Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has launched a sharp attack on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-aligned YouTubers living abroad, accusing them of making money from the party’s political difficulties while supporters inside Pakistan bear the consequences.
In a statement shared on X, Khawaja Asif described the overseas content creators as freeloaders and argued that their provocative online commentary was harming the political party they claim to support.
According to the defence minister, these individuals operate from the safety of foreign countries and earn money through their content, while PTI faces the fallout from the political controversy and tensions generated by their posts.
Khawaja Asif said he had rarely encountered a situation in which people claiming loyalty to a political figure or party continued to profit financially from that side’s hardships.
He criticised the overseas YouTubers for allegedly turning PTI’s challenges into an opportunity to generate income, suggesting that their online activities were doing more damage to the party than helping it.
The minister’s remarks highlighted the contrast between content creators operating outside Pakistan and party supporters dealing with the consequences of political developments at home.
Khawaja Asif also referred to the period when PTI was in government, saying the overseas YouTubers had enjoyed considerable opportunities during that time.
He maintained that their earnings had continued even after the party left office, despite the political difficulties PTI subsequently faced.
The defence minister ultimately blamed these content creators for contributing to the party’s decline, arguing that their actions had pushed PTI towards serious damage rather than strengthening its position.
His comments have brought renewed attention to the role of overseas political commentators, online influence and monetised content in Pakistan’s political debate.
