Authorities in Pakistan allegedly abducted the Instagram head of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf here on Thursday as part of the federal government’s ongoing crackdown against social media activists from ousted prime minister Imran Khan’s party.
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) in collaboration with the intelligence agencies and police have launched a nationwide operation against social media activists, especially of Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party following an alleged online smear campaign against Pakistan Army chief Gen Asim Munir.
Khan on Thursday claimed on Twitter that the party’s Instagram lead Attaur Rehman was “picked up” on Thursday morning from Lahore.
“Another abduction late last night — this time of PTI’s Instagram lead Attaur Rehman from Faisal Town Lahore. Strongly condemn these continuing abductions of our social media team. Atta has been with us for 15 years. The powerful are breaking all laws with impunity,” Khan tweeted and demanded his release.
Last week, the intelligence agencies picked another main social media activist, the PTI — ‘Humara Pak’ head Waqas Amjad — who was allegedly tortured in judicial custody.
Last month, Khan’s focal person on social media Azhar Mashwani was also picked up by authorities. Khan has blamed the military establishment for “abducting” his party’s social media activists.