Fire in office of Pak web TV channel, owner alleges foul play

Karachi: A fire broke out in the office of a web television channel in the Mehmoodabad area here even as its owner alleged foul play in the incident.

The two-room office of the "Gawahi" web television channel, which preached Christianity, was located in Akhtar Colony which has a large minority population mostly belonging to the lower income group.

"Fire destroyed everything in the office. The incident is still being probed," police officer Sarwar Commando said.

Sarfaraz William, the Director of the web TV channel, however suspected foul play in the fire which broke out Monday night.

"We had been getting threats from unknown persons to shut down the channel and stop preaching Christianity," he said.

William suspected "some chemical was thrown inside which burnt down everything -- plastic and electronic equipment including computers and cameras".

Police said the office was located in a residential building and after the fire broke out firemen had to rescue families trapped inside.

Initial investigation showed that a short-circuit may have caused the fire. The channel had not reported any threat to them to the police, they said.