'Respect Democratic Principles': US Raises Concern over Pakistan Government's decision to ban PTI

Washington (US): Expressing concerns over the announcement made by the Pakistan government to ban  Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the party of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, the US State Department has urged the ruling Pakistan Muslim League (N) to respect democratic principles adding that fundamental rights of the people have to be respected. 

Addressing a press briefing, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said, "We have observed public statements from the government regarding potential restrictions on PTI. Banning a political party would be of great concern to us. We advocate for respect for democratic principles and people's fundamental rights, which are essential not only in Pakistan but also globally."

Miller added that there is no place for political violence not only in Pakistan but globally.      

The Pakistani government is under severe criticism from political parties all across the spectrum, with several leaders slamming the move and saying it is undemocratic and will have far-fetched implications.

Pakistan Muslim League (N) under fire 

Nawaz Sharif’s party is being strongly criticized for the move. Other political parties besides PTI, like- PPP, Awami National Party, Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam, and Jamaat-i-Islami have criticized the decision. The Pakistan People's Party has also disowned the move. PPP said that leadership was not consulted by the ruling PML (N). 

"We have heard it just like others. We should do politics only because such decisions don't address issues. Let us see what the court decides, but I will stand along with my party and its policy," said Khursheed Shah of PPP.

Earlier the ban on Khan’s party was announced by Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, on Monday who accused the PTI leadership of weakening the sovereignty of the country and harming its integrity at the international level.