Islamabad:

In a major development in the ongoing study of anti-state propaganda on social media, the joint investigative team (JIT) has decided to issue arrest warrants for 20 Pakistan Tehreek-E-Insaf (PTI) leaders, confirmed sources on Wednesday.

According to sources, the decision was made after the PTI leaders were unable to cooperate with the investigation despite having received more subpoenas from JIT. Reported messages were served in the residence of all affected persons.

Among those facing arrest are senior PTI figures including Waqas Acram, Hammad Azhar, Zulfi Bukhari, Aon Abbas, Mian Aslam, Firdous Shamim Naqvi, Taimur Saleem and Jibran Ilyas. Warrants is also expected to be issued to Khalid Khurshid, Shahbaz Gill, Azhar Mashwani and several others. State TV -Station Radio Pakistan earlier reported that Jit has solid evidence against these individuals.

JIT, led by the Inspector General of Islamabad, was formed in accordance with section 30 of the Act on the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (PECA) 2016 to investigate anti-state activities related to content on social media.

Several prominent PTI figures – including party chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Senates opposition leader Shibli Faraz and Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan – have already been shown before JIT during the investigation.

According to sources, the calling on their social media managers and controversial positions related to the military and state institutions. They were allegedly shown specifically content and asked to clarify its origin and purpose.

In addition to questions about activity on social media, the probe also has deep down the party’s financial affairs. Barrister Gohar and others were also asked about the party’s funding. PTI has submitted complete items related to Party Funds to JIT.

Jit had previously warned of strict action against those who failed to emerge before it.