PTI Leadership to Address Social Media Misuse with Imran Khan
Key Points:
- PTI’s political committee has decided to take up the issue of irresponsible use of the party’s official social media accounts with founder Imran Khan.
- Concerns were raised at a meeting in KP House, Islamabad, about aggressive content on party platforms targeting the military and national interests.
- Senior PTI leaders will meet Imran Khan in jail to push for oversight mechanisms on social media activity.
- A vetting committee may be formed to review posts before they go live on X (Twitter) and Facebook.
- Primary concern: Curb the influence of overseas individuals allegedly using PTI’s digital platforms for anti-military narratives.
- Past concerns ignored:
- Party leaders previously urged Khan to reassess social media policies, but no action was taken.
- Even top PTI figures, including Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and Secretary General Raja, have no control over the party’s social media team.
- Balochistan Attack Controversy:
- PTI social media accounts allegedly amplified narratives of militants involved in a train hijacking.
- Leadership acknowledges lack of internal control over digital messaging.
- Diaspora Influence:
- PTI’s official social media is allegedly managed from overseas, with U.S.-based activists resisting internal efforts to regulate content.
- Many PTI leaders fear backlash from influential YouTubers and digital activists, leading to hesitancy in countering misinformation.
- Imran Khan’s Stance:
- Despite previous warnings, Khan has consistently defended PTI’s social media content.
- His endorsement of these digital platforms complicates efforts to implement oversight.
The PTI leadership is making a renewed effort to regulate the party’s social media platforms, particularly regarding military-related content. However, past resistance from Imran Khan and overseas digital influencers raises doubts about whether meaningful change will be implemented.
