Recent orders from the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) seek to filter out hate mongers, rioters, their facilitators, and perpetrators" from media platforms. This move is seen by political commentators as an attempt to limit Khan's influence in the public sphere. Even news channels with pro-Imran Khan leanings, such as ARY, have refrained from mentioning the former Prime Minister in recent days. However, Khan continues to reach out to his supporters and the world through his YouTube channel.
Imran Khan's arrest in a corruption case on May 9 triggered widespread arson and rioting by members of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, who also vandalized various army establishments.
The ousted Prime Minister maintains that his removal from power in 2022 involved the active involvement of the Army, a charge denied by the Pakistani military. Khan asserts that the Army opposes him because he desires to keep it separate from politics. During his tenure, he also advocated for closer ties with Russia.
Rumors have circulated about Imran Khan potentially facing trial under the Army Act, with a senior Pakistani minister claiming to possess evidence of Khan's alleged role in the attack on Army installations. Khan vehemently denies involvement in these acts but expresses a willingness to engage in dialogue with whoever holds power in Pakistan.
As several PTI leaders, including Shirin Mazari and Fawad Choudhary, have recently resigned from the party and faced charges in various cases, sympathizers argue that the Pakistani government aims to weaken the PTI through pressure tactics.
Amid these developments, Imran Khan's media presence appears to be curtailed, raising questions about the extent of his influence and the government's intentions.
EmoticonEmoticon