Hamid Mir apologizes for controversial speech

Islamabad: Seasoned journalist Hamid Mir has apologized for his controversial speech which prompted Geo News to stop him from hosting his popular talk-show “Capital Talk”.

The senior anchor person was accused of targeting state institutions and intelligence agencies in a speech outside the National Press Club while protesting the attack on journalist Asad Toor last month.

According to a statement issued by the Rawalpindi Islamabad Union of Journalist on Tuesday, Mir offered explanation of his speech to a joint committee of the National Press Club and RIUJ. Hamid Mir told the committee that he has no dispute with the army and respects it as an institution. The anchor person, according to the statement, said he had not named anyone in his speech. The journalist said he wants to apologize to anyone whose sentiments were hurt by his words.

Meanwhile, several journalists, who are considered staunch opponents of anyone criticizing the army, warned the armed forces against accepting Mir’s apology.

Others who supported Hamid Mir after his speech also seemed to be disappointed by the RIUJ statement.