Court rejects Shahid Masood's plea for pre-arrest bail in PTV corruption case

E-Paper | May 25, 2026

A special court of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on Thursday rejected an application for pre-arrest bail filed by Dr Shahid Masood in a case regarding his alleged involvement in the embezzlement of Rs38 million from state-run broadcaster Pakistan Television (PTV).

However, the former chairman of PTV had disappeared from court premises before he could be taken into custody.

According to the prosecution, Dr Masood had signed an agreement with a fake company to negotiate with the Pakistan Cricket Board for grant of rights to the PTV for coverage of cricket matches played in Pakistan. Because of the agreement, the PTV had to face heavy losses.

The Islamabad District Court had in June issued non-bailable warrants for Dr Masood's arrest following a request made by the FIA. He had subsequently appeared before the court and obtained interim bail.

Take a look: The dark side of news media

However, Special Judge Central Kamran Basharat Mufti on Thursday rejected the anchorperson's application for confirmation of interim pre-arrest bail.

The judge instead directed the authorities to arrest Dr Masood and present him before the court.

Our readers are at the heart of everything we do.
Do you have a thought to share or a way we can improve? We’d love to hear it. Reach out to us at feedback@dawn.com.

Pakistan

Non-bailable arrest warrants issued for anchorperson Shahid Masood in PTV corruption case

'Will not forgive without punishment': SC bans Shahid Masood from hosting TV show for 3 months

JIT declares Shahid Masood's claims about Zainab's murderer false

Sincere Pakistani

Oct 25, 2018 05:25pm

I thought he earned lot of respect by exposing the looters and corruption,plus he was very close with PTI and IK as well.How come journalist of such repute can be part of this exercise??Really Shocking.....

Recommend 0

Mann

Oct 25, 2018 05:30pm

This guy deserves what he is getting. Waiting for Amir Liqauat to be locked up.

Recommend 0

Harmony-2©

Oct 25, 2018 05:39pm

Check out Dr. Shahid's tall claims and lies in his show!

Recommend 0

Anti_Corruption_World

Oct 25, 2018 05:40pm

All pro PTI anchors are like that!

Recommend 0

Gaz

Oct 25, 2018 05:51pm

@Sincere Pakistani because in Pakistan IK or PTI don’t have the whole system under their control. There are a lot of corrupt people who is always exposing and they all have friends in every aspect of the state. This struggle will take years if not decades.

Recommend 0

M1 Jamal

Oct 25, 2018 05:59pm

A person who darely exposes corruptions of the ruling class and powerful ultimately faces such types of action to divert attention.He is facing corruption charges of Rs 38 millions and VIP class proved charges of more than 1000 times now standing in shape of loans of Rs 28,000,000,000,000.

Recommend 0

Irfan

Oct 25, 2018 06:00pm

First solve the important cases fully and finally which have been running around since years.

Recommend 0

Jalil Yousaf

Oct 25, 2018 06:02pm

We hear such news on the daily basis. Next day they are home. Bail before arrest should be abolished from Pakistan. However, I’m sure he will be out on bail of 5 lakhs or so.

Recommend 0

azam khan

Oct 25, 2018 06:03pm

@Sincere Pakistani, No matter how close he is to PTI & Imran Khan, the law will take it's course. This is not the PML(N) or the PPP government where being close to someone will save you from punishment. NO sir, not anymore. If he is guilty he should be punished.

Recommend 0

gullu Badsha

Oct 25, 2018 06:04pm

@Mann, Hamid Mir is the one I am waiting for.

Recommend 0

My Comments

Oct 25, 2018 06:11pm

Now you see it. Talking too much without thinking its consequences can get you in trouble. Time review what you said, if anything wrong, apologize for it, promise to be a good boy in future and hope for the best.

Recommend 0

Capt C M Khan

Oct 25, 2018 06:18pm

Never liked his presentations. Sixth sense was telling me he is a Fake. So here it is today.

Recommend 0

naji

Oct 25, 2018 06:27pm

How shameless this guy is? Why and how TV channel offer him to conduct programs? He lie throughout during Zainab murder investigation case, he misguided whole nation about fake account of murderer.

Recommend 0

M.Mudassir Siddiqui

Oct 25, 2018 06:28pm

Ppl are after him because he is honest

Recommend 0

Khan

Oct 25, 2018 06:29pm

I have yet to see closure to mega corruption cases

Recommend 0

Zahid

Oct 25, 2018 06:34pm

@Mann me too!

Recommend 0

Dr Saima Ahsan

Oct 25, 2018 06:42pm

Every sector has its good and bad. Most doctors are very good, but then an increasing number are crooks and violent. So it is with journalists. Most of them are very decent and clean. But then an increasing number are crooks. In politics most are crooks out to make money. A few actually do believe in higher principles. But then in a country where even a peon charges for letting you into an office, this is to be expected.

Recommend 0

Naveed

Oct 25, 2018 06:54pm

Yes he will face the consequences of his mission against the big alligators. We should remind ourselves that most of the be govt officials are still filled with the well wishers of previous government people. Dr sahib is specially at fault by exposing the great games by external powers.

Recommend 0

fairplay

Oct 25, 2018 06:58pm

@M.Mudassir Siddiqui his zainab case lies prove he is a liar, Or, dont you read the news?

Recommend 0

FAISAL IQBAL

Oct 25, 2018 06:59pm

he is one of the honest and brave journalists but does not mean that he is above law. after investigation if its proven than make him pay or vice versa.

Recommend 0

FAISAL IQBAL

Oct 25, 2018 07:01pm

in Zainab case he step back because in deep interests of Pakistan see Haqeeqat TV on youtube. we must recognize our hero's and obviously our media is strongly against him because he expose information about their corruption as well.

Recommend 0

FAISAL IQBAL

Oct 25, 2018 07:02pm

salute you sir for your scarification for this country.

Recommend 0

Nimbus

Oct 25, 2018 07:04pm

@Khan coming soon be patient dear!!

Recommend 0

Magnanimous approach

Oct 25, 2018 07:07pm

He will apply for bail in higher court, that’s why he leave. As regards the case let the court decide finally.

Recommend 0

Shib

Oct 25, 2018 07:12pm

@M.Mudassir Siddiqui not only PPP but PMLN is also after him...Just wait and see...

Recommend 0

Love Pakistan

Oct 25, 2018 07:16pm

@Anti_Corruption_World what about the pro looters pmln and ppp anchors are like? Cannot imagine

Recommend 0

Sab Se Pehle Pakistan

Oct 25, 2018 07:28pm

This reminds me what happened to Aamir Liaquat's case? Conartist Aamir Liaquat should have been behind bars long long time ago.

Recommend 0

Uzair hashmi

Oct 25, 2018 07:29pm

Greatest conspiracy theorist of this century. He neither knows anything about medical science nor about journalism. He should be banned for life.

Recommend 0

Hasan

Oct 25, 2018 07:30pm

@M1 Jamal "A person who darely exposes corruptions of the ruling class and powerful ultimately faces such types of action to divert attention." There's a difference between exposing corrupt persons and making foolish claims to millions of viewers on a talk show without any evidence whatsoever. This man has made a career out of lying and whipping up fear. He insists on beginning his show with some poor woman speaking for about ten seconds, and then he spends half an hour talking back at her non-stop while she is only allowed to nod her head in agreement. He is an imbecile and I hope he never comes on TV again. And in case you're wondering, I vote PTI. Hasan

Recommend 0

M. Saeed

Oct 25, 2018 07:42pm

Once he was being lifted to the sky for being the first ever media person to have interviewed the former chief of the CIA. Now being rounded up for embezzlement of Government funds. What a climax!

Recommend 0

Philosopher (From Japan)

Oct 25, 2018 07:45pm

...and he used to preach values and norms on one TV channel.

Recommend 0

Sincere Pakistani

Oct 25, 2018 07:48pm

@azam khan Then how was able to escape from Court? Does it not mean Law and Order Teams help him to escape..

Recommend 0

Ahmed

Oct 25, 2018 07:48pm

How he lies and making fool innocent viewers, just one example: I saw a 2 minutes clips of his program right after Jamal Khasoggi's murder. At that time he claimed that murder audio clip is with CIA and the fiancee is Jamal's wife. Wall Street Journal , Newyork Times and WPO, reputed newspaper never claimed even Trump and Pompeo about audio clip. Recall his Zainab claim which had exposed his lies.There are a lot but he is a pathological lier and trying to mimmick as #1 in journalism industry and having good enough inside informations. In reality that is not the case.

Recommend 0

Asif

Oct 25, 2018 08:03pm

Well deserved.

Recommend 0

AAA

Oct 25, 2018 08:06pm

He signs a fake agreement and allegedly earned 38 million with multiple partners ( as it could not be possible all alone) the divisible pool must be barely 80 lac to one crore. By holding key position he could have earned fortune that does not look like any way best of luck.

Recommend 0

Jahangir hussain

Oct 25, 2018 08:28pm

What is going on in pakistan. Is there anyone left who we could trust.

Recommend 0

Leo

Oct 25, 2018 08:29pm

Very well done. there are scores like him in the Pakistani main stream. All have looted the innocent people.

Recommend 0

Ahsan Gul

Oct 25, 2018 08:29pm

For the past 30 years, Pakistan had an extreme culture of dishonesty and corruption. It will not be surprising any of these known people when are brought into accountability process will come out tarnished. NAB has to be strong and exert its right to question and audit anyone in Pakistan. Bottom line, corruption has to be eradicated before Pakistan can progress.

Recommend 0

M. Iqbal

Oct 25, 2018 08:49pm

Nine more to go. Saleem Safi, Khan Zadeh Aurangzeb, Chowdhry some one, And some more. Clean the media.

Recommend 0

ABE

Oct 25, 2018 08:51pm

The higher you go, the longer you fall. From endless speeches to being speechless!

Recommend 0

Awaz....

Oct 25, 2018 08:53pm

@Sincere Pakistani .........GREED

Recommend 0

Syed N. Ahsan

Oct 25, 2018 08:59pm

I want to see all corrupt people inside jail and their property confiscated.

Recommend 0

M. Emad

Oct 25, 2018 09:08pm

Dr. Masood is total fraud.

Recommend 0

Sparrow

Oct 25, 2018 09:11pm

Hypocrisy 101: The one talking about corruption is corrupt himself.

Recommend 0

sughra

Oct 25, 2018 09:27pm

Shocking! But truly mighty plunderers have a magic formula to get themselves treated like royalty by the judiciary and the plunderers start roaming around free and proud. Nawaz Sharif, Maryam Safdar and Asif Khawaja are the latest few examples.

Recommend 0

Rebirth

Oct 25, 2018 10:02pm

It was about time that the anti-corruption drive extended to the fourth pillar.

Recommend 0

Nit

Oct 25, 2018 10:17pm

We all knew that he has a great comedy show on TV but never knew he is involved in cheating.

Recommend 0

Krana

Oct 25, 2018 10:33pm

35 puncture

Recommend 0

Oct 25, 2018 10:38pm

He has already lost all his credibility when he was summoned by CJP a few months ago for false reporting.

Recommend 0

Khalid Iqbal

Oct 25, 2018 10:57pm

It’s possible that the fake company duped Dr. Shahid to sign the agreement , fake companies fool people all the time , watch out for those fake companies , it’s big business these days.

Recommend 0

Man

Oct 25, 2018 11:08pm

People think liars are truthful and truthful like Dr. Shahid Masood are liars. Is the Judgement Day prophecy coming true? I hope Dr. SM keeps on exposing the Corrupt Mafia for the benefit of the Country.

Recommend 0

Oct 25, 2018 11:10pm

Dr. Shahid Masood is being punished for boldly exposing the well entrenched mafia

Recommend 0

Zahid

Oct 25, 2018 11:11pm

He should be given exemplary punishment. He is a black mailer

Recommend 0

Amjad Durrani Engineer USA

Oct 25, 2018 11:39pm

@Sincere Pakistani Anything & everything is possible in our land of pure. This so called outspoken, making money by telling unsubstantiated stories on TV, was long due for accountability. When you look around & dig, many more hypocrites will surface and one would get flabbergasted to understand the extent of deceit and lies perpetuated by these advocates of virtue and goodness day in day out. Time is running out for this one to be followed by others because the nation faced with monumental financial issues has started looking introverted and trying to figure out causes of their miseries and deprivation which wrongfully considered as bestowed by the Divine. To get out of this uncompromising situation the nation has to remain focused because this is a Hydra- eight headed evil, you cut one head and the other starts functioning. One can hope that through our endeavor duly supported by honest rulers we will prevail, to provide better living & prospering environments to the coming generation

Recommend 0

Waleed Khokhar

Oct 26, 2018 12:03am

@naji Zainab case information is somewhat credible because I know for sure there is a lot of heinous criminals on dark web and they sell this material there to perverted elites. So it is possible, then again let the rule of law do the job. Problem with most people is that they pass judgement before the official judgments. Please exercise some patience. Thanks.

Recommend 0

jatt

Oct 26, 2018 12:11am

Soon IK will also have cases once hes out of power....

Recommend 0

Adeel

Oct 26, 2018 12:38am

Lies and stories because he is exposing corruption.

Recommend 0

Oct 26, 2018 02:05am

@Waleed Khokhar but it was proven in court that he was lying. so rule of the law did it work. now some people trying to hide that in cover. this is also a problem with the people.

Recommend 0

Mamy

Oct 26, 2018 03:18am

I like dr shahid because he is unique. His analysis is unique. His has little twisted mind, may be bipolar - alysis a mix of truth and falasy, thrill and suspense. I love dr sahib Masood. Please continue your program even you are behind bar. I will watch your program.

Recommend 0

spearmint

Oct 26, 2018 03:23am

@Dr Saima Ahsan Sorry but most of the TV anchors are crooks of the highest degree.

Recommend 0

Mobin

Oct 26, 2018 04:14am

DR Shahid expect to see more hardship due to your work as an anchor. Penalty you pay for locking your horns with mafia. InshAllah you will be ok and will come out stronger!

Recommend 0

Aqua

Oct 26, 2018 04:30am

After Zainab case I waited for him to provide proof. He not only failed but begged for mercy. He lost my respect on that day. Stopped wasting my time. Never watched his show after that day.

Recommend 0

Adil Radhdi

Oct 26, 2018 05:17am

Shahid Masood is not an “anchorperson” but a programme host, as he hosts his own show alone. An “anchor” manages a show with multiple hosts presenting different segments.

Recommend 0

Asad Khan

Oct 26, 2018 05:53am

This guy needs to be locked up for a long time.

Recommend 0

Changez Khan

Oct 26, 2018 06:07am

This guy belongs behind bars.

Recommend 0

Sheryaar

Oct 26, 2018 06:43am

@Harmony-2© all his claims are proving to be truth sooner or later...so at least have some decency and say the truth...dont be like pml n..

Recommend 0

Najum

Oct 26, 2018 06:46am

He can't be arrested as long as the aliens have his back.

Recommend 0

Magnanimous approach

Oct 26, 2018 07:12am

@M1 Jamal .Plz read again it’s not corruption charges. It’s so called involvement in embezzlement accusations. Dr Shahid Masood is a respectable person, hence he leave the court, and preparing for bail from higher court. Remember accuse is innocent unless proven guilty. Let the law complete it’s course.

Recommend 0

jaredlee007

Oct 26, 2018 07:38am

SO, why was he not arrested? Now he is an absconder. Strange system!

Recommend 0

mushy

Oct 26, 2018 07:38am

"Sadiq & Ameen" anchorperson, journalist...

Recommend 0

Reality check

Oct 26, 2018 07:49am

@azam khan Bhai relax this case or its proceedings has nothing to do with PTI government its an old case and its proceedings are taking place regularly since last 1 year

Recommend 0

Mumtaz Ahmed Shah

Oct 26, 2018 08:02am

I fail to understand why his involvement in the embezzlement of RS.38/-million from State run broadcaster Pakistan Television(PTV) was high lighted after a long time. It appears there is malafide and ulterior motives of ., vested interests of attacking the integrity of Shahid Masood as his program is watched all over the world (Texas) .

Recommend 0

Be honest

Oct 26, 2018 08:14am

Mega corruption cases to follow soon. I want to see Asif Ali Zardari, Faryal Talpur, Dr Asim, Sharjeel Memon in jail as soon as possible and they must be asked to pay hefty amount for their involvement in corruption.

Recommend 0

fairplay

Oct 26, 2018 08:16am

if he is evading arrest, cease all his properties, put his name on the ECL, and declare him an absconder.

Recommend 0

M.Mudassir Siddiqui

Oct 26, 2018 10:51am

One of the Most Honest and learned Journalist among the whole lot of anchors

Recommend 0

Badar alam khan

Oct 26, 2018 11:15am

@Sincere Pakistani i believe dr shahid masood will prove innocent when the case proceed further inshallah. Any way case should be incestigated fairly.

Recommend 0

Adel Afridi

Oct 26, 2018 11:53am

After exposing the corrupt Mafia for so many years and actually causing damage to their repute, one can expect such retribution. I am surprised they have not gotten him killed. Inshallah truth will prevail. Why do they want to arrest him, he has been appearing before the court. They just want to try to humiliate him also and discredit his reputation.

Recommend 0

Asif Kamal

Oct 27, 2018 03:16pm

His efforts for main stream media, and fighting and exposing the corruption is unquestionable

Recommend 0

Branded Content

Why investors who know Lahore are looking closely at Alif Holdings’ 20 Canal Residence

20 Canal Residence: Where prestige meets income.

K&N's SmartCooking Recipes: Wings with Mushroom Sauce

Creamy mushroom combo wings simmered in a rich garlic and thyme sauce served with flavourful garlic rice.

Mirchawala’s launches exclusive ACCA degree pathway with University of Greenwich, London

Mirchawala’s ACCA students can now earn a globally recognised online Bachelor’s degree from the University of Greenwich after completing 9 ACCA papers.