Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar announced on Monday that the government has decided to seek a ban on the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, led by jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, citing allegations of involvement in anti-state activities.
Tarar made the announcement during a news conference in Islamabad, stating, “The federal government will move a case to ban the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.” This decision comes shortly after a series of court rulings that favored Imran Khan.
Last week, the Supreme Court of Pakistan granted PTI reserved seats in Parliament and overturned a verdict on Imran Khan’s illegal marriage. Tarar mentioned credible evidence against PTI, accusing the party of leaking state secrets and inciting riots.
According to Geo News, Tarar emphasised that “PTI and Pakistan cannot coexist,” and the government intends to file references against PTI founder Imran Khan and former President Arif Alvi for treason under Article 6.
The move follows PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi’s formal charges in connection with the May 9 violence, and Imran Khan’s arrest related to the same incidents. These events reportedly involved attempts to disrupt Pakistan’s deal with the International Monetary Fund.
Imran Khan, aged 71, is jailed at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi for nearly a year, facing multiple court cases, which he claims were politically motivated to prevent his return to power in the February elections.
