Web desk: Shahid Bhatti, the Pakistani national who harassed journalist Shahzeb Khanzada and his wife at a shopping mall in Toronto, has been placed on the Pakistan No-Fly and Immigration List (PNIL) by Pakistani authorities.
According to official sources, any attempts by Bhatti to renew his Pakistani passport or NICOP have also been blocked.
Bhatti, reportedly a real estate agent based in Canada and a supporter of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has a history of posting anti-army content on his social media accounts.
Shahzeb Khanzada’s Harasser Shahid Bhatti
Over the past weekend, he confronted Khanzada and his wife at a shopping mall. He filmed the couple hurling abusive language at them, reportedly over reports related to former Prime Minister Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi.
Despite the provocation, Shahzeb Khanzada and his wife maintained their composure, handling the situation with dignity.
The incident drew widespread condemnation from politicians, senior journalists, and members of the public.
PTI chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan also condemned the harassment, emphasising that public intimidation of Khanzada and his family was unacceptable.
This is not the first time supporters of Imran Khan have targeted his political opponents, reports say. Past incidents have also involved similar acts of harassment and abuse directed at rival politicians.
Bhatti, who has been identified by journalist Safina Khan as a PTI worker residing in Mississauga, Ontario, is accused of using purported “patriotism” as a cover for his actions.
During a televised discussion, Information Minister Atta Tarar stated that legal action would be taken against Bhatti, emphasising the government’s intent to set an example.
“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.
What is PNIL?
PNIL, or Provisional National Identification List, is a temporary 30-day travel restriction maintained by Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
It is used to prevent individuals from leaving the country while under investigation. Such as inclusion on the Exit Control List (ECL)can be applied before a longer-term travel ban.
