ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet in Islamabad has delayed its decision on implementing a ban on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and invoking Article 6 against PTI founder Imran Khan, former president Dr. Arif Alvi, and ex-deputy NA speaker Qasim Suri.
Media Sources indicate that the government will consult with the Pakistan People’s Party and other coalition parties before making a decision. Sources stated that the issue of banning PTI will be presented at the cabinet meeting following the consultation.
Chairing a meeting of the federal cabinet in Islamabad today, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the propaganda campaign launched by PTI against the armed forces of Pakistan, stating it will not be tolerated.
He emphasized the need to unite against such malicious campaigns, stressing that the armed forces have made immense sacrifices in the fight against terrorism to ensure peace and stability in the country.
Voicing serious concerns over the recent surge in terror acts, especially in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Prime Minister stated that this is being done under an organized conspiracy.
Referring to the involvement of TTP in terror attacks, he said that terror originating from a neighboring country is not acceptable at all.
He said Pakistan is ready to protect its citizens but wants to address this issue through negotiations and peaceful means. He mentioned that contacts in this regard are being made directly and indirectly.
The federal government had previously announced its plans to ban Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and seek Article 6 proceedings against its founder Imran Khan, ex-president Dr. Arif Alvi, and former deputy NA speaker Qasim Suri.
The announcement followed the relief granted to the party by the top court in the reserved seats case and to party founder Imran Khan in the Iddat case.
At a press conference, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the country could not progress with the existence of the Imran Khan-founded party.
“In light of the foreign funding case, the May 9 riots, the cipher case, and the resolution passed in the US, we believe there is credible evidence to ban PTI,” he said.
