[spklnraz]

LAHORE - Mired in controversy over an interview of Malik Riaz, Dunya News’ former anchor, Mubasher Lucman, has come up with a video on YouTube, trying to clarify his position in the issue of now infamous footage leak almost two weeks ago. He says that he did nothing wrong, that the interview was not planted, that it was not an attempt to scandalise judiciary and that if any anchor of other news channels wants to question him, he is available. Mubasher claimed he wasn’t naming names or providing details of that day’s events. “I am here to explain myself because I owe it to my family, my children, my friends and most importantly, my viewers,” he said and added, “For those who believe in truth, no explanation is needed; and for those who do not believe in truth, no explanation can be given.” In the 22-odd minutes two-part video, he says that he wants to clear the situation about some objections raised by his critics. He also offered an explanation as to why he was unable to come on air or online soon. “My media channel had suspended me, that’s why I was unable to come on air but now that I have resigned from my channel, I have chosen this very channel [YouTube] – the same where that behind-the-scenes video was leaked – to offer my version of the events.” He said he resigned from Dunya TV on his own will as the channel was under pressure because of him, and added that he was not going anywhere and would continue to reside in Lahore.