the Pakistani government announced plans to ban the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, led by former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Information Minister Atta Tarar, addressing a press conference in Islamabad, cited multiple reasons for the move, including foreign funding allegations, the May 9 riots, and the cipher episode. Tarar stated, “We believe that there is very credible evidence present to have the PTI banned. Article 17 of the Constitution gives the government the right to ban political parties.”
Article 17 stipulates that every citizen has the right to form or join a political party, subject to reasonable restrictions for the sovereignty or integrity of Pakistan. The government plans to refer the matter to the Supreme Court for final adjudication. Additionally, Tarar announced intentions to file treason charges against Imran Khan, former President Arif Alvi, and former National Assembly Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri for dissolving assemblies in April 2022.
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The government’s decision comes shortly after the Supreme Court declared PTI eligible for reserved seats and overturned Imran Khan’s conviction in the Iddat case. This ruling positioned PTI as the single largest party in the National Assembly. Legal experts and political analysts have been vocal about their concerns. Barrister Asad Rahim remarked, “Banning a country’s largest political party is akin to banning the will of its people. This wild and desperate move will destroy what’s left of democracy.”
Lawyer Moiz Jaferii emphasized that a political party could not be banned without a reference to the Supreme Court, calling the government’s move “ridiculous and desperate posturing.” Similarly, lawyer Jibran Nasir criticized the move, highlighting the government’s desperation and frustration. He pointed out the procedural requirements under Article 17 and the Election Act, which make dissolving a political party a cumbersome process involving the Supreme Court’s approval.
Criticism from Political Figures
The announcement has also drawn criticism from various political figures. Former PPP senator Raza Rabbani described the ban as “against all norms of democracy,” warning that it would exacerbate political and economic instability. He urged the government to focus on curbing internal terrorism rather than creating political chaos. Similarly, former PML-N senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed lamented the move as a repetition of historical mistakes, detrimental to political stability and economic revival.
Jamaat-i-Islami emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman termed the decision an “example of fascism,” arguing that there was no place for such actions in democratic societies. PTI leaders, including Barrister Ali Zafar and Salman Akram Raja, vowed to challenge the government at every level, both publicly and legally. They accused the government of acting out of desperation and violating constitutional provisions.
Expert Opinions
Political analyst Muneeb Farooq explained that the procedure for banning a political party is straightforward but requires the Supreme Court’s endorsement. He expressed doubts about the success of such a declaration. Journalist Zarrar Khuhro predicted that the move would backfire, describing it as a combination of fear and desperation.
Senior journalist Mubashir Zaidi warned that banning PTI would be a grave mistake, likely to deepen the political crisis rather than resolve it. Mazhar Abbas, another veteran journalist, echoed these sentiments, stating that banning the largest political party would not bring stability but further political turmoil.
The government’s decision to ban PTI has sparked widespread debate and criticism, with many viewing it as a desperate and unsustainable move. The legal and political challenges ahead suggest that the matter will be intensely contested in the Supreme Court. As the political landscape in Pakistan remains turbulent, the government’s actions and the judiciary’s response will significantly shape the country’s democratic future.