The federal government has announced plans to ban PTI and pursue treason charges against its founder, Imran Khan, and former president Arif Alvi under Article 6 of the Constitution.
This move follows the party’s alleged involvement in the May 9 incidents and attempts to disrupt Pakistan’s deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Federal Minister Tarar said that PTI and Pakistan cannot coexist so the government has decided to ban it.
Has anyone heard such a ridiculous press conference as the one @TararAttaullah just made? Thank you Minister Sb- trying to ban PTI has just made my work much easier to expose you and your bosses. This is the type of self destructive fascism we needed to prove our point even… pic.twitter.com/wZke85WPjr
— Sayed Z Bukhari (@sayedzbukhari) July 15, 2024
He criticized the PTI for its failure to defend itself in the foreign funding case, where the party is accused of receiving funds from sources in India and Israel.
According to Tarar, such financial support comes with expectations that the party would serve these foreign interests if it gained power.
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The May 9 riots, sparked by Khan’s arrest, saw PTI supporters attacking military installations.
Tarar accused Khan of placing his personal interests above national security and condemned the PTI government for allegedly providing safe havens to terrorists.
The government intends to file treason references against key PTI leaders, including former Prime Minister Khan, former President Alvi, and former National Assembly Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri.
These charges stem from their actions during the no-confidence motion against Khan and the controversial cipher case, which involved claims of US interference in Pakistan’s politics.
Tarar also addressed a recent Supreme Court verdict that declared PTI eligible for reserved seats.
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The government plans to seek a review of this decision, arguing that PTI members did not meet the required criteria for the relief they received.
These actions reflect the government’s firm stance against PTI.
Tarar asserted that Pakistan’s economic growth and development are incompatible with the PTI’s continued influence, emphasizing that the country and the party cannot progress together.
