The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is facing sharp criticism on social media after family members of party founder Imran Khan were seen celebrating Basant in Lahore, even as the former prime minister remains incarcerated in Adiala Jail and the party calls for protest actions.
Videos and images circulating online showed Shiraz, the son of Aleema Khan, enjoying Basant festivities with his family in Lahore. The visuals triggered anger among PTI supporters and critics alike, many of whom questioned the party’s messaging and internal consistency.
Several users pointed out what they described as double standards. “Quaid Imran Khan is in jail, while Aleema Khan’s son is celebrating Basant with his wife and children,” one post read, warning that criticism of the family often leads to backlash within the party.
Others noted that until recently, Basant had been criticized by PTI-linked voices yet the same festival was now being openly enjoyed by the party leadership’s relatives.
The backlash intensified as PTI has called for a shutter-down strike on February 8, urging supporters to take to the streets. Critics argued that such calls disproportionately affect daily wage earners, while members of the party’s top family circle appear unaffected.
One widely shared post contrasted Aleema Khan’s public calls for protest with her son’s participation in festivities, describing it as a gap between rhetoric and reality.
Meanwhile, Basant’s revival in Lahore has attracted significant interest from foreign tourists. Visitors and expatriates were seen flying kites from rooftops, hotels and designated venues adding a festive atmosphere across the city.
As criticism grows, the episode has fueled a broader debate about PTI’s internal discipline, public messaging and the expectations placed on supporters during political mobilization.
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