PTI Leaders Grapple with Social Media Controversy

Amidst a wave of criticism following a controversial video shared on former Prime Minister Imran Khan's official social media account, leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have found themselves embroiled in a web of conflicting statements.

PTI lawmaker Ali Muhammad Khan has asserted that Imran Khan was unaware of the contentious post and has pledged to personally vet all future social media content before publication. He stressed that the party unequivocally disassociates Imran from the video that has drawn ire from various quarters, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Addressing the media in Islamabad, Ali clarified that Imran's stance should be understood within a political framework, with the party's primary focus being on avoiding past errors rather than revisiting historical events. He also underscored the PTI's unwavering stance against any external interference in political affairs.

While Ali refrained from disclosing the individual responsible for managing Imran's social media accounts, he assured that all content would undergo Imran's scrutiny before being shared. However, internal discord surfaced within the party as some leaders defended the controversial post.

Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, the current PTI chairman, defended the video's dissemination in the current political climate. Conversely, PTI Central Information Secretary Raoof Hasan initially called for an inquiry but later retracted his statement, citing lack of familiarity with the video. MNA Zain Qureshi affirmed that the party internally oversees Imran's social media presence and always seeks his approval prior to posting.

The PTI's core committee issued a statement rejecting the Federal Investigation Agency's (FIA) decision to probe Imran's social media post, deeming it unnecessary to initiate a new case based on the controversial content. The post in question urged Pakistanis to examine the Hamood ur Rahman Commission Report to ascertain the true traitor between General Yahya Khan and Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Subsequent to the FIA's move to take action against Imran over the tweet, he declined to meet with the agency's cybercrime team at Adiala Jail for questioning related to the social media post.

The unfolding saga surrounding Imran Khan's social media post has not only exposed internal divisions within the PTI but has also raised questions about the party's social media management practices. As the controversy continues to simmer, it remains to be seen how PTI will navigate these turbulent waters and uphold its commitment to transparent and responsible communication.