ISLAMABAD: The embattled Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Saturday rejected an article published by The Economist, describing it as inaccurate and politically motivated, and warned it may pursue legal action against the publication and the writers.
In a statement, PTI spokesman Sheikh Waqas Akram said the party considered the piece – which discussed former prime minister Imran Khan, his wife Bushra Bibi and ongoing legal cases – to be defamatory.
He demanded a public apology from The Economist, saying PTI would “pursue all available legal avenues” if one was not issued.
The article drew criticism from PTI for what it described as selective reporting.
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Akram said the piece focused on the personal lives of Khan and his spouse, who have been in custody for more than two years, while overlooking what the party claims are widespread human rights violations, political persecution and irregularities in elections over recent years.
He said issues such as alleged mistreatment of PTI supporters, convictions in what the party calls politically motivated cases, and restrictions on political activity were not addressed in the article.
PTI has repeatedly maintained that cases against Khan – including the Al-Qadir Trust case referenced by The Economist – are politically driven. The cases remain before the courts.
Akram also questioned the impartiality of one of the article’s co-authors, saying the writer had previously expressed criticism of PTI. The Economist has not publicly responded to PTI’s allegations.
Khan, who was ousted from office in 2022 and later jailed on multiple charges, has denied wrongdoing and says the legal proceedings against him lack transparency.
PTI alleges that his trials, some of which have been held in prison, have limited his ability to meet family members and lawyers despite court orders.
The party also criticised recent political and constitutional developments, including the 27th Constitutional Amendment, which Akram said undermined judicial independence.
He praised the resignation of three Supreme Court judges who opposed the amendment. The government has defended its legislative actions, saying they fall within constitutional parameters.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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