Political forces unite against govt's decision to ban PTI, calling it 'childish, unconstitutional'

Shahid Khaqan Abbasi says move could backfire on govt, noting both PPP, PML-N have made significant mistakes in past

Various political entities on Monday joined the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in denouncing the ruling coalition’s proposed move, announced by Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, to ban the party founded by Imran Khan, calling it "childish" and "unconstitutional."

Shahid Khaqan Abbasi of Awam Pakistan also condemned the ruling coalition’s actions, accusing them of lacking constitutional and legal understanding. 

Abbasi warned that invoking Article 6 could backfire on the rulers themselves. He urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to reconsider, noting that both the PPP and PML-N have made significant mistakes in the past.

The Awami National Party (ANP) labeled the government’s move as "childish and injudicious," arguing that political parties' activities should not be stifled with restrictions. "Restrictions on political parties and the political process are unacceptable," stated an ANP spokesperson. 

Despite political differences with PTI, the ANP believes the government’s decision is a mistake, emphasising the need to address those responsible for political instability and economic challenges in the country, he added.

Also Read: Imposing a ban is no child's play: PTI leaders lambast govt's decision

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) leader Hafiz Hamdullah posed several critical questions: "Will this decision bring political and economic stability to the country? Will it reduce or escalate confrontations? What benefits will it offer to the public and the country? Does the 'Form 47' government have the authority to make such decisions?" 

He noted that parties previously restricted continue to face challenges today, while those who imposed such restrictions have disappeared. 

Hamdullah suggested that the government’s decision might be an attempt to influence powerful quarters or pressure the judiciary following the Supreme Court's decision in the reserved seats case, which favoured the PTI-SIC. He further emphasised the necessity of "free and fair elections" for political and economic stability.

Farhatullah Babar of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) criticised the idea of banning a political party as "absurd," stating, "It is equally absurd to consider charging a political leader with treason." 

He emphasised that no case regarding treason or banning a political party could hold up, warning that such actions would only exacerbate the political crisis. "Democracy and the state will struggle to endure the critical situation created by the government," he added.

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

Senate Opposition Leader Shibli Faraz dismissed the government's press conference as "ridiculous," accusing the rulers of driving the country further into chaos. He stated that any move to ban PTI would lead to political instability and announced that the PTI would issue a formal response after consulting with its Core Committee.

On Monday, the federal government decided to ban the former ruling party and file treason references against ex-prime minister Imran Khan and former president Arif Alvi under Article 6. "The PTI and Pakistan cannot co-exist," Tarar declared during a press conference, indicating that the matter would be brought before the federal cabinet and the Supreme Court.

Tarar justified the decisions by citing the PTI's alleged involvement in the May 9 riots and attempts by its leaders to undermine Pakistan's deal with the International Monetary Fund.