Pakistan News: A coordinated bot attack by pro-government social media networks has begun against foreign parliamentarians and public figures who have expressed concern over the detention and treatment of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan.
A digital conspiracy is being hatched against foreign politicians who have expressed concern over the detention and treatment of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan. Pro-government social media networks are reportedly targeting MPs and public figures who are speaking in support of Imran Khan.
In fact, the controversy came to light when British politician Jack Goldsmith (Jemima Goldsmith’s former husband) wrote a personal letter to Britain’s Foreign Secretary on August 1, urging him to take up Khan’s case with the Pakistani government. Khan is currently in jail, serving a sentence awarded by Pakistani courts in several corruption-related cases. There was a sharp reaction in Pakistan on this intervention of Goldsmith. Critics accused foreign politicians of interference in the country’s judicial and political affairs.
Government dismissed health concerns
The controversy has emerged amid renewed focus on Imran Khan’s health and his access to medical facilities. Days before Goldsmith’s letter, Khan’s sister Dr Uzma Khan had assured supporters that her brother was in good health. The Pakistani government has strongly rejected claims that Khan is being prevented from meeting family, lawyers or doctors.
Information Minister Ataullah Tarar said Khan has received more than 900 visits from family members, lawyers and doctors since 2023. He continues to meet his wife on a weekly basis. Tarar stressed that Khan’s health should not be made a political issue. He cited the presence of doctors at Shifa Hospital and the PTI chief’s sister during the recent medical checkup.
A statement from the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) separately confirmed that two eye specialists examined Khan. Officials said this was proof that his medical care was being given as per the prescribed procedure.
Foreign MPs are continuously raising questions
The issue has now gone beyond Imran Khan’s health concerns. According to News 18 report, sources claim that British MPs and US Congress members (who have conducted official inquiries on political prisoners, due process and Khan’s detention) are being termed as part of a foreign influence campaign by Pakistan’s ruling establishment.
According to sources, diplomatic appeals involving humanitarian aid, political prisoners and fair trials have mostly failed to bring about policy change. Pakistani authorities have also repeatedly rejected recommendations from international monitoring organizations and United Nations bodies on arbitrary arrest, due process of law, and prolonged or solitary confinement.
Allegations of repression abroad
It is also alleged that Pakistan’s security establishment is using state-linked mechanisms and coordinated online networks to suppress international criticism of political opponents. These alleged operations include attacks on foreign parliamentarians, journalists, activists and public figures who express concerns about Imran Khan or other political prisoners.
According to the report, Pakistani citizens living abroad who publicly support such campaigns are also being pressured or threatened. Critics say this pattern is an attempt to portray international scrutiny of Pakistan’s human rights record as an external political conspiracy rather than a legitimate concern.
