In a move that has sent shockwaves through the Pakistani media landscape, veteran journalist and investigative powerhouse Iqrar-ul-Hassan has officially announced his resignation from ARY News, ending a prolific association that spanned 21 years.
Starting as a young newscaster and evolving into the face of Pakistan’s most daring sting operations through his show Sar-e-Aam, Iqrar’s departure marks the end of an era for the network.
The Decision to Part Ways
Iqrar shared the news through a deeply emotional video message, revealing that he had submitted his formal resignation to ARY Chairman Salman Iqbal. Reflecting on his journey, he described ARY not just as a workplace, but as the institution that “gave him his identity.”
“It is a decision made with a heavy heart, but every journey must find a new destination,” Iqrar stated, thanking his colleagues and the viewers who stood by him through numerous legal battles and physical attacks during his investigative career.
A Shift Toward Politics: The “Awam Raaj” Movement
The primary catalyst for this departure appears to be Iqrar’s growing commitment to his political venture. Earlier in 2026, he launched the “Pakistan Awam Raaj Tehreek,” a movement aimed at challenging traditional political structures.
While he previously vowed never to hold a government office or party position, his resignation suggests a full-time commitment to grassroots mobilization. He has expressed a desire to move beyond “pointing out problems” via a television screen and toward “implementing solutions” on the ground.
Legacy at ARY
Iqrar-ul-Hassan’s legacy at ARY is defined by:
- Sar-e-Aam: A show that pioneered the “sting operation” culture in Pakistan, exposing corruption in everything from food safety to government offices.
- Social Activism: His massive tree-plantation drives and wall-chalking removal campaigns across Karachi.
- Reliability: For over two decades, he remained a constant during the network’s most critical hours, from election coverage to Ramadan transmissions.
As of now, ARY News has not announced a successor for the Sar-e-Aam franchise, leaving fans wondering if the show will continue with a new face or conclude alongside Iqrar’s departure.
