Punjab Chief Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb calls attack on Khanzada a reflection of mob mentality
This image from a social media video shows host Shahzeb Khanzada being confronted – Photo via
Anchor Shahzeb Khanzada was confronted in public by a man who accused him of reporting against PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi, as shown in a video circulating on social media. Khanzada, accompanied by his family, did not participate and walked away.
Several political figures and journalists condemned the incident. Punjab Chief Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb described the confrontation as unacceptable, while PPP leader and Sindh Energy Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah urged that disagreements be expressed respectfully. MQM-P Senator Faisal Subzwari also criticized the incident.
Read: Imran called out 9th for ‘illegal sale of gifts’
The incident occurred two days later The economist published an article examining Imran Khan’s marriage to Bushra Bibi and her role in decision-making during his tenure as prime minister, which the party dismissed as recycled propaganda masquerading as foreign commentary.
Many social media users expressed their support for Khanzada and described the incident as unacceptable.
Punjab Chief Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb criticized the behavior and said it reflected a “mob mentality” within the PTI. He added that such actions demonstrated a lack of basic decency and civility and amounted to intimidation rather than political expression.
Shameful harassment of @shazbkhanzdaGEO and his wife, another dirty reminder of the mafia mentality that Imran Khan has carefully bred within the PTI. This crowd does not lack manners, they were never taught dignity, decency or basic humanity. Their entire existence is fueled by…
— Marriyum Aurangzeb (@Marriyum_A) November 17, 2025
Journalists, including Waseem Abbasi, Ziauddin Yousafzai, Asad Ali Toor, Matiullah Jan, Zahid Gishkori, Faizan Lakhani and Asma Shirazi, expressed concern about the harassment, calling it inappropriate and unacceptable.
Pakistan Daily founder Hamza Azhar Salam pointed out that the PTI had not launched a defamation case against Khanzada and that the confrontation took place in public.
Khanzada responded to X, defending his coverage of the Iddat case and pointing out that his coverage had also highlighted the detention of Shahbaz Gill under treason-related laws.
Read more: Prime Minister condemns violence against journalists
“This is disgusting and absolutely condemnable,” said Ziauddin Yousafzai, father of Nobel laureate Malala Yousufzai.
This is disgusting and absolutely condemnable. Harassing someone in a public space is a shameful act of harassment. Shahzeb Khanzada is an honorable man and a noted journalist.
This incident exposes the ugly face and behavior of an intolerant sect. Much respect for…
– Ziauddin Yousafzai (@ZiauddinY) November 16, 2025
“Khanzada is an honorable man and an outstanding journalist. This incident exposes the ugly face and behavior of an intolerant sect,” he said.
