‘Ban’: a blow to democracy
The government’s bombshell decision to ban the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, just as it seemed to be weathering its legal storms, ignited a firestorm of condemnations from politicians and rights groups alike on Tuesday, warning that the move strikes at the very heart of democratic principles.
Politicos, journalists, and rights activists also lambasted the decision to initiate Article 6 proceedings against PTI founder Imran Khan, ex-president Dr Arif Alvi, and former NA deputy speaker Qasim Suri as a move that would throw a spanner in the works, plunging the entire system into instability.
They noted that the decision was obviously prompted by the political fortunes of the Imran Khan-led party brightening up, especially as PTI’s soaring numbers in the NA threatened the ruling coalition.
Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Awaam Pakistan Chairman and former PML-N senior vice president, emphasised the need for unity in the face of the country’s challenges. “The government has no precedent to ban any political party,” he stated, urging ministers to realize that banning political entities was not a solution.
Former PPP senator Raza Rabbani condemned the ban as antithetical to democratic norms. “The country is already facing grave economic and political instability,” he warned, adding that such a move could destabilize the entire democratic system. He urged the government to focus on curbing internal terrorism instead.
PPP leader Khursheed Shah criticized lack of consultation on the matter, stressing that political dialogue was essential given the country’s current conditions.
Similarly, former PML-N senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed warned against repeating historical mistakes, noting the detrimental impact on political stability and economic revival.
‘Be warned!’
Human rights activist and former PPP senator Farhatullah Babar dismissed the ban and the trial of political leaders for treason as “unsustainable”.
He cautioned, “US democracy will sustain its current crisis. Pakistani democracy, indeed the state itself, is unlikely to sustain [the] self-imposed crisis. Be warned.”
Jamaat-e-Islami emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman labelled the decision an “example of fascism” and stressed the importance of adhering to democratic principles. “There is no room for these decisions in democratic societies,” he said.
Former PPP senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar criticized the move as a continuation of a dictatorial legacy, demanding an end to the insult of public mandate.
Hasan Murtaza, PPP Central Punjab General Secretary, stated that banning political parties was never the right decision. “Political disagreements do not justify the dissolution of a party,” he said.
He emphasised that political parties must adopt democratic practices and that Article 6 should apply to former generals Musharraf and Zia-ul-Haq, not to political leaders and workers. “You cannot eliminate a political party by imposing bans; dialogue is the only solution,” Murtaza insisted.
‘Authoritarian mindset’
JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman called for transparent and impartial elections as the only solution to the political crisis.
He stressed the need for the military to stay out of politics, stating, “As long as the military remains involved in politics, the country will not overcome its crisis.”
JUI spokesperson Aslam Ghauri echoed this sentiment, criticising the government’s decision to ban PTI as a distraction from real issues.
He argued that such decisions would exacerbate political and economic crises and reflect an authoritarian mindset.
“Ministers are not addressing the real issues of inflation and excessive taxes,” he added, stressing that political problems should be resolved politically, not through force.
Rights groups ‘shocked’ by ban
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) also expressed shock at the government’s decision, calling it a “flagrant violation” of party members’ rights and a “desperate” political manoeuvre.
The HRCP’s spokesperson, Asad Iqbal Butt, called for the immediate withdrawal of the decision, warning that it would only lead to deeper polarization and political chaos.