Shahzeb Khanzada, Shahbaz Gill clash intensifies on X

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published 2 hours ago |  JP Staff Report

A sharp exchange between Shahzeb Khanzada and Shahbaz Gill on X intensified after a viral mall confrontation involving a member of the public, renewing debate over media conduct, harassment, and political polarization in Pakistan.

Summary

ISLAMABAD — A heated online clash has erupted between television anchor Shahzeb Khanzada and former government spokesperson Shahbaz Gill, deepening political and media tensions on the X platform.

The dispute intensified after a viral video surfaced showing a man confronting Khanzada inside a shopping mall, verbally shaming him over his reporting on the Iddat case involving former Prime Minister Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi. The incident prompted condemnation from some journalists, who called the confrontation an alarming example of harassment fueled by Pakistan’s polarized media climate.

Background to the dispute

The controversy centers on Khanzada’s reporting of court proceedings in the Iddat case. After Gill criticized his coverage as intrusive and biased, Khanzada responded by sharing clips from his program, saying he had not only reported the facts but had also consistently called out the political exploitation of the case. He added that his critics often ignore context, even when it supports their own political leaders.

Khanzada further reminded Gill that his program had once defended Gill during his custody ordeal, condemning the alleged torture he faced and the use of outdated treason laws against him.

Gill’s counter-argument

Gill rejected the anchor’s assertions, accusing him of selectively shaping narratives and bolstering those in power while portraying any later support as a moral stance. He claimed that he had quietly supported Khanzada and his media organization during challenging times and would continue to stand by principles regardless of political differences.

In a series of tweets, Gill escalated his criticism, accusing Khanzada of shameful conduct, biased reporting, and contributing to a toxic media environment. He also asserted that the mall confrontation did not amount to harassment and instead reflected public reaction to what he described as Khanzada’s years of damaging commentary.

Adeel Raja, a senior television producer, also entered the conversation, questioning whether Khanzada had comprehensively reported all sides of the Iddat case, particularly remarks made by Imran Khan.

KEY POINTS:

• A viral mall confrontation reignited a public dispute between Shahzeb Khanzada and Shahbaz Gill
• Khanzada defended his reporting and accused Gill of spreading misinformation
• Gill accused Khanzada of biased journalism and fueling public hostility
• Some journalists condemned the mall confrontation as harassment
• The episode reflects growing political polarization in Pakistan’s media environment