The PTI is warning the public to be cautious about trusting YouTubers and former army officers Adil Raja and Haider Mehdi, stating that the party has no connection with them.
PTI leader Asad Qaiser, accompanied by Sher Afzal Marwat and other party leaders, emphasized the party’s non-affiliation with Raja and Mehdi.
In a video statement, Qaiser criticized the social media activists for running a defamatory campaign against Marwat. He stressed that the PTI has its media and spokespersons, and people should only trust statements issued by these official platforms.
Qaiser mentioned that the same YouTubers previously led social media campaigns against Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Parvez Elahi. He clarified that PTI leaders never spoke against the military, and their struggle is focused on upholding the constitution and law. He quoted the PTI founder, stating that the country and army belong to everyone.
On November 25, 2023, two retired officers of the Pakistan Army, Raja and Mehdi, were convicted and sentenced for “inciting sedition” under the Army Act and violations of the Official Secrets Act. The ISPR stated that Major (retired) Adil Farooq Raja received 14 years of rigorous imprisonment, while Captain (retired) Haider Raza Mehdi was awarded 12 years.
The court-martialled officers are currently based outside Pakistan. The PTI continues to distance itself from Raja and Mehdi, urging the public to rely on official party communications and discrediting the activities of these individuals.