The ARY Digital Network has reportedly completed its acquisition of Nukta, the digital news platform launched by veteran journalist Kamran Khan and backed by property tycoon Malik Riaz. Sources familiar with the deal told TechJuice that the acquisition includes plans to bring Kamran Khan back into ARY’s television lineup as part of a prime‑time program deal.
While detailed terms of the acquisition have not been publicly disclosed, sources privy to the information told TechJuice that Khan will be re‑integrated into ARY’s broadcast team, a full circle moment for a journalist who first rose to prominence on traditional TV screens before moving into digital media.
In the past, Kamran Khan helmed major prime‑time talk shows that drew wide audiences, and expectations are high that his return to mainstream broadcast could attract similar viewership. Before launching Nukta, Khan was a familiar face in evening political programs, and many in the industry are now speculating about which time slot he might take up on ARY.
Two key evening slots are currently prominent on ARY’s lineup:
- 8 pm, which is presently held by Ashfaq Satti, who has been seat-warming the slot following Kashif Abbasi’s departure from the channel.
- 10 pm, dominated by Mohammad Malick’s program.
Sources close to Khan told TechJuice that he is “comfortable with either slot,” giving ARY flexibility in program decisions. However, sources say choosing between the two could also reflect broader strategy: 8 pm tends to pull larger general audiences, while 10 pm suits more in‑depth political talk formats.
Since founding Nukta, Kamran Khan’s on-screen presence on television has been minimal. He has focused primarily on digital platforms, where he engages a younger, online-focused audience.
This shift has created a noticeable difference between his digital followers and his longtime television viewers. As he prepares to return to ARY’s broadcast schedule, this new dynamic will play a key role in determining how the network positions him and which time slot he ultimately takes.
What This Means for Pakistan’s Media Landscape
If Khan’s return to ARY’s prime‑time schedule is confirmed, it highlights a trend where seasoned journalists oscillate between digital and traditional platforms depending on the business environment and audience reach. It also underscores the continuing importance of established broadcast slots in shaping public conversation, even as digital platforms gain ground.
If Kamran Khan returns full-time to television, Nukta’s prominence as an independent digital platform could decline. The platform’s identity and audience engagement have been closely tied to Khan’s personal brand, and his absence from the TV screen had already limited its visibility. A full return to broadcast could further reduce Nukta’s influence, making it difficult for the platform to operate at the level it once aimed for as a standalone digital news brand.
For viewers who grew accustomed to seeing Kamran Khan dissect major stories on TV, his return to either 8 pm or 10 pm could be both familiar and significant in Pakistan’s crowded media space.
