Jibran Ilyas found complicit in PTI’s anti-state plot

ISLAMABAD: Explosive WhatsApp messages between Jibran Ilyas and Rauf Hassan have surfaced, allegedly exposing a well-coordinated campaign to spread anti-state propaganda.

Sources claim Ilyas, operating from abroad, has been actively involved in promoting the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) anti-state narrative on a foreign agenda.

The leaked conversations, which span from December 2023 to May 2024, reveal that Ilyas sent Hassan images, videos, and detailed instructions on how to incite unrest on the anniversary of the May 9 events.

 According to insiders, Ilyas directed Hassan to push propaganda material, including controversial videos and hashtags linked to the May 9 unrest.

Sources suggest that Ilyas shared television screenshots with Hassan on May 1, highlighting remarks made by Justices Athar Minallah and Qazi Faez Isa regarding the May 9 incident. In addition, Ilyas allegedly forwarded trending social media hashtags such as “Intervention Happens” and “May 9 False Flag” in an attempt to fuel anti-state narratives.

One particularly concerning message involves a statement from Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, which Ilyas shared to support his agenda. The statement raised questions about the state’s functioning, with Justice Shah reportedly saying, “What kind of state is this where we are constantly afraid of being watched, listened to, recorded? Is this how a state is run?”

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The leaks also reveal a Google Drive link created by Ilyas, containing data related to alleged false flag operations from May 9, 2023. In a message to Hassan, Ilyas reportedly said, “We have stored all data related to May 9 false flag operations, which can be used as May 9, 2024, approaches.”

In another message dated May 7, Ilyas praised PTI’s social media efforts, stating, “Everyone has done excellent work over the last seven days. Our May 9 false flag operation campaign has been extremely effective.”

The messages also expose a financial dimension to the campaign. In a message from May 14, Ilyas demanded payment for social media propagandists, which sources suggest indicates the PTI’s propaganda machinery is highly organized and well-funded.

These revelations have raised serious concerns about the involvement of foreign-based individuals in undermining the state’s narrative.