The Ministry of Law and Justice confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine who operates the X account of former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan. State Minister Barrister Aqeel Malik stated that authorities are in direct contact with X, formerly known as Twitter, to trace the management of the account.
According to Malik, investigators are collecting evidence to uncover where the account is being managed from and who is responsible for its operation. He assured that the legal process is moving forward, and results will be shared soon.
FIA Questions Imran Khan in Prison
Recently, officials from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) questioned Imran Khan inside Adiala Jail. The inquiry reportedly focused on several social media posts considered “anti-state” and critical of foreign policy. These details appeared on Khan’s official X account, despite his lack of internet access in prison.
The post outlined five areas of questioning and the PTI founder’s responses. It was the first time such details of an interrogation were made public through his account.
Imran Khan’s Legal Position
Imran Khan has consistently refused to respond to questions without legal representation. He has maintained that while imprisoned, he cannot operate his social media. His official X account is therefore managed externally, though the operator’s identity remains undisclosed.
This ongoing issue has attracted legal attention. A petition was filed last month in the Islamabad High Court against alleged inflammatory posts shared from Khan’s account during his imprisonment. The petitioner requested that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority and the National Cybercrime Investigation Agency investigate the matter.
Legal and Political Context
Imran Khan has been in custody since August 2023. He is currently serving a sentence in connection with a £190 million corruption case. In addition, he faces multiple ongoing trials under the Anti-Terrorism Act, particularly relating to the violent protests that erupted on May 9, 2023.
Authorities believe that clarifying who manages his X account is crucial, as his posts continue to stir debate and draw scrutiny. Officials argue that the account has the potential to influence political narratives, even while Khan remains behind bars.
What Comes Next
The state minister emphasized that engagement with X will continue until concrete results emerge. He highlighted that the government seeks to establish accountability through legal procedures. Investigators aim to verify whether Khan’s account is being operated from within Pakistan or abroad.
The outcome of this probe may have significant implications for PTI’s political communications, as well as for social media regulations in the country.
