Sources told ARY News that Mr. Pirzada was arrested on charges of property fraud. He was found forging property documents, said a source. However, Foreign Office has not released any official word on charges of the arrest. It was also reported that his sister has been arrested but this could not be independently verified.
The TV anchor went to the UAE to see his ailing father.
The Foreign Office said it was contacting the UAE officials to seek access to Mr. Pirzada to provide him all possible assistance.
Today Dr Pirzada also tweeted at 10.51am (PST) about his ailing father’s condition. He also appealed for prayers.
Report of arrest causes stir back home
His arrest caused much stir among Pakistan’s TV-viewing public, especially those who happen to be his fans. Many of them asked in bewilderment that how could someone like him — who is seemingly the epitome of ethics and morality — be arrested, and that too in a foreign land on the alleged charge of forgery.
However, there were others who had an opposing view who said that it was ironic and surprising that someone who would every give lectures to others on morality and ethics and would pass judgment on the virtues, or lack thereof, of others would himself be caught this way.
My father is critically ill and spending time with him overseas. Keep us in your prayers!
— Moeed Pirzada (@MoeedNj) August 7, 2015
Last month, a Pakistani analyst Zaid Hamid was arrested in Saudi Arabia last month. Mr Hamid was detained by Saudi authorities during his private visit to the Kingdom. Reports suggest that he made speeches against the Saudi government at a function and was arrested for lashing out against Arabs.
Twitter reacts to Dr. Pirzada’s arrest
Dubai police going to sentence him and he will not allowed to enter UAE again … Sources #moeedpirzada — Shahan Malik(SM) (@malikshahan17) August 7, 2015
This is why I hate Middle East. In Europe you have some rights even if you are an illegal immigrant. #ZaidHamid #MoeedPirzada
— Shameen Zara (@ZaraShameen) August 7, 2015
I guess being graceful is a crime in Dubai. #MoeedPirzada — Sadaf (@iMissTinkerbell) August 7, 2015
I know #MoeedPirzada personally,he is an uptight person so much so he left customs bcz he ws against corruption,let’s nt jump to conclusions
— Umair Aziz (@umairaziz27) August 7, 2015
Family sources of #MoeedPirzada say they will produce the documents of power of attorney to the UAE authorities in a day or two
— Salman Masood (@salmanmasood) August 7, 2015
I guess being graceful is a crime in Dubai. #MoeedPirzada
— Sadaf (@iMissTinkerbell) August 7, 2015
We associate CREDIBILITY w/ those who forge property documents. #RIPPakistaniMedia #MoeedPirzada @arshad_Geo @UmarCheema1 @HamidMirGEO — Hasan Tasleem (@Ha5an_) August 7, 2015
It was like Dunya nhe PML N Kamran Khan kay sath, this guy is losing his credibility #MoeedPirzada was more credible with a show @DunyaNews
— khayyam (@khayyamaziz) August 3, 2015
Aparently a well known professional and nobel journalist is being teased for his anti govt analysis by a pseudo nobel person. #MoeedPirzada — Founding Fathers PK (@PkFathers) August 7, 2015
Arab States cleansing Pakistani Media of Hawaldar Journalists ? #MoeedPirzada #FreeMoeedPirzada
— Taimur Ali K Mohmand (@iamTribalKhan) August 7, 2015
@FarhanKVirk Acc news #MoeedPirzada got his ailing father’s finger prints on property doc while he was unconscious caught on CCTV by hosptal — Rizwan Ahmad (@_RizwanAhmad) August 7, 2015
