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Former PTI leaders reveal govt resources used to promote party image

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  • PTI’s propaganda project was set at cost of Rs870 million.
  • Before 2021, 72.5% of these accounts showed no bias towards PTI.
  • It was common for PTI chairman to initiate trends on social media.

ISLAMABAD: A major scandal of the PTI era has exposed a plan to promote a fake image of Imran Khan, using state resources for illegal political publicity campaigns and false propaganda against state institutions, reported The News on Thursday.

Social media teams were tasked with spreading the false narrative of PTI under the Annual Development Programme (ADP), aiming to advance PTI’s political objectives and launch a propaganda campaign of disinformation besides inciting people.

With the use of state financial resources, the propaganda accounts’ fan base grew. This project was set at a cost of Rs870 million with the salary of staff members ranging from Rs25,000 to Rs40,000.

According to an investigation, before 2021, 72.5% of these employees’ accounts showed no bias towards the PTI. Additionally, after June 2022, 86% of accounts shifted their political bent and began sharing PTI narratives on their social media accounts.

These statistics revealed PTI had no ideology before this.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Ata Tarar alleged that the PTI leadership recruited about 1,100 people in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to promote the party agenda. He said that those who recruited them must be punished.

Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) Spokesperson Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan alleged that false propaganda was disseminated through the Annual Development Programme (ADP) and the PTI freely used social media to tarnish the reputation of institutions.

Speaking to reporters, Awan stated that it had become a common practice for the PTI chairman to initiate trend topics on social media.

She disclosed that an astounding sum of Rs870 million was allocated to promote the agenda of a specific individual instead of the genuine welfare of the public.

The IPP spokesperson also expressed concern that this budget seemingly intended for public development was used to recruit 30 to 40 individuals and open 800 accounts with the aim of sowing conflict within the state and among the people.

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Reaction to the PTI protest call by Fazlur Rehman

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Maulana Fazlur Rehman, speaking on a private television station, said that the PTI is always coming to the streets, which really lessens the impact of a protest.

He also suggested to the PTI leadership that rather than carrying on with the agitation, it should finally put a hard hand down, which would be the final nail in the coffin.

He continued, citing the JUI protests as an example, saying, “We had a strong grip over our protesters and workers, so neither road was closed nor any property damage occurred during protests.”

The PTI has the right to protest, but Maulana Fazlur Rehman described the party’s agitation strategy as insufficient, stating that it is currently being “exposed which maynot be a good sign’.

Ali Amin Gandapur, the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, promised not to go back home unless the PTI founder was freed. During their demonstration, Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, encouraged the party officials to come up with strategies to avoid being arrested.

According to an alleged audio recording, she stated that November 24 will be a loyalty test for PTI members.

Additionally, the government of Islamabad has enforced section 144 for a period of two months, which prohibits processions, rallies, demonstrations, and meetings of five or more individuals in the city.

As per the notification, the prohibition forbade meetings in any public space inside the boundaries of Islamabad, including the Red Zone, which encompasses important government buildings, diplomatic missions, and other sensitive sites.

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PTI representatives conjecture in the media over Imran’s approval of bail: FIA investigator

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The hearing on the PTI founder’s bail application in the Toshakhana-2 case has resumed at the Islamabad High Court (IHC), with Justice Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb serving as the presider.

The hearing was attended by the defense attorney, Barrister Salman Safdar, and FIA prosecutor Zulfiqar Abbas Naqvi.

Judge Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb told the FIA prosecutor to “leave the media alone and exempt yourself from them” in order to avoid commenting on the media. The statement followed the prosecutor’s assertion that the bail would be granted, which had previously been reported by media sources.

In addition, the court questioned whether the receipts in question were issued in the name of Bushra Bibi or the PTI founder itself. Bushra Bibi’s name was on the receipts listed in the challan, according to Barrister Salman Safdar.

Defense arguments
The defense expressed displeasure about the case’s 3.5-year registration wait. The prosecution has swore in Sohaib Abbasi and made Inamullah Shah a crucial witness without requiring them to take an oath.

Barrister Salman Safdar highlighted that multiple agencies, including NAB, FIA, Police, and the Election Commission, have initiated actions related to the Toshakhana case, suggesting procedural redundancy.

Regarding a phony Toshakhana receipt, he contended, the Kohsar Police Station has also filed a case.

Position of the prosecution
The FIA prosecutor, Umair Majeed Malik, maintained that the valuation of the jewelry set mentioned in the case would be explained in the prosecution’s evidence.Justice Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb remarked, “If the media does not spread sensationalism, how will they conduct their business?” He dismissed rumors about his health, stating that he was present and hearing the case despite such reports.

Status of Co-Accused
The court was informed that Bushra Bibi, a co-accused in the case, is currently on interim bail and awaiting a decision by Judge Afzal Majuka. Barrister Salman Safdar expressed hope that Judge Majuka would soon announce his verdict.

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Naqvi visits Fazl to express gratitude for contributions to the 26th amendment.

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Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi convened with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman to deliberate on issues of shared concern and the current political landscape in the nation.

In today’s meeting in Islamabad, Mr. Naqvi asked about Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s health and sent his best wishes for the JUI chief’s well-being and future pursuits.

Naqvi extended his appreciation to Maulana Fazlur Rehman for his crucial contribution to the enactment of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, which he characterised as a significant milestone in Pakistan’s legislative history.

Following the meeting, Naqvi commended Mr. Fazlur Rehman’s commitment to the nation, asserting, “Maulana Fazlur Rehman has consistently prioritised Pakistan’s interests, and his contributions to the country are indispensable.”

The experienced politician reaffirmed his dedication to Pakistan and its populace, stating, “Our priority has consistently been Pakistan and the well-being of its citizens.”

Senator Kamran Murtaza attended the meeting.

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