Pakistani TV Channels Withdraw Reports on Trump Visit Amid Controversy

Pakistan's TV channels have withdrawn reports on a planned visit by US President Donald Trump, citing security concerns and the government's request for them to refrain from publishing sensitive information. The channels reportedly received a message from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, urging them to avoid discussing the visit. The government has not officially confirmed the visit.

Pakistan's TV channels have withdrawn reports on a planned visit by U.S. President Donald Trump, citing security concerns and a government request to refrain from discussing the visit. The channels reportedly received a message from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, urging them to avoid publishing sensitive information. The government has not officially confirmed the visit.

Two leading Pakistani television news channels, Geo and ARY, initially reported that Trump was expected to visit Pakistan in September. However, both channels later withdrew their reports. Geo News apologized to its viewers for airing the news without verification, while a senior management official at ARY stated that the channel backtracked after the foreign office said it had no knowledge of a visit [2].

The potential visit comes amidst a boost in U.S.-Pakistan relations, following Trump's meeting with Pakistan's army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir at the White House last month. However, the U.S. embassy spokesperson in Islamabad stated that the embassy had nothing to announce regarding Trump's schedule, referring further questions to the White House [1].

The withdrawal of the reports by the TV channels underscores the sensitivity surrounding the visit and the government's desire to maintain control over the narrative. The lack of official confirmation adds to the uncertainty surrounding the potential trip.

References:

[1] https://m.economictimes.com/news/international/world-news/trump-set-to-visit-pakistan-in-september-reports-say/articleshow/122626977.cms
[2] https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/pakistani-tv-channels-withdraw-reports-trump-visit-2025-07-17/