Pakistan’s political social media wars turn legal as opposition faces scrutiny

Pakistan’s political social media wars have officially entered the legal arena, as opposition leader Omar Ayub and Aleema Khan, sister of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, have been summoned by a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) for allegedly spreading “negative propaganda” on social media.

The federal government established the five-member JIT in July, led by Islamabad police chief Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, to identify and prosecute individuals accused of inciting unrest online.

Aleema Khan has been ordered to appear before the JIT on Wednesday, while Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party leader Ayub is scheduled for questioning Thursday. Officials claim to have gathered substantial evidence against both opposition figures.

Authorities have intensified their crackdown on social media activity. Just last week, more than two dozen PTI leaders and workers were summoned by the JIT, though only three—Gohar Ali Khan, Rauf Hassan, and Shah Farman—complied.

During questioning, officials pressed the PTI leaders on their social media posts, particularly those concerning the Pakistan Army and state institutions. Investigators also presented records of their online activity and questioned them about the party’s finances. Two PTI finance officials appeared before the JIT to respond.

Following the interrogation, Barrister Gohar said PTI respects all institutions and does not seek confrontation.

The JIT has warned that those who fail to appear will face legal consequences. Meanwhile, Aliya Hamza and Kanwal Shauzab were represented by their lawyer, Dr. Ali Imran, and the JIT accepted their conditional appearance.

The JIT was formed under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), a controversial law criticized for curbing free speech.

Khan, PTI’s founding leader, has been behind bars since August 2023 after being convicted in multiple cases, including corruption and leaking state secrets. His arrest has fueled political turmoil in Pakistan, with authorities intensifying crackdowns on his party, supporters, and social media activists.

Despite his imprisonment, Khan remains a dominant force in Pakistani politics, with his party facing mounting legal and political challenges.