PPP opposes banning PTI, says political differences shouldn't lead to any party's ‘annihilation'

Murtaza criticized decision to impose restrictions on PTI, deeming it unjustified

LAHORE:

General Secretary of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Central Punjab, Hasan Murtaza, criticised the decision to impose restrictions on political parties and Article 6 sanctions on PTI leaders, deeming it unjustified.

PPP leader emphasised that political disagreements should not lead to the dissolution of any party and stressed the importance of political entities adhering to democratic norms.

Murtaza clarified that Article 6, historically applied to former Generals Musharraf and Zia-ul-Haq but not enforced against political leaders or workers, does not encompass leaders and workers of political parties.

Read Non-bailable warrants issued for top PTI leader

He further stated that imposing restrictions cannot eliminate any political party, advocating instead for dialogue as the primary solution to national issues.

Ban on PTI

Just days after the Supreme Court resurrected PTI, the PML-N-led ruling coalition decided on Monday that a reference will be sent to the top court seeking a ban on PTI, adding that the government will also initiate Article 6 (high treason) proceedings against ex-PM Imran Khan, ex-President Dr Arif Alvi and ex-deputy speaker Qasim Suri for dissolving the National Assembly back in April 2022.

In a press conference, Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting Ataullah Tarar announced that the ruling alliance has also decided to challenge the recent decision of the Supreme Court through which it declared that the PTI is entitled to have reserved seats in the assembly, saying the government would file a review petition against the ruling.