Govt to consider action against PTI after FIA probe

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar stated on Sunday that the government will decide on legal action against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) once the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) completes its inquiry into the party's social media activity.

In an interview on a private news channel, Tarar stressed the seriousness of the FIA inquiry, stating, "If we need to pursue legal action, then we will do it once the inquiry is complete."

He clarified that the issue of legal action against the PTI has not been discussed in the cabinet but expressed his belief that there are legal grounds for prosecution under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), 2016, for inciting mutiny.

Tarar highlighted the difference between statements and actions, citing examples from both Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan. He accused the PTI of creating political instability through a pattern of harmful statements and actions, including calls for protests and messages inciting violence.

Regarding former president Arif Alvi's offer to negotiate a truce, Tarar accused the PTI of inconsistency. He reiterated the government's stance of not engaging in talks with the PTI, citing the May 9 events as a reason to let the matters be resolved in court.

The FIA recently summoned Barrister Gohar and Omar Ayub, along with Raoof Hasan, over the alleged misuse of Imran Khan’s X account for spreading inflammatory content against state institutions.
His official account shared a video on May 26, along with a quote attributed to him.

The video suggested that General Yahya Khan was responsible for the breakup of Pakistan, citing alleged atrocities committed by the Pakistani military.

It also included images of the current civilian and military leadership, accusing them of stealing the party’s mandate in the general elections.