Ahsan Iqbal, the federal minister for planning and a senior leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-N, briefly dropped off a live television interview on Thursday after his video link suddenly disconnected. He returned moments later and reassured the programme host that “all is well.”
During the interruption, a voice was heard saying, “shut this down,” just as the minister’s video feed went offline. When Iqbal reappeared on screen, the host welcomed him back and noted that viewers had expressed concern over the abrupt disruption.
Iqbal calmly responded that there was no issue. The host then resumed the discussion, explaining that only a few minutes remained in the programme.
Wait, what just happened? Ahsan Iqbal’s video was abruptly cut during a live show.
pic.twitter.com/B1a50hCR3U
— Faizan (@faizannriaz) December 25, 2025Later, Iqbal addressed the incident on X, thanking viewers for their concern. He explained that the disruption occurred because someone nearby was involved in an argument and did not realise he was live on air. He added that he rejoined the interview shortly afterwards and urged people to avoid unnecessary politicisation of the moment.
The clip of the interruption circulated widely on social media, prompting speculation about what had happened. Some users claimed the connection had been forcibly cut, while others sought clarification.
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, 2025A journalist later shared on X that he had spoken directly with Iqbal, who explained that a family gathering was taking place at his residence in Islamabad. According to the minister, children unexpectedly entered his study, causing a brief disruption.
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar also confirmed the explanation. He said he spoke with Iqbal, who told him that children had entered the room unexpectedly and that the matter was resolved quickly.
Yes I also spoke to him. Kids came into the study running unexpectedly. All is well and he has rejoined the show https://t.co/JE5iuSDeR2
— Attaullah Tarar (@TararAttaullah) December 25, 2025Iqbal’s clarification appeared to put an end to speculation, with officials reiterating that the interruption was harmless and unintentional.
