Shehzad Iqbal Says Media Given New Directives on PTI Lawmakers; CM Sohail Afridi’s Position Under Pressure

LAHORE:Senior journalist Shehzad Iqbal has claimed that new directives have been issued to media organisations regarding the identification and television appearances of certain Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders.

In his vlog, Iqbal said media outlets had been instructed not to describe lawmakers elected as independents with the PTI affiliation. Instead, the word “independent” would be used alongside their names. ([Pakistan Point][1])

He also claimed that Shafiullah Jan and Shahid Khatak had been barred from appearing on television, adding that, according to his information, the instructions did not originate from the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA).

Discussing the political situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Iqbal said that even if the issue surrounding the proposed long march were resolved, there could still be developments concerning Chief Minister Sohail Afridi.

He said governor’s rule was one of the options being discussed, while another possible route involved legal proceedings in connection with the May 9 Radio Pakistan Peshawar attack case.

Recent court proceedings have confirmed that police have nominated Sohail Afridi and other PTI leaders as accused in the Radio Pakistan case. A police report submitted to the anti-terrorism court said forensic and NADRA material was used in identifying the individuals. However, earlier court proceedings had also noted that the forensic material did not itself establish that the videos were recorded at the Radio Pakistan site. ([DAWN][2])

Iqbal said that if Afridi were convicted and disqualified, another chief minister could potentially be elected from the KP Assembly, which has a PTI-backed majority.

He further said that any replacement chief minister would still face political pressure from PTI’s leadership and workers. Iqbal described the possible change as a complicated process and said it could carry significant political and administrative consequences rather than producing an immediate benefit. ([Pakistan Point][3])

The journalist’s comments came amid ongoing discussion over the future of the KP government. Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar recently said the federal government had no intention of imposing governor’s rule in the province, while Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has warned of an “unprecedented” public reaction if such a step were taken. ([DAWN][4])