ISLAMABAD: Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar announced that the federal government has decided to ban the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), citing the party’s involvement in anti-state activities.
Information Minister stated at a press conference in Islamabad that PTI and Pakistan cannot exist together, announcing that the federal government plans to petition the apex court for the party’s ban.
“The decisions were made due to the former ruling party’s role in the events of May 9, and efforts by current or former PTI leaders to undermine Pakistan’s agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF),” as per Tarar.
The latest news comes after PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi was charged in cases linked to the May 9 riots, and Imran Khan was arrested for incidents that happened on the same day.
Referring to the time when the government dissolved the assemblies during the no-confidence motion against Khan, the minister mentioned that the ruling alliance has also decided to file a reference against the former prime minister, then-president Arif Alvi, and the former National Assembly deputy speaker Qasim Suri.
He stated that this reference, under Article 6 of the Constitution, will be submitted to the Supreme Court after approval by the cabinet.
Criticizing the former ruling party, Tarar said there’s a perception that the party is “untouchable,” despite its leaders being involved in cases related to May 9, iddat, or the £190 million case.
“The worst fascist leader was he [Khan]. He inherited the pattern of putting mothers and sisters in jail,” said the PML-N leader.
Speaking about repairing ties with the PTI, the information minister said the government’s patience and tolerance were seen as weaknesses.
“No more,” Tarar said. “Enough is enough. They have toyed with the country’s fate too much,” he added.
“If this country’s economy is to prosper, if the people want to progress, if the youth want jobs, and if Pakistan aims to stand with developed countries, then Pakistan and PTI cannot coexist,” the Minister asserted.
Speaking about the Supreme Court verdict favoring the PTI and stating its eligibility for the allocation of reserved seats, Tarar said the PTI was not a party to the case, and its members did not claim to be part of it.
“Everyone submitted Sunni Ittehad Council’s affidavit, but its manifesto states that no non-Muslim member can join the party; hence, they could not obtain a seat,” Tarar highlighted.
Attaullah Tarar said that the perception is that PTI was granted relief without even requesting it. “Considering the legal loophole in this judgment, the government and its allies have decided to file a review petition,” he added.
