ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf faces renewed questions over control of its social media platforms after an old statement attributed to imprisoned founder Imran Khan resurfaced, raising concerns within the party about its political impact.
Originally issued in 2025, it was circulated again as party leaders sought to rebuild political space amid mounting difficulties.
The senior PTI leader contacted for comment described the situation as regrettable, the report said.
The posts involving personal criticism are shared without consulting senior officeholders, including Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and Secretary General Salman Akram Raja.
The account did not establish who authorised the October 26 repost or explain the reasons behind its timing.
The controversy emerged against a difficult backdrop for PTI.
The supplied report states that Khan remains imprisoned, his three sisters are detained, and the party lost its provincial government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa following the imposition of governor’s rule on October 11.
Since its federal government ended in April 2022, PTI has faced arrests, legal proceedings, electoral setbacks and the imprisonment of its founder.
The reported loss of its provincial administration has added to questions about its organisational direction and ability to regain political influence.
For leaders seeking wider engagement, the renewed circulation of hostile rhetoric presents another challenge: maintaining the party’s public profile while preserving room for negotiations.
Control of Digital Accounts Under Scrutiny
The supplied report also referred to earlier reporting that key verified accounts associated with Khan and PTI were operated from abroad, with instructions conveyed through his sister Aleema Khan.
It further stated that Gohar told the Islamabad High Court on October 15 that PTI did not claim ownership or control of Khan’s personal X account.
That distinction, however, leaves separate questions about oversight of the party’s official platforms.
PTI has also faced criticism over the influence of overseas commentators and YouTubers on its political messaging.
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The latest episode mentions an unresolved internal issue: how the party can coordinate its digital communications with efforts by its political leadership to restore dialogue, secure relief and build broader alliances.
