BOL Network (Urdu: بول نیٹ ورک) is a media conglomerate based in Karachi owned by Shoaib Ahmed Shaikh who also served as the CEO and chairman of the media network.[3][4] According to Declan Walsh Bol Network was under the auspices of the fake diploma millAxact.[5] The media group was supposed to incorporate television, digital media, cinema and theater as well as digital media, but when the parent company of Bol, Axact, was unmasked as a diploma mill selling fake degrees Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority revoked the licence that it had awarded BOL, and the network was not even able to start transmission. Pakistani journalist Kamran Khan was appointed as the editor in chief, but he quit after the Axact scandal surfaced and stated that his conscience did not let him be affiliated with such a network.[6]
Bol News launched regular live transmissions on 18 October 2016.
The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority revoked its license on September 5, 2022 due to the channel failing to acquire security clearance.[7] Following a Sindh High Court order, the channel resumed transmissions two days later, with its managers condemning PEMRA for the channel's abrupt suspension.
The BOL Network was started by Pakistani businessman Shoaib Ahmed Sheikh in June 2013, and according to him, it was meant to create an independent media house to portray a soft image of Pakistan and several notable journalists joined the network at that time.[8]
Bol TV claims to be on the Centrist/Left of Centre of the political spectrum but with a strong pro-nationalist outlook.
It claims to have offered insurance of up to Rs. 10 million to cable operators.[9] In 2014, BOL Network advertised on more than 20,000 public transport vehicles in Pakistan.[10] The company also announced a television set brand by the name of BG.[11] The Bol Entertainment is also a project of the Bol.
Media personnel
During the early phases of Bol, many prominent media personnel joined the network. These included Nabeel Zafar, Zeba Shehnaz and Haider Imam Rizvi who joined the entertainment channel. Kamran Khan, Mubasher Lucman, Faysal Aziz Khan, Jasmeen Manzoor and Iftikhar Ahmed were reportedly a part of the Bol News channel.
Channels
Bol Network operates the following channels:
Bol News - Ultra HD – 24-Hour Urdu News Channel (launched on 18 October 2016)
Bol Entertainment - Ultra HD – 24-Hour Entertainment Channel (launched on 1 December 2018)
PAK - Ultra HD – 24-Hour News & Entertainment (launched in 2017 and shut down in 2019)
Upcoming channels
Bol Sports - Ultra HD - 24-Hour Sports Channel (coming soon)
Bol Music - Ultra HD - 24-Hour Music Channel (coming soon)
Bol Movies- Ultra HD - 24-Hour Hollywood Movies English Language Channel (coming soon)
Bol Films - Ultra HD - 24-Hour International Films Dubbing in Urdu and Pakistani Films Channel (coming soon)
Bol Cricket - Ultra HD - 24-Hour Cricket Channel (coming soon)
Bol World - Ultra HD - 24-Hour English News Channel (coming soon)
Bol English - Ultra HD - 24-Hour international Drama and Series English Language Channel (coming soon)
Bol News International - Ultra HD - 24-Hour International Beam Broadcast in UK, USA, ME (coming soon)
Bol Entertainment International - Ultra HD - 24-Hour International Beam Broadcast in UK, USA, ME (coming soon)
Pak News - Ultra HD - 24-Hour Urdu Language News Channel (coming soon)
Pak Entertainment - Ultra HD - 24-Hour Urdu Language Entertainment Channel (coming soon)
Bol broadcasters
Bol Radio 24 Hour Radio Station in Karachi- (coming soon)
Bol publication
Bol Narrative Magazine (English Magazine, launch 2016)
Roznama Bol (Urdu News Paper, coming soon)
Daily Bol (English News Paper, coming soon)
Bol Magazine (Urdu Magazine, coming soon)
Television and drama
Bol Network own is TV & Drama Production House in Karachi (coming soon)
Movies and films
Bol own is film distribution company in Karachi and film production company in Karachi (coming soon)
Stage theater
Bol Plane Launch own theater company in Karachi.
BOL Digital
Bol has 680+ channels, profiles and pages in 16 languages worldwide.
Locations
The head office is located in Karachi and called Bolistan [12] The network's regional headquarters in the provinces are in Lahore and Islamabad.[12] BOL Network, also operated their own DSNG vans and when the parent company, Axact, was raided by FBR in connection with fake degrees and money laundering, Bol Network used its DSNG vans to create a barricade and prevent journalists from coming near the building.[13][14] When the Axact scandal came to light reliable sources informed the Federal Board of Revenue that most of the equipment used by Bol network had been imported illegally. A notice was served to the CEO under Section 26 of the Customs Act 1969 and he was ordered to submit proof that the equipment being used had been imported using legal means.[15]
Programs
Main article: List of Programmes Broadcast by BOL Entertainment
On 17 May 2015, The New York Times published an investigative story reporting that Axact ran at least 370 degree and accreditation mill websites. When Axact offices were raided by the FIA at the interior minister's orders, many compromising documents were recovered, including fake letterhead of the US State Department.[16] Subsequently, Axact was sealed on 28 May 2015, and the Information ministry requested PEMRA to close down BOL.[17] On 26 May 2015, Federal Investigation Agency arrested Shoaib Ahmed Shaikh for investigation. The case was filed against him on 27 May 2015, in Karachi, Pakistan.[18][19] The same day he was ordered to submit "copy of the letter of credit, contract or proof of payment in support of the transactions and the source of financing for the procurement of the imported goods" as the FBR had received intelligence that Bol was using illegal equipment.[15] on 5 June 2015, Ayesha Sheikh, the wife of Bol CEO Shoib Sheikh was indicted on charges of money laundering in connected with Axact and Bol.[20]
Resignation of media personnel
Bol was aggressive in recruiting media personnel when the network was in development. However, when it came to light that the network was being run through illegal means and was part of a scam they were quick to leave. While Kamran Khan tweeted that his conscience would not let him continue, Iftikhar Ahmad wrote "cannot work for an organisation whose basic workings conflict with my professional commitment." Asma Shirazi resigned and posted on Twitter, "I have resigned from Bol News. Truth must prevail."[21][22][23][24]
Post Axact Scandal Acquisition
After the suspension of the BOL Network and BOL News there was a mass exodus of journalists and other media personnel from the company.[25] However ARY Digital Network CEO Salman Iqbal offered to take over the beleaguered company in August 2015. He stated that the decision had been taken in view to provide career protection to media industry and its workers.[26] The founder of ARY Group said that his media group would launch the transmission of the channel within three weeks.[27] On 30 September 2015, it was announced that the deal between the owners of BOL and ARY Digital Network had fallen through.[28]
Denial of access to Axact databases
Both Bol and Axact have been petitioning to be granted access to databases maintained by Axact. However FIA declined to allow them access. On 12 April 2016 the Supreme court of Pakistan rejected the plea entered by Bol and Axact administration which requested that they be granted access to their databases and offices. The three judges of the bench observed that such access will not be provided until the investigation into the diploma mill scams, forgery and other allegations has been completed.[29]
Inter-Services Intelligence connection
On 15 October 2013, the Hindustan Times reported that the entry of BOL media electronic player was backed by the ISI, which sparked controversy.[30] Later a corrigendum (an error in a printed work discovered after printing and shown with its correction on a separate sheet) was issued by Hindustan Times.[31][32]
Ishaq Dar legal trouble
Ishaq Dar sent legal notice to BOL for airing program to defame him.[33]
^"BOL Network boss promises biggest ever corporate launch". journalismpakistan.com.
^Talal, Syed. "ARY Quits BOL Network Takeover". Prop Pakistani.
^Declan Walsh (17 May 2015). "Fake Diplomas, Real Cash: Pakistani Company Axact Reaps Millions". The New York Times.
^"Kamran Khan quits Axact's BOL Network". Retrieved 17 September 2016.
^"Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority", Wikipedia, 19 April 2022, retrieved 6 September 2022
^"Big Names in Pakistani Media Making the Move to BOL TV". ZemTV.
^"BOL Network announces free lifeinsurance of up to Rs. 1 crore to cable operators across Pakistan - Pakistan Tribe". www.pakistantribe.com. Retrieved 17 September 2016.
^"BOL Family Program providing Rozgar upgrading Public Transport: Simply CSR or Brilliant Marketing Strategy?". Media Watch 360.
^"BOL Group Introduces Its Very Own TV brand – BG!". www.bolnetwork.com. Retrieved 18 September 2016.
^ ab"BOL Builds State-of-the-art Infrastructure in Pakistan". Bolnetwork.com. Retrieved 14 September 2016.
^"BOL Launches World Class DSNG Vans". Bolnetwork.com. 8 November 2014. Retrieved 14 September 2016.
^"'Fake degrees mill' FIA raids Axact offices". The Express Tribune. 20 May 2015. Retrieved 17 September 2016.
^ ab"Equipment at Bol TV 'imported illegally'". The Express Tribune. 26 May 2015. Retrieved 17 September 2016.
^"Live Updates: Dozens of Axact employees detained for questioning after FIA raids in Karachi & Islamabad — 2 main servers to be shut down". ARY News. 19 May 2015. Retrieved 19 May 2015.
^"BOL staff observes 'Youm-E-Zulm' today on 27th May". www.thenewsteller.com. Retrieved 23 August 2016.
^Imtiaz Ali. "FIR registered against Axact CEO, six others in fake degree scam". Dawn. Retrieved 27 May 2015.
^"Axact CEO Shoaib Shaikh arrested". Dunya News. 27 May 2015. Retrieved 27 May 2015.
^"Axct Scandal: FIA likely to arrest Shoaib Sheikh's wife". thenewstribe. thenewstribe.
^Imtiaz, Saba (23 May 2015). "Pakistani Journalists Resign to Cut Ties to Axact, a Fake Diploma Company". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 18 September 2016.
^"Kamran Khan Azhar Abbas other senior journalists quit Bol".
^"Exodus in the making: Senior journalists quit Bol TV as Axact controversy deepens". The Express Tribune. 24 May 2015. Retrieved 18 September 2016.
^"Kamran Khan on Twitter". Retrieved 18 September 2016.
^"Exodus in the making: Senior journalists quit Bol TV as Axact controversy deepens". The Express Tribune. 24 May 2015. Retrieved 17 September 2016.
^"ARY CEO and Founder Salman Iqbal takes over BOL Network management — says BOL will be launched in three weeks". ARY SERVICES LTD UK. ARYNEWS.tv. 19 August 2015. Retrieved 19 August 2015.
^"ARY announces Bol TV takeover". Web Desk. The Express Tribune News Network. 18 August 2015. Retrieved 19 August 2015.
^"Ishaq Dar Sends Legal Notice to Bol TV & Dr. Shahid Masood". 30 January 2017. Retrieved 30 January 2017.
External links
Official website
May 06, 2023
network, urdu, بول, نیٹ, ورک, media, conglomerate, based, karachi, owned, shoaib, ahmed, shaikh, also, served, chairman, media, network, according, declan, walsh, network, under, auspices, fake, diploma, mill, axact, media, group, supposed, incorporate, televi. BOL Network Urdu بول نیٹ ورک is a media conglomerate based in Karachi owned by Shoaib Ahmed Shaikh who also served as the CEO and chairman of the media network 3 4 According to Declan Walsh Bol Network was under the auspices of the fake diploma mill Axact 5 The media group was supposed to incorporate television digital media cinema and theater as well as digital media but when the parent company of Bol Axact was unmasked as a diploma mill selling fake degrees Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority revoked the licence that it had awarded BOL and the network was not even able to start transmission Pakistani journalist Kamran Khan was appointed as the editor in chief but he quit after the Axact scandal surfaced and stated that his conscience did not let him be affiliated with such a network 6 BOL NetworkNative nameبولRomanized nameBol lit speak TypePrivateIndustryMedia and publishing houseFoundedJune 2013HeadquartersKarachi PakistanArea servedPakistanKey peopleShoaib Ahmed Shaikh 1 Faysal Aziz Khan 2 ProductsTelevision channelParentAxactWebsitebolnetwork wbr comBol News launched regular live transmissions on 18 October 2016 The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority revoked its license on September 5 2022 due to the channel failing to acquire security clearance 7 Following a Sindh High Court order the channel resumed transmissions two days later with its managers condemning PEMRA for the channel s abrupt suspension Contents 1 History 1 1 Media personnel 2 Channels 2 1 Upcoming channels 3 Bol broadcasters 4 Bol publication 5 Television and drama 6 Movies and films 7 Stage theater 8 Locations 9 Programs 10 Controversies 10 1 Axact Scandal 10 1 1 Initial raids and indictments 10 1 2 Resignation of media personnel 10 1 3 Post Axact Scandal Acquisition 10 1 4 Denial of access to Axact databases 10 2 Inter Services Intelligence connection 10 3 Ishaq Dar legal trouble 11 See also 12 References 13 External linksHistory EditThe BOL Network was started by Pakistani businessman Shoaib Ahmed Sheikh in June 2013 and according to him it was meant to create an independent media house to portray a soft image of Pakistan and several notable journalists joined the network at that time 8 Bol TV claims to be on the Centrist Left of Centre of the political spectrum but with a strong pro nationalist outlook It claims to have offered insurance of up to Rs 10 million to cable operators 9 In 2014 BOL Network advertised on more than 20 000 public transport vehicles in Pakistan 10 The company also announced a television set brand by the name of BG 11 The Bol Entertainment is also a project of the Bol Media personnel Edit During the early phases of Bol many prominent media personnel joined the network These included Nabeel Zafar Zeba Shehnaz and Haider Imam Rizvi who joined the entertainment channel Kamran Khan Mubasher Lucman Faysal Aziz Khan Jasmeen Manzoor and Iftikhar Ahmed were reportedly a part of the Bol News channel Channels EditBol Network operates the following channels Bol News Ultra HD 24 Hour Urdu News Channel launched on 18 October 2016 Bol Entertainment Ultra HD 24 Hour Entertainment Channel launched on 1 December 2018 PAK Ultra HD 24 Hour News amp Entertainment launched in 2017 and shut down in 2019 Upcoming channels Edit Bol Sports Ultra HD 24 Hour Sports Channel coming soon Bol Music Ultra HD 24 Hour Music Channel coming soon Bol Movies Ultra HD 24 Hour Hollywood Movies English Language Channel coming soon Bol Films Ultra HD 24 Hour International Films Dubbing in Urdu and Pakistani Films Channel coming soon Bol Cricket Ultra HD 24 Hour Cricket Channel coming soon Bol World Ultra HD 24 Hour English News Channel coming soon Bol English Ultra HD 24 Hour international Drama and Series English Language Channel coming soon Bol News International Ultra HD 24 Hour International Beam Broadcast in UK USA ME coming soon Bol Entertainment International Ultra HD 24 Hour International Beam Broadcast in UK USA ME coming soon Pak News Ultra HD 24 Hour Urdu Language News Channel coming soon Pak Entertainment Ultra HD 24 Hour Urdu Language Entertainment Channel coming soon Bol broadcasters EditBol Radio 24 Hour Radio Station in Karachi coming soon Bol publication EditBol Narrative Magazine English Magazine launch 2016 Roznama Bol Urdu News Paper coming soon Daily Bol English News Paper coming soon Bol Magazine Urdu Magazine coming soon Television and drama EditBol Network own is TV amp Drama Production House in Karachi coming soon Movies and films EditBol own is film distribution company in Karachi and film production company in Karachi coming soon Stage theater EditBol Plane Launch own theater company in Karachi BOL DigitalBol has 680 channels profiles and pages in 16 languages worldwide Locations EditThe head office is located in Karachi and called Bolistan 12 The network s regional headquarters in the provinces are in Lahore and Islamabad 12 BOL Network also operated their own DSNG vans and when the parent company Axact was raided by FBR in connection with fake degrees and money laundering Bol Network used its DSNG vans to create a barricade and prevent journalists from coming near the building 13 14 When the Axact scandal came to light reliable sources informed the Federal Board of Revenue that most of the equipment used by Bol network had been imported illegally A notice was served to the CEO under Section 26 of the Customs Act 1969 and he was ordered to submit proof that the equipment being used had been imported using legal means 15 Programs EditMain article List of Programmes Broadcast by BOL EntertainmentControversies EditAxact Scandal Edit Main article Axact Initial raids and indictments Edit On 17 May 2015 The New York Times published an investigative story reporting that Axact ran at least 370 degree and accreditation mill websites When Axact offices were raided by the FIA at the interior minister s orders many compromising documents were recovered including fake letterhead of the US State Department 16 Subsequently Axact was sealed on 28 May 2015 and the Information ministry requested PEMRA to close down BOL 17 On 26 May 2015 Federal Investigation Agency arrested Shoaib Ahmed Shaikh for investigation The case was filed against him on 27 May 2015 in Karachi Pakistan 18 19 The same day he was ordered to submit copy of the letter of credit contract or proof of payment in support of the transactions and the source of financing for the procurement of the imported goods as the FBR had received intelligence that Bol was using illegal equipment 15 on 5 June 2015 Ayesha Sheikh the wife of Bol CEO Shoib Sheikh was indicted on charges of money laundering in connected with Axact and Bol 20 Resignation of media personnel Edit Bol was aggressive in recruiting media personnel when the network was in development However when it came to light that the network was being run through illegal means and was part of a scam they were quick to leave While Kamran Khan tweeted that his conscience would not let him continue Iftikhar Ahmad wrote cannot work for an organisation whose basic workings conflict with my professional commitment Asma Shirazi resigned and posted on Twitter I have resigned from Bol News Truth must prevail 21 22 23 24 Post Axact Scandal Acquisition Edit After the suspension of the BOL Network and BOL News there was a mass exodus of journalists and other media personnel from the company 25 However ARY Digital Network CEO Salman Iqbal offered to take over the beleaguered company in August 2015 He stated that the decision had been taken in view to provide career protection to media industry and its workers 26 The founder of ARY Group said that his media group would launch the transmission of the channel within three weeks 27 On 30 September 2015 it was announced that the deal between the owners of BOL and ARY Digital Network had fallen through 28 Denial of access to Axact databases Edit Both Bol and Axact have been petitioning to be granted access to databases maintained by Axact However FIA declined to allow them access On 12 April 2016 the Supreme court of Pakistan rejected the plea entered by Bol and Axact administration which requested that they be granted access to their databases and offices The three judges of the bench observed that such access will not be provided until the investigation into the diploma mill scams forgery and other allegations has been completed 29 Inter Services Intelligence connection Edit On 15 October 2013 the Hindustan Times reported that the entry of BOL media electronic player was backed by the ISI which sparked controversy 30 Later a corrigendum an error in a printed work discovered after printing and shown with its correction on a separate sheet was issued by Hindustan Times 31 32 Ishaq Dar legal trouble Edit Ishaq Dar sent legal notice to BOL for airing program to defame him 33 See also EditAisay Nahi Chalay Ga List of news channels in Pakistan Faysal Aziz Khan List of 4K channels in PakistanReferences Edit Shoaib Shaikh BOL Leadership www bolnews com Faysal Aziz Khan Profile on Bol News BOL Network boss promises biggest ever corporate launch journalismpakistan com Talal Syed ARY Quits BOL Network Takeover Prop Pakistani Declan Walsh 17 May 2015 Fake Diplomas Real Cash Pakistani Company Axact Reaps Millions The New York Times Kamran Khan quits Axact s BOL Network Retrieved 17 September 2016 Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority Wikipedia 19 April 2022 retrieved 6 September 2022 Big Names in Pakistani Media Making the Move to BOL TV ZemTV BOL Network announces free lifeinsurance of up to Rs 1 crore to cable operators across Pakistan Pakistan Tribe www pakistantribe com Retrieved 17 September 2016 BOL Family Program providing Rozgar upgrading Public Transport Simply CSR or Brilliant Marketing Strategy Media Watch 360 BOL Group Introduces Its Very Own TV brand BG www bolnetwork com Retrieved 18 September 2016 a b BOL Builds State of the art Infrastructure in Pakistan Bolnetwork com Retrieved 14 September 2016 BOL Launches World Class DSNG Vans Bolnetwork com 8 November 2014 Retrieved 14 September 2016 Fake degrees mill FIA raids Axact offices The Express Tribune 20 May 2015 Retrieved 17 September 2016 a b Equipment at Bol TV imported illegally The Express Tribune 26 May 2015 Retrieved 17 September 2016 Live Updates Dozens of Axact employees detained for questioning after FIA raids in Karachi amp Islamabad 2 main servers to be shut down ARY News 19 May 2015 Retrieved 19 May 2015 BOL staff observes Youm E Zulm today on 27th May www thenewsteller com Retrieved 23 August 2016 Imtiaz Ali FIR registered against Axact CEO six others in fake degree scam Dawn Retrieved 27 May 2015 Axact CEO Shoaib Shaikh arrested Dunya News 27 May 2015 Retrieved 27 May 2015 Axct Scandal FIA likely to arrest Shoaib Sheikh s wife thenewstribe thenewstribe Imtiaz Saba 23 May 2015 Pakistani Journalists Resign to Cut Ties to Axact a Fake Diploma Company The New York Times ISSN 0362 4331 Retrieved 18 September 2016 Kamran Khan Azhar Abbas other senior journalists quit Bol Exodus in the making Senior journalists quit Bol TV as Axact controversy deepens The Express Tribune 24 May 2015 Retrieved 18 September 2016 Kamran Khan on Twitter Retrieved 18 September 2016 Exodus in the making Senior journalists quit Bol TV as Axact controversy deepens The Express Tribune 24 May 2015 Retrieved 17 September 2016 ARY CEO and Founder Salman Iqbal takes over BOL Network management says BOL will be launched in three weeks ARY SERVICES LTD UK ARYNEWS tv 19 August 2015 Retrieved 19 August 2015 ARY announces Bol TV takeover Web Desk The Express Tribune News Network 18 August 2015 Retrieved 19 August 2015 Twitter Status Twitter Axact investigation SC rejects Bol s request to access data The Express Tribune 12 April 2016 Retrieved 17 September 2016 Hindustan Times e Paper hindustantimes com Indian campaign on ISI exposed The Express Tribune A clarification Archived from the original on 20 October 2013 Ishaq Dar Sends Legal Notice to Bol TV amp Dr Shahid Masood 30 January 2017 Retrieved 30 January 2017 External links EditOfficial website Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title BOL Network amp oldid 1152288979, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,
