'PTI & Pakistan Cannot Co-exist': Why Imran Khan's Party is Banned?

Islamabad: The Shehbaz Sharif-led government in Pakistan has declared a ban on the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI), the party established by former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The government accuses PTI of participating in activities deemed as threats to state security. Khan, 71, has been lodged at the Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi on account of multiple cases against him. “The government has decided to initiate legal action to ban the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). We believe there is substantial evidence warranting the ban, based on allegations against the former Prime Minister”, said  Pakistan's Information Minister Attaullah Tarar. The government's decision comes on the heels of relief given to the PTI by the Supreme Court in the case of the reserved seats as well as to Khan in the illegal marriage case. 

Geo TV reported that Attaullah Tarar has announced that the government plans to file treason charges against Imran Khan and former President Arif Alvi under Article 6. Additionally, the government intends to submit a review petition to the Supreme Court challenging its recent decision, which upheld PTI's status as a political party.

'PTI and Pakistan cannot co-exist'

"In light of the foreign funding case, the May 9 riots, the cipher controversy, and the recent US resolution, we believe there is substantial evidence to justify banning PTI," said Attaullah Tarar. He further asserted, "PTI and Pakistan cannot co-exist," indicating that the government plans to petition the Supreme Court to enforce the ban. Tarar intensified the criticism of Imran Khan, accusing him of undermining the country’s diplomatic relations for personal political gain and securing a US resolution against Pakistan.

'Worst Fascist Leader'

Attaullah Tarar, a PML-N leader, criticized Imran Khan, calling him the "worst fascist leader" and accusing him of perpetuating a regime that jailed mothers and sisters. Tarar claimed that despite PTI leaders' involvement in various controversies, including the May 9 riots and the Iddat case, there was a perception that the party was "untouchable."

'Enough is Enough'

Addressing the issue of improving relations with PTI, Tarar asserted that the government's patience had been misinterpreted as weakness. "No more. Enough is enough. They have played with the country’s fate too much," he declared.

Tarar also expressed concerns about a legal loophole in the recent Supreme Court ruling, which provided PTI with relief without adequate scrutiny. He stated that, considering this loophole, the government and its allies have decided to file a review petition. The minister emphasized that the review petition reflects the sentiments of women and minorities who have suffered injustices under PTI’s leadership