Aftab Iqbal is a renowned Pakistani television host, journalist, and businessman famous for hosting shows like “Hasb-e-Haal,” (2009) “Khabarnaak,” (2010) and “Khabardaar” (2014). He has been one of the finest journalists that Pakistan has produced.
Wiki/Biography
Aftab Iqbal was born on 19 September 1961 (age 62 years; as of 2023) in Okara, Punjab, Pakistan. His zodiac sign is Virgo. After completing his primary and secondary education, Aftab Iqbal attended Government College University Lahore, where he completed his bachelor’s and master’s degree in 1985. In 1986, Aftab Iqbal completed his diploma in History of Mass Communication from San José State University in California. He is settled in DHA, Phase 6, Lahore, Pakistan.
Physical Appearance
Height (approx.): 5′ 8″
Hair Colour: Salt and Pepper
Eye Colour: Dark Brown
Family
Aftab Iqbal was born into an Arain family. Arain is a large Punjabi tribe with a political and agricultural identity.
Parents & Siblings
Aftab Iqbal’s father, Zafar Iqbal, is a famous Urdu poet and columnist for Pakistani newspapers for more than 35 years, and Aftab’s mother, Miraj Iqbal, passed away in November 2009.
Aftab Iqbal’s father Zafar Iqbal
Aftab Iqbal has 2 brothers, Junaid Iqbal and Awais Iqbal. Aftab Iqbal also has a sister, however; there is not much information on his sister.
Wife & Children
Aftab Iqbal married Nasreen Aftab, in November 1988. Nasreen is a professor in Lahore.
Aftab Iqbal with his wife Nasreen Aftab
Together, they have 3 daughters. Ayesha Noor Iqbal is their eldest daughter, who is a lecturer at the University of Management & Technology Lahore. She is also a renowned journalist.
Aftab Iqbal with his family
Religion
Aftab Iqbal follows Islam.
Career
TV Host
Aftab Iqbal started his hosting career with the political comedy show, ‘Hasb-e-Haal’, in 2009. The show aired on Dunya TV along with famous personalities like Sohail Ahmed and Nawaz Anjum. This program was best known for its satirical comedy on current affairs. Aftab Iqbal left this show in 2010. In 2010, Aftab Iqbal joined GEO News’s Urdu and Punjabi comedy show, ‘Khabarnaak.’ Aftab hosted the show for four years which starred the famous comedian, Late Amanullah Khan and Iftikar Thakur. Aftab Iqbal left the show in 2014. In 2014, Aftab Iqbal hosted a new comedy television show, ‘Khabardaar,’ on Express News. Well-known comedian, Nasir Chinyoti was also part of this show. The show is famous for its hilarious skits. Aftab Iqbal left the show in 2018 but joined again in 2021 for the new season. In 2018, Aftab Iqbal started a new show, ‘Khabarzar,’ on his own channel AAP News. The show highlighted essential social, economic, and political news headlines from around the nation.
YouTube
Aftab Iqbal started his own YouTube channel in 2017 on which he hosts digital shows like ‘khabarhar’, ‘Khabaryar,’ ‘Open Mic Cafe with Aftab Iqbal,’ and ‘Sarey Rang Punjab Dey.’ Aftab Iqbal also posts his travel vlogs and other popular videos. In 2018, Aftab Iqbal created a new YouTube channel named ‘Aftabiyan,’ which showcases his vlogs, sitcom shows, and behind-the-scenes of his other shows.
Controversies
Arrest
In May 2023, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, was arrested on charges of promoting violent and destructive protests in Pakistan. Following his arrest, famous television anchors, Aftab Iqbal and Imran Riaz Khan, were taken into custody for being avid supporters of Imran Khan. He was released a day after.
Facts/Trivia
- Aftab Iqbal is the founder of AAP Media Group in Pakistan.
- Aftab Iqbal was the media advisor to the chief minister of Punjab from 1994 to 1995.
- Aftab Iqbal writes the comedy script for the comedians of his shows.
- Aftab Iqbal started as a journalist in the early 1980s.
- Aftab Iqbal has written for famous Pakistani newspapers like The News International, The Nation, and The Friday Times.
- Aftab Iqbal owns, ‘Open Mic Cafe,’ a famous restaurant in Lahore, Pakistan.
- Aftab Iqbal has also worked in the private sector of Pakistan.