On March 13, 2024, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar claimed in a press conference that Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf (PTI) had written a letter to the European Union (EU). He stated that PTI is urging the EU to thrash Pakistan from the Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) status due to irregularities in the General Election 2024. Tarar further accused PTI of being a traitor and anti-state group. Meanwhile, on social media, it was claimed that PTI had also given a Global Call to Action to thrash the Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) status from Pakistan.
Renowned Pakistani journalist Gharidah Farooqi posted a screengrab of Whatsapp chat with the following caption: “It is very sad. PTI should not do this. It is against the interests of Pakistan and is tantamount to treason against Pakistan. PTI is demanding that Pakistan’s GSP+ status be revoked. This is damaging to Pakistan’s economy. First, the attempt to sabotage the IMF plan, and now this campaign. Although this campaign does not make any difference, as despite the campaign against the IMF, the IMF’s plan for Pakistan is ongoing and the IMF team is present in Pakistan to move things forward smoothly; But for a party that claims to be the largest and most popular party in the country, running such campaigns by them is tantamount to misleading the people and is regrettable. If PTI has reservations, courts are there, the justice system is there and fight within the system. Every kind of struggle succeeds within the system; There is no success outside the system except chaos and tom-toking in the dark. Federal Information Minister Atta Tarar also said that Imran Khan receives instructions from jail to harm the economy. If this attitude continues, I fear that meetings with Imran Khan may be permanently banned.
This screenshot shared is being circulated by PTI 👇👇👇 No Pakistan-loving Pakistani can be a part of this.”
Multiple verified accounts posted the same statement, accusing the party and its leadership of sabotaging national interest.
Another X user posted, “PTI wants the European Union to revoke GSP plus Status! No wonder they are dancing to someone else’s tunes.”
The claim gained traction on social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter) and on Mainstream Media, the claim was shared here, here, here, here, here and here accumulating more than 1M views. On Facebook here, here, here and here
After Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar’s press conference, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf (PTI)
PTI issued an official statement and denied writing any letter to the European Union.
Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf verified official account posted, “Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf categorically denies writing any letter urging EU to revoke GSP plus status for Pakistan, nor is the party inclined to do so. Allegations leveled against PTI, by the Federal Information Minister is merely a deflection to avoid talking about fundamental issues at hand. GSP Plus status is proportional to pursue sustainable development and good governance, which only the Govt in office can address, regardless of their legitimacy in question.”
Later, the European Union also refuted the rumors. EU denies any communication with PTI on GSP+ status.
The claim appears to have been shared to discredit PTI and paint them as traitors and anti-state, to potentially damage party’s reputation. The claim was widely shared by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz supporters including prominent journalists and mainstream media targeting Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf (PTI) and its founder Imran Khan.
Our fact check confirmed that the claim alleging PTI’s campaign to revoke Pakistan’s GSP+ status from the European Union is false. PTI has denied writing any such letter, and the European Union’s mission in Islamabad has refuted claims of PTI contacting them regarding this matter. This misinformation seems to have been spread with the intent to tarnish PTI’s image and create controversy.
Rating
Propaganda
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