Pakistan government, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has announced its intention to ban the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. PTI was headed by jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, citing alleged anti-state activities. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar confirmed the decision, stating, “The government has decided that the federal government will move a case to ban the PTI.”
Imran Khan, a prominent figure in Pakistani politics and a former cricketer, has been in custody for nearly a year, facing multiple court cases that he claims are politically motivated to prevent his return to power. His recent arrest by Lahore Police is connected to charges stemming from riots in May last year, with the National Accountability Bureau securing an eight-day remand in the Toshakhana case.
The decision to seek PTI’s ban comes shortly after the Supreme Court of Pakistan ruled that PTI is eligible for reserved seats in national and provincial assemblies, solidifying its position as the largest party in the National Assembly with 109 seats.
Imran Khan’s tenure as prime minister was marked by contentious relations with the military leadership, leading to ongoing clashes and legal challenges against him. Recently, an Islamabad court acquitted Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in a case related to an alleged un-Islamic nikah, overturning a previous sentence of imprisonment and fines.
The move to ban PTI is expected to escalate political tensions in Pakistan, where the party has been a significant force in recent elections and legislative processes.