Web desk: During a televised discussion, senior journalist Asma Shirazi confronted Information Minister Atta Tarar over the circulation of an AI-generated video targeting journalist Benazir Shah, which she asked was produced and disseminated by the PML-N’s troll brigade.
Tarar denied the allegation, saying, “We do not have a troll brigade.”
Shirazi countered, claiming evidence had surfaced linking the content to PML-N-affiliated accounts.
Responding, Tarar said that if such a group existed, he would not have apologised to Benazir Shah.
“I immediately condemned the incident and offered her the strictest action, which she chose not to pursue. Today, the same account publicly apologised to her on Twitter,” he added.
Shirazi then pressed the minister on the Shahzeb Khanzada harassment case, asking what action had been taken.
Tarar stated, “For the past two days, a social media campaign has been running against you. Your hijab was targeted. PTI officials and former ministers were part of it. Have they, or the PTI leadership, apologised to you?”
Shirazi again demanded clarity on the action taken regarding Shahzeb Khanzada.
Tarar responded that the individual involved in harassing Khanzada is originally from Gujranwala, works as a real estate agent in Canada, and is affiliated with PTI.
“Action will be taken according to the law. We intend to set an example. People in Gujranwala were angry and wanted to visit his house; we stopped them, saying this is not the right way,” he said.
“Action Will Be Taken in Khanzada Case”
The man who harassed journalist Shahzeb Khanzada in a shopping mall has been identified as Shahid Bhatti.
According to sources, Bhatti is a Pakistani citizen living in Mississauga, Ontario. He works as a real estate agent in Canada and is known for posting anti-army content on his social media accounts.
The incident took place over the weekend when Shahzeb Khanzada was out with his family.
Bhatti recorded the couple and shouted abusive remarks at them, reportedly over Khanzada’s coverage of news related to Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi.
Despite the harassment, Khanzada and his wife remained calm and handled the situation respectfully.
The incident drew strong condemnation from politicians, journalists and members of the public. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan also criticised the behaviour and condemned the harassment of Khanzada while he was with his family.
