Esshal Adnan Accuses Aftab Iqbal of Sexual Harassment

News Desk 

Karachi: Television personality Esshal Adnan has levelled allegations of sexual harassment against senior journalist and talk show host Aftab Iqbal, claiming she was removed from his Express TV program after rejecting his alleged inappropriate advances.

In a recent podcast interview, Esshal said she joined Aftab Iqbal’s show as a co-host, with promotional material already released under her name. However, she alleged that her experience took a disturbing turn only three days into her role when the host began making unwelcome advances.

“I respect you, but such behaviour is not acceptable from a senior anchor,” Esshal recalled telling Aftab Iqbal, adding that her response reportedly angered him. She claimed he then threatened to remove her from the program and block her future television appearances.

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According to Esshal, the threat was quickly acted upon as she was dismissed from the show. “There were multiple witnesses present when this happened,” she stated.

She said she later reported the matter to Express TV’s HR department, which prompted the channel owner to intervene. While acknowledging Aftab Iqbal’s seniority and influence, the owner assured her that no punitive action would be taken against her for coming forward, she added.

Esshal said the episode left her deeply affected but expressed that she has since moved on. “He is now a father of four daughters and a son. I believe he has learned from his mistakes,” she remarked.

The allegations have reignited debate over workplace harassment in Pakistan’s media industry. Aftab Iqbal, who has faced previous accusations of inappropriate conduct toward female colleagues, has not yet publicly responded to the latest claims.