The PTI has denied financing a full-page advertisement in The New York Times demanding the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, even as the party’s official social media accounts and diaspora supporters actively promoted the campaign. The advertisement, featured in the August 2 edition of the newspaper, was widely shared by PTI-linked accounts, including PTI USA’s official X handle, which credited the Pakistani diaspora for placing it to highlight Khan’s “arbitrary and inhumane imprisonment.”
Despite the party’s denial of involvement, PTI’s main social media accounts amplified posts about the ad, including one by analyst Hussain Nadim, who stated that the party aims to keep Khan’s case in the spotlight. PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram clarified that the party did not fund the advertisement, suggesting it was likely backed by a Pakistani diaspora group, possibly a doctors’ organization.
The ad, titled ‘Free Imran Khan,’ accused authorities of subjecting Khan to unjust detention, solitary confinement, and suppression of dissent. It urged the US government to impose Global Magnitsky sanctions and support civilian rule in Pakistan. PTI USA president Sajjad Burki appeared to endorse the campaign, thanking First Pakistan Global and the Pakistani-American diaspora for their support.
The advertisement, placed by First Pakistan Global, sparked debate over its funding, with estimates suggesting it cost tens of thousands of dollars. While supporters hailed it as a step toward internationalizing Khan’s cause, critics, including journalist Syed Talat Hussain, dismissed it as a paid promotion rather than an editorial endorsement. Rival political factions also criticized the appeal for US intervention, calling it an affront to Pakistan’s sovereignty. Meanwhile, PTI supporters held protests in the US, UK, and Europe, demanding Khan’s release.
