Imran Khan under investigation over ‘provocative’ post on X

Controversial tweet contains inflammatory remarks against key government officials and institutions

RAWALPINDI:

Former prime minister Imran Khan is facing an official investigation after a threatening post was shared from his verified X (formerly Twitter) account.

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has constituted a four-member team, led by senior officers from the Cyber Crime Wing, to investigate the controversial post.

The team arrived at Adiala Jail, where Khan is currently incarcerated, to begin questioning the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder on Friday.

However, the PTI founder refused to appear before the FIA Cyber Crime team. He also declined to cooperate without the presence of his legal team or lawyers.

The FIA team left Adiala Jail without conducting any investigation. The team was led by Deputy Director Cyber Crime, Ayaz Khan and comprised four members.

According to sources, the inquiry stems from a post shared on Khan's account, which contained inflammatory remarks against key government officials and institutions. The post was seen as inciting public unrest and calling for a nationwide movement.

In the post, Khan stated, "This is not the first time in the history of this country that one individual has put the entire nation at stake to protect his hold on power." He went on to compare the current political situation to the regime of General Yahya Khan, who, Khan alleged, “betrayed the Awami League and Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to stay in power.”

Khan further claimed that the country is once again being held hostage by "a small powerful elite" that controls all resources and influence. “This mafia, devoid of morals, considers itself above the Constitution and the law. This small group, this powerful elite, has enslaved this country," he wrote.

The former prime minister’s post took aim at the judiciary, singling out Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, accusing him of protecting those who, according to Khan, had rigged elections and violated the Constitution. “Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa protected those who targeted us... He did not hear our pleas about human rights violations,” Khan alleged in the post.

Khan's message also highlighted specific government figures whom he blames for targeting PTI and its leaders, including Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Judge Humayun Dilawar. He accused Naqvi of overseeing brutal actions against PTI supporters, citing the death of activist Zille Shah. "Mohsin Naqvi inflicted tremendous brutality on us. Zille Shah was tortured to death by the police, and his body was thrown by the roadside," Khan wrote.

He further alleged that Dilawar, who convicted him in a recent case, had been "gifted land worth billions" as a reward for his actions. “Because of Humayun Dilawar, Bushra Bibi and I are illegally imprisoned today,” Khan added, referencing his wife, who is also facing legal challenges.

The FIA's investigation is focused on whether the post violates laws related to incitement, sedition, or defamation. The agency is concerned about the potential impact of Khan's words on national security and public order, as they call for mass mobilisation and protest.

In his post, Khan urged his supporters to rise up in what he described as "a jihad for democracy." He encouraged the public to take to the streets to protect their freedoms. "Our movement is a jihad (struggle) for democracy... If you do not make sacrifices, you and your future generations will remain enslaved," he warned.

Khan's social media activity has been under increasing scrutiny as PTI faces a growing number of legal battles. His recent message has further raised alarms within the government, prompting swift action from the FIA.

The investigation is ongoing, and the FIA has indicated that further updates will be provided once the inquiry progresses. Khan’s legal team has yet to issue an official response to the allegations.