Barrister Gohar Khan and Information Secretary Raoof Hassan of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) appeared today before the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to provide statements regarding a controversial tweet posted from former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s personal X account.
The FIA had previously summoned three additional PTI leaders on June 1 after a controversial video was shared from Imran Khan’s X account. PTI leadership responded by challenging the summons and the complaint in the Islamabad High Court.
Both Barrister Gohar and Raoof Hassan spent several hours at the FIA office. Sources indicated that Raoof Hassan was interrogated for four hours about the video, while Barrister Gohar was questioned for approximately two hours.
During the interrogation, Barrister Gohar reportedly claimed he was unaware of who manages the social media account. When asked if he agreed with the content of the video, he emphasized the need for peaceful resolution and denied uploading the video. He disclosed that Jibran Ilyas and Azhar, who are based abroad, operate the account and are responsible for its policy and video production, asserting he was not involved.
Barrister Gohar was unable to satisfactorily explain the party’s decision to delegate social media policy to individuals abroad, noting these arrangements were established before he joined the party.
Raoof Hassan attributed the video to the social media team led by Jibran Ilyas in the US. When questioned about the use of a picture of the current military leadership, Hassan said he would bring the issue to the attention of the party’s founder for further clarification.
Sources reported that Barrister Gohar could not justify the controversial video during the inquiry. Omar Ayub did not attend the inquiry, instead sending his lawyer.
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has restrained the FIA from harassing Barrister Gohar and Raoof Hassan. Justice Mohsin Kayani of the IHC issued a written order against the FIA summons related to the Sheikh Mujibur Rahman video statement case, seeking a response from the FIA by June 25th.
The court directed Barrister Gohar and Raoof Hassan to appear before the FIA and provide their statements but ordered the FIA to refrain from harassment or disciplinary action against them. This order was issued in response to the FIA’s summons involving allegations of political manipulation.
