Pakistan’s government has announced plans to ban the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, led by former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Pakistan Information Minister Attaullah Tarar announced that, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) will be banned for allegedly being connected with anti-state activities. Information Minister revealed that the government would present the case to both the cabinet and potentially the Supreme Court.
Pakistan Muslim League (PML) government led by current prime minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif cites illegal foreign funding and violent protests as key reasons for the ban of Imran’s party. This decision follows a series of contentious events, including last year’s riots involving PTI supporters that targeted military installations.
The PTI, already barred from February’s elections, contested as independents, and a recent Supreme Court ruling allocated the party additional seats in parliament, complicating the political landscape for Pakistan’s fragile coalition government. The impact of the proposed ban on these reserved seats remains uncertain, with the government seeking a legal review of the issue.
Former Prime Minister and famous Cricketer Imran Khan (71), has been lodged at the Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi on account of multiple cases against him. Information Minister Tarar said that clear evidence was available to impose restrictions on the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and the government would initiate proceedings against the party.
The government's decision comes on the heels of relief given to the PTI by the Supreme Court in the case of the reserved seat as well as to Khan in the illegal marriage case.
Govt Daydreaming: Tehreek-e-Insaf Party Reacts:
Responding to the news conference by Tarar, Spokesperson for Imran Khan on Legal Affairs Naeem Haider Panjutha said that the Government had no right to ban the PTI.
"Those who are talking about banning PTI, you are going to dig your own grave, you have already been rejected by people because of your cruelty. Legally, only the Supreme Court has issued an order under Article 17 (2) of the Constitution of Pakistan. Our party is against the policies of a few people, not against the country, Imran Khan is in jail today for the independence and strength of Pakistan. And to say that we are the country. This is shameless arrogance which has nothing to do with reality," he posted on Twitter.
In its official response, the Pak Tehreek e Insaaf said that the puppet government of Pakistan is daydreaming of banning the PTI. "General Asim Munir and his puppet government's mood is increasing after the process of returning the public mandate of Tehreek-e-Insaaf, which was given on February 8, after which they started daydreaming about banning Tehreek-e-Insaaf. General Asim Munir, take care and do not shake the foundations of Pakistan by playing with the constitution any more. No patriot can think of banning the largest and most popular party in Pakistan, doing so is tantamount to shaking the foundations of Pakistan and sending the country towards civil war. Learn from the Hamudur Rehman Commission report and stop playing with fire the nation will not bear the loss of the country to satisfy your ego," the PTI said in a post on X.