reason but stating that it expects its employees’ conduct on social media to be in line with the company policy.
The announcement was made in a statement posted by the channel on its social media accounts.
“ARY Network’s code of conduct for its employees clearly states that any post by an employee on social media has to be in accordance with the company’s policy,” it stated.
“Thus, with a heavy heart we would like to announce that after a journey of 8 years together, ARY has parted way with Arshad Sharif. We wish him all the very best for his future endeavors,” the statement added.
— ARY NEWS (@ARYNEWSOFFICIAL) August 31, 2022
The company, however, did not mention the social media post for which Sharif was let go.
Earlier this month, the police had booked Sharif, ARY Digital Network President and CEO Salman Iqbal, Head of News and Current Affairs Ammad Yousaf, anchorperson Khawar Ghumman and a producer for sedition over a controversial interview by PTI leader Dr Shahbaz Gill broadcast on the channel on Aug 8.
A day later, the Interior Ministry had cancelled the channel’s no-objection certificate citing “adverse reports from agencies” as the reason behind the decision.
Condemnations Pour In
Immediately after ARY News’ announcement today, the International Human Rights Foundation condemned the development in a tweet.
#Pakistan🇵🇰 The International Human Rights Foundation (#IHRF) strongly condemns the dismissal of the journalist Mr. Arshad Sharif (@arsched), who has proven to be an good professional, a critical citizen and an intellectually honest person. #PressFreedom #FreedomOfSpeech pic.twitter.com/lBimbBMu9G
— International Human Rights Foundation (@Declaracion) August 31, 2022
The International Human Rights Foundation also called for the viewers not to boycott ARY News as it is facing numerous issues, including a ban by PEMRA.
#Pakistan🇵🇰 Regarding the dismissal of journalist Arshad Sharif (@arsched), we ask not to boycott #ARYNews. This TV channel is facing enormous difficulties due to its commitment to critical and independent #journalism. @ARYNEWSOFFICIAL, like Pakistan, is going through dark times. pic.twitter.com/912K6lJxwK
— International Human Rights Foundation (@Declaracion) August 31, 2022
Read More: Pakistan raises storm over PEMRA’s suspension of ARY channel
Shortly after the announcement, people came out in support of the anchorperson who had left the country last month due to life threats.
TODAY, ARY lost its respect in public mind. We thought ARY is strong institution amongst the media which could resist all kind of pressure . But you fired Arshad Shareef I have switched to BOL TV. My long association with ARY ended today.#ARYNews#arshadsharif#PetrolPrice pic.twitter.com/wp11iKnsRl
— Seerat fatima (@seeratfatimaa) August 31, 2022
Finally, "ARY NEWS" gave a knee to Pakistan's system.
If you remove your anchors and think that you will remain the number 1 channel in Pakistan, then you are mistaken. Good anchors are the glory of a channel.#ARYNews #Arshadshareef pic.twitter.com/8BFQFCUXBR— Shaina bhatti (@Shainabhatti2) August 31, 2022
Currently, #ArshadShareef is among the top twitter trends in Pakistan.