Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s Barrister Gohar Khan and Information Secretary Raoof Hassan appeared before the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) today to record their statements in connection with the controversial tweet from former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s personal X account.
The FIA had issued summons to three additional PTI leaders on June 1 following the upload of a controversial video from Imran Khan’s X account. The PTI leadership subsequently challenged the summons and the complaint filed against them in the Islamabad High Court.
Barrister Gohar and Raoof Hassan remained at the FIA office for several hours today. Sources revealed that both individuals provided their statements.
According to sources, Raoof Hassan was interrogated for four hours regarding the controversial video, while Barrister Gohar was questioned for approximately two hours.
During the interrogation, Barrister Gohar reportedly stated that he was unaware of who operates the social media account. When asked about his agreement with the content of the controversial video, he responded that the conflict should not escalate to such an extent and a peaceful resolution should be sought. He also denied uploading the video.
Sources further revealed that Barrister Gohar confirmed that Jibran Ilyas and Azhar, based abroad, operate the social media account and are responsible for its policy and video production, but he claimed to be uninvolved.
When questioned about the party’s decision to entrust the social media policy to individuals based abroad, Barrister Gohar reportedly failed to provide a satisfactory explanation. He stated that these arrangements were already in place prior to his joining the party.
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Sources also reported that Rauf Hassan attributed the video to the social media team, stating that Jibran Ilyas, based in the US, heads the team.
When asked about the implication of using a picture of the current military leadership, Rauf Hassan reportedly responded that he would bring the matter to the attention of the party’s founder and seek answers.
Sources further revealed that Barrister Gohir failed to justify the controversial video during the inquiry. Omar Ayub did not appear for the inquiry and instead sent his lawyer.
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has restrained the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) from taking disciplinary action or harassing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar and spokesperson Raooff Hassan.
Justice Mohsin Kayani of the IHC issued a written order against the FIA summons in the Sheikh Mujibur Rahman video statement case. The court issued notices to the FIA, seeking a response by June 25th.
The court directed Barrister Gohir and Rauf Hassan to appear before the FIA and record their statements, but also ordered the FIA to refrain from harassing or taking disciplinary action against them.
The IHC’s order comes in response to the FIA’s summons to the PTI leaders in connection with the video statement case.
The FIA had sought to question them regarding their involvement in the case, which involves allegations of political manipulation.
