PTI requests followers to reveal journalists blocking them on Twitter after extreme campaign against Asma Shirazi

The official twitter account of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has asked social media users to mention the names of the journalists who have blocked them for ‘questioning’ the journalists.

“We have received a lot of feedback from folks who have been blocked unfairly by journalists for asking questions (no abuse or harsh language at all). If you suffered an unfair block, mention in this thread. We will request journalists to unblock you,” the tweet from the official twitter handle of the ruling party read.

We have received a lot of feedback from folks who have been blocked unfairly by journalists for asking questions (no abuse or harsh language at all). If you suffered an unfair block, mention in this thread. We will request journalists to unblock you #QuestioningIsNotHarassment

— PTI (@PTIofficial) October 21, 2021

Earlier, PTI’s official Twitter account posted a video of an old telephonic conversation between PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif and journalist Asma Shirazi during a telephonic press conference. The tweet came after journalists condemned the ruling party for targeted harassment.

PTI Official in the tweet questioned Shirazi’s credibility and accused her of being biased. Many journalists condemned the tweet against Shirazi and in response were bombarded by tweets and replies by PTI supporters. It is unclear which journalists, if any, blocked any PTI supporters who were responding to their tweets.

The journalists that tweeted in support of Shirazi include:

The online harassment of widely-respected award-winning journalist @asmashirazi by the official Twitter account of ruling party @PTIofficial & various party officials is deplorable & condemnable. Party leadership should put a stop to this immediately

— Fahd Husain (@Fahdhusain) October 20, 2021

More evidence of PTI’s ongoing campaign to malign and discredit brave, brilliant journalists like @asmashirazi

They are clearly incapable of understanding that critiquing, questioning the Govt is part of a journalist’s job – not “obedience” to opposition leaders or anyone else https://t.co/r850maYK8r

— Reema Omer (@reema_omer) October 19, 2021

Here is another attempt by the ruling party’s official account trying to intimidate and silence the fearless @asmashirazi

More power to her. #AttacksWontSilenceUs https://t.co/araE71ag1z

— Benazir Shah (@Benazir_Shah) October 20, 2021

Dear @asmashirazi it is not the first nor sadly the last time you are being subjected to rudness spewing troll accounts led by the 'official' account itself. Trust you will stay strong and solid as always. ❤️ https://t.co/BHy5jddM3M

— Absa Komal (@AbsaKomal) October 20, 2021

Desperation is when a journalist such as @asmashirazi is targeted – yet again – by a political party that now has a well-documented history of a poor freedom of expression record, propagating fake news, and U-turns.

Power is not permanent. Journalism is. #AsmaSherazi

— Amber Rahim Shamsi (@AmberRShamsi) October 20, 2021

تصویر کا دوسرا رُخ ۔۔ pic.twitter.com/wiYfkd3Kjb

— Mona Khan (@mona_qau) October 20, 2021