Anchorperson Confronted Over PTI Allegations
Renowned Pakistani journalist and anchorperson Shahzeb Khanzada became the center of controversy after videos surfaced showing him being accosted in a public place by a man accusing him of targeting PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi. The incident reportedly took place in a clothing store, where Khanzada appeared to be shopping with his family.
In the viral video circulating on social media since Sunday night, the man can be seen following Khanzada and shouting that he should be “ashamed” of what he has allegedly done against Imran Khan and his wife. Despite the confrontational behavior, Khanzada maintained his composure, did not respond verbally, and calmly walked away, prioritizing the safety of his family over engagement.
The accusations appear linked to Khanzada’s previous reporting on the Iddat case, filed by Bushra Bibi’s former husband, Khawar Maneka. The case pertained to the legality of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi’s marriage during her Iddat period. PTI leader Shahbaz Gill revived this issue by sharing an old clip of Khanzada covering the case, claiming that the journalist had “smeared” Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi.
The incident follows The Economist’s recent article examining Bushra Bibi’s alleged influence on Imran Khan’s political decisions during his tenure as prime minister—a report that PTI has labeled as recycled propaganda disguised as foreign commentary.
Politicians and Journalists Unite in Support of Khanzada
The incident quickly drew condemnation from across Pakistan’s political and journalistic circles. Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb described the attack as “yet another filthy reminder of the mob mentality Imran Khan has carefully bred within PTI.” She further criticized the supporters’ lack of “basic humanity, decency, and dignity,” calling the harassment “brute thuggery masquerading as activism.”
PPP leader and Sindh Minister for Local Government Syed Nasir Hussain Shah also spoke out, emphasizing that while people are free to disagree with journalists, it must be done “within the bounds of decency and respect.” He remarked that the attacker’s actions reflected poorly on those who condoned such behavior, not on Khanzada himself.
MQM-P Senator Faisal Subzwari labeled the incident “another glimpse into the filth that has taken root in politics over the past decade,” stating that political leaders’ praise of abusive tactics encourages a culture of harassment and intimidation.
Journalists across the country were equally vocal. Waseem Abbasi termed the harassment “unacceptable,” while Asad Ali Toor described it as a “shameful campaign” against Khanzada. Matiullah Jan criticized the act, saying Imran Khan’s supporters should learn that harassing a journalist in front of his family is entirely condemnable, noting that there are “a hundred civilized ways of protesting.”
Zahid Gishkori, a former colleague of Khanzada, called the incident “extremely painful” and emphasized that public harassment is not freedom of expression but intimidation. Sports journalist Faizan Lakhani echoed this sentiment, describing the attack as shameful and noting that it exposed the “true face of an intolerant society.”
Even Ziauddin Yousafzai, father of Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai, publicly condemned the harassment, calling Khanzada “an honorable man and an outstanding journalist” and stating that the incident revealed “the ugly face of an intolerant cult.”
Journalist Asma Shirazi denounced the attack as “the worst kind of fascism,” while Hamza Azhar Salam, founder of The Pakistan Daily, noted that PTI did not pursue defamation in court because they knew they would lose, but instead resorted to public intimidation of one of Pakistan’s most credible journalists.
Khanzada Responds to Accusations
Shahzeb Khanzada responded to Shahbaz Gill’s comments on social media, accusing him of lying and spreading misinformation. Khanzada highlighted that his coverage of the Iddat case was factual and legally accurate, stating that he had also reported fairly on Gill’s own custody and alleged torture, even when other political leaders failed to speak on his behalf.
“This is classic Shahbaz Gill,” Khanzada wrote, adding, “These trolls don’t care about facts, even when they go in favor of Imran Khan. We didn’t just expose the Iddat case but also spoke truthfully on matters where his party remained silent.”
The incident has sparked renewed debates over press freedom, the safety of journalists, and the political polarization in Pakistan, raising concerns about harassment being used as a tool to intimidate reporters.
