Aftab Iqbal missing after arrest in Dubai, daughter speaks out

Veteran journalist and talk show host Aftab Iqbal has reportedly been missing after being detained by airport authorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

According to media reports, Aftab Iqbal’s daughter, Ayesha Noor Iqbal has confirmed the news of his detention.

Daughter’s statement

Ayesha Noor Iqbal stated that her father was arrested at Dubai Airport while returning from the UK. She said:
“He was traveling back from the UK with my mother when immigration authorities took him away. Later, they informed us that my father had been cleared by UAE authorities, but they did not provide further details about his whereabouts or condition.”

Earlier, Aftab Iqbal’s brother, Junaid Iqbal, also claimed that his elder brother has been missing since his detention at Dubai Airport.

No official statement yet

As of now, no formal statement has been issued regarding Aftab Iqbal’s arrest. However, earlier this month, the journalist had made headlines due to his allegations against former Army Chief General (Retd.) Qamar Javed Bajwa.

Background of controversy

Aftab Iqbal alleged that in 2022, he created a parody song about then-Chief of Army Staff General (Retd.) Qamar Javed Bajwa for his TV show which reportedly angered the general. He claimed that this led to his show being taken off air.

“If I hadn’t made that parody song, my show would never have been taken off air. Is this democracy or fascism?” he questioned.

After his show was cancelled, several journalists, politicians and social activists called on the government to reconsider its actions, citing the importance of freedom of expression.