Esshal Adnan accuses Aftab Iqbal of threat and ‘harassment’

ISLAMABAD: TV personality and morning show host Esshal Adnan accused journalist and host Aftab Iqbal of harassment and threat after she joined his program at Express News.

In a recent podcast on Unfold Pakistan, Adnan revealed that she was removed from the program just three days after being hired as a co-host for refusing Aftab Iqal’s “inappropriate demands”, which she described as deeply unprofessional and distressing.

Esshal said, “I told him that I respect you, but such behavior is not acceptable for a senior anchor.”

Despite her firm refusal, she claims that Iqbal reacted with anger, threatening to remove her from the show and block her from appearing on screen.

After that, she added that she was immediately revoked from the program and noted that multiple witnesses were present to corroborate her claims.

“After the incident, I complained to the channel’s HR department, prompting the channel owner to intervene. The owner acknowledged Iqbal’s business influence but assured her she would face no retaliation,” Esshal said.

Despite trauma, Esshal maintains her stance, saying that Aftab Iqbal has since changed and is now a better person. She added that he is a father to four daughters and a son and has learned from his past mistakes.