A civil judge on Friday issued non-bailable arrest warrants for TV show host and former Pakistan Television chairman Shahid Masood for his alleged involvement in the embezzlement of Rs38 million from PTV, Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) sources told DawnNewsTV.

Masood is accused of signing an agreement with a fake company to obtain media rights for the Pakistan Cricket Board. The TV channel had to face a heavy loss due to the agreement, the sources said.

The FIA sought the warrants, saying that Masood had been asked several times to join the investigation in connection with the case. "However, he deliberately avoided to join the investigation," a request signed by FIA Investigation Officer (IO) Kashir Riaz Awan read.

Take a look: The dark side of news media

According to a document, a copy of which is available with DawnNewsTV, the FIA said there was "sufficient incriminating evidence" on record to "effect the arrest of the titled accused".

Subsequently, senior civil judge Amir Aziz ordered that arrest warrants for Masood be issued upon IO Awan's request.

Opinion

Editorial

Budgeting austerity
Updated 16 May, 2025

Budgeting austerity

The past policy of squeezing salaried classes and fully documented corporations to collect taxes will not work any longer.
A ‘new’ Syria
16 May, 2025

A ‘new’ Syria

THE American embrace of the post-Assad Syrian regime is complete, with President Donald Trump meeting the Arab...
Business of begging
16 May, 2025

Business of begging

IT is a matter of deep embarrassment that Pakistan has become an ‘exporter’ of beggars. Over 5,000 have been...
Rebuilding trust
Updated 15 May, 2025

Rebuilding trust

Both countries will have to restart the dialogue process. One major step India can take would be to honour the IWT.
Political off-ramp
15 May, 2025

Political off-ramp

IN the midst of every crisis, there lies great opportunity. With the nation basking in the afterglow of Pakistan’s...
Awami League ban
15 May, 2025

Awami League ban

BANGLADESH stands at a key crossroads. While the ouster of Sheikh Hasina Wajed’s government and the formation of ...