WATCH: Imran Khan filmed praying in helicopter

The video went viral on social media and was met with conflicting sentiments

Former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan was filmed offering prayers in a helicopter as he flew above breathtaking mountains and dazzling valleys of Kyber-Pakhtunkhwa on Friday.

Imran, seated in the front passenger seat next to the pilot, can be seen praying in a video that has gone viral on social media as he overlooked stunning scenery. The video was met with conflicting sentiments online.

Many praised the PTI chief for commitment to his faith whereas others criticised him for using religion as a political tool.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan was filmed praying in a helicopter as he flew above breathtaking mountains and valleys. The video went viral on social media, with many praising the former premier for his devotion to his faith.#etribune #news #imrankhanPTI #prayer pic.twitter.com/OlyGGJhq4Y

— The Express Tribune (@etribune) September 30, 2022

Mashallah 🥰

— saim (@saim09995039) September 30, 2022

Beautiful image

— PTI Rahimyar Khan (@sda_nir) September 30, 2022

Some netizens criticised him for putting an 'Islamic touch' to his politics. A social media user wrote that the PTI leader is "only doing this because of his political interests".

He is only doing this because of his political interests. Magar kia kahe bech mein namaz aa jate hn.

— Waqar Ahmed (@waqar_b90) September 30, 2022

Islamic touch!

— Muhammad Hamid (@ha_middd) September 30, 2022

A theological debate also ensued as some people questioned whether he could pray during a helicopter flight as the direction keeps changing.

سفر میں قبلہ رخ ہوئے بغیر بھی سواری پر بیٹھے بیٹھے نفل یا وتر کی نماز ادا کرلینا جائز ہے۔ رسول اللہ صہ دورانِ سفرسواری پر بیٹھ کرنفل اور وتر پڑھ لیا کرتے تھے خواہ اس کا رخ مشرق و مغرب یا کسی بھی طرف ہوتا لیکن فرض نماز سواری سے نیچے اتر کر اور قبلہ رخ ہو کر ادا فرماتے تھے۔

— 𝗦𝗔𝗟𝗠𝗔𝗡 (@Sal_Sayss) September 30, 2022

Social media users questioned why he could not have waited until the helicopter landed and prayed in a mosque or empty room with fresh Wuzoo (partial ablution obligatory before prayers).

ڈرامے باز یہ تسبیح ہاتھ میں پکڑ کر کون نماز پڑتا ہے ۔اور یہ کیا ہیلی سے کینیڈا جا رہا ہے جو نیچے پونچھ کر نمازِ نہیں پڑ سکتا ۔۔لیکن امرنڈو یہ بات کبی نہیں سمجھے گے

— Malik Umer 🇵🇰 (@MalikUmer204) September 30, 2022