POLITICS & POLICY MAKING

PTI’s Social Media Accounts Allegedly Operated from Abroad

PTI’s key social media accounts, including Imran Khan’s, are allegedly run from abroad by nominees of the former PM. A JIT has been formed to investigate their role in anti-military campaigns.
2025-03-21
PTI’s Social Media Accounts Allegedly Operated from Abroad

A high-level official investigation has revealed that three major social media accounts affiliated with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) – Imran Khan, PTI, and PTI Official – are being operated from abroad by individuals nominated by party founder Imran Khan.

According to sources, Imran Khan communicates messages from abroad through his sister, Aleema Khan, who then forwards them to PTI’s digital team. These accounts, which have been under scrutiny for allegedly criticizing the military and Army Chief General Asim Munir, are reportedly managed by individuals outside Pakistan.

Who Controls PTI’s Digital Presence?

The investigation claims that key figures running PTI’s social media operations include:

  • Jibran Ilyas (based in the U.S.), identified as the head of PTI’s social media team and a coordinator for party-friendly vloggers and digital activists.
  • Azhar Mashwani, initially in Pakistan, who relocated to the UK after the May 9 crackdown against PTI.
  • Ali Malik, another digital operator allegedly involved in shaping PTI’s narrative online.

The inquiry further suggests that Aleema Khan is directly involved in relaying messages from Imran Khan to these individuals, controlling PTI’s digital messaging strategy.

JIT Investigation and Legal Implications

A Joint Investigation Team (JIT), led by Islamabad IG Police, has been tasked with probing PTI’s social media activities and their alleged anti-military and anti-state narratives. The JIT has already issued notices to 15 PTI leaders, including:

  • Barrister Gohar (PTI Chairman)
  • Hammad Azhar
  • Salman Akram Raja
  • Rauf Hassan
  • Asad Qaiser
  • Aun Abbas
  • Waqas Akram

Additionally, 10 members of PTI’s digital team have also been summoned, including:

  • Asif Rashid
  • Muhammad Arshad
  • Sibghatullah Virk
  • Azhar Mashwani
  • Jibran Ilyas
  • Zulfi Bukhari
  • Ali Hasnain Malik

The investigation suggests that if legal action is taken, Imran Khan himself could face direct consequences, as the accounts in question are directly linked to him.

Government’s Concerns & PTI’s Response

Authorities have been closely monitoring PTI’s social media activity for some time, particularly content deemed critical of the military. Some PTI leaders, during past investigations by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), allegedly confirmed that these accounts were being operated under Imran Khan’s instructions.

PTI has yet to issue an official response to the latest developments. However, party supporters argue that the investigation is politically motivated and part of a broader crackdown on the opposition.

With social media playing an increasingly significant role in Pakistan’s political landscape, the findings of this investigation could have serious implications for PTI’s digital presence and its leadership’s legal standing.