PTI distances itself from online campaign against security forces after Balochistan attacks

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has publicly disassociated itself from individuals and social media accounts involved in trolling and offensive campaigns against the country’s security forces following recent terrorist incidents in Balochistan.

According to The News, PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram said the party’s position on the matter was clear and unambiguous, stressing that those criticising or mocking security personnel who lost their lives in terrorist attacks do not represent the party.

He said that, in line with the policy of PTI founder Imran Khan, the armed forces are “our own” and are vital to Pakistan’s survival.

Any attempt to ridicule or undermine the sacrifices of security institutions, he added, was unacceptable.

However, party sources told The News that despite the official stance, PTI’s leadership remains concerned about the growing influence of unauthorised social media activists claiming affiliation with the party.

The sources said much of PTI’s social media activity is operated from abroad and is not under the control of the party chairman, the information secretary or even the political committee.

The clarification comes days after proscribed militant group Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), allegedly backed by India, carried out coordinated attacks across eight districts of Balochistan.

Security forces thwarted the assaults in a series of operations, killing 177 militants over three days.