PTI Leadership Divided over Imran Khan’s Controversial Post on Dhaka Fall
Islamabad, June 1, 2024
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is mired in confusion following conflicting statements from party leaders regarding a controversial video posted on PTI founder Imran Khan’s official X handle. The video, which discusses the Fall of Dhaka, has sparked criticism from various quarters, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Leadership Disarray
Zain Qureshi, MNA, asserted that Khan’s X account is managed by the party with his approval, suggesting that the controversial post was endorsed by the PTI. However, Ali Muhammad Khan, another senior party leader, claimed that Khan was unaware of the post and intends to personally approve all future social media content, distancing the former prime minister from the video.
Contentions of the Post
The X post in question references the Hamoodur Rahman Commission Report on the Fall of Dhaka and implicates former Bangladesh leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and ex-president Yahya Khan as potential culprits. The post has raised concerns about its timing and potential for exacerbating tensions, particularly in light of the current political environment in Pakistan.
Core Committee Condemns FIA Probe
The PTI’s core committee strongly denounced the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) probe against Khan for the social media post, deeming it unjustified. The forum reiterated its demand for the release of the Hamoodur Rahman Commission Report to shed light on the Fall of Dhaka and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Defense Minister’s Rebuke
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif censured Khan for the post, accusing him of seeking to escalate political tensions. Asif asserted that Khan’s actions mirrored his past behavior of attacking those who have supported him.
FIA Initiates Action
The FIA’s Cyber Crimes team has initiated an investigation into the controversial tweet. Khan, however, has declined to participate in the investigation without the presence of his lawyers. The FIA intends to question other PTI leaders as well.
Reactions and Implications
The video post and subsequent events have sparked a heated debate in Pakistan. Critics have accused Khan of attempting to stir up conflict and downplay the role of the military in the Fall of Dhaka. Supporters, on the other hand, maintain that the post serves as a reminder of past mistakes and a caution against repeating them.
The controversy has further divided the PTI, with leaders expressing conflicting views on the post and the party’s future direction. It remains to be seen how the situation will unfold and whether it will have a significant impact on the party’s political standing.