ISLAMABAD: Senior government officials have escalated Pakistan’s complaint against the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), framing provocative content from the party’s social media accounts as a serious breach of international law, not protected political speech.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry stated the issue, specifically citing videos allegedly from PTI accounts threatening the army chief, “is neither political nor freedom of expression, but is a clear violation of UK and international laws.” He emphasized it is every state’s duty to prevent individuals on its soil from inciting rebellion and violence in another sovereign nation.
The comments follow Pakistan’s formal letter to the British government, demanding action against accounts based in the UK that are “trying to create terrorism, violence and instability in Pakistan.” The letter calls for Britain to identify, investigate, and prosecute those behind calls for murder and chaos.
Echoing the stance, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani condemned the alleged death threats, calling it “unacceptable for PTI to threaten the army chief in the name of political protest.” He accused the opposition party of “resorting to violence and threats in the name of politics.”
Chaudhry expressed hope for UK intervention but warned Pakistan has “other options,” hinting at further diplomatic or legal measures. The government’s move frames the online activity as a transnational security and legal issue, seeking to obligate foreign nations to curb content it deems as incitement originating from their jurisdictions.
Meanwhile in a sharp critique of online political discourse, Mahmood Khan Achakzai, a central leader of the opposition alliance, publicly censured Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) social media team for engaging in disrespectful and misogynistic rhetoric. He issued a stern call for digital decorum and respect for women across party lines.
The rebuke came following widespread reports of abusive and gender-targeted harassment originating from anonymous accounts linked to PTI’s online supporters.
