No consultation before PTI ban decision: PPP

Central Secretary Information of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Shazia Marri, reacted to the decision to ban Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI), stating that PPP was not taken into confidence regarding this decision, adding that the party will discuss the government's decision internally.

The decision came after Information Minister Ataullah Tarar revealed the government's decision to file a case in the Supreme Court to impose the ban on PTI, asserting that there is clear evidence and citing the Constitution's provision that allows the government to prohibit any party involved in anti-state activities. Ataullah further declared that cases under Article 6 will be initiated against former President Arif Alvi, PTI founder Imran Khan, and Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri.

Read K-P CM terms move of banning PTI a ‘joke’

Responding to the government's decision, Marri emphasized that if PTI considers itself a political party, it must adopt a political demeanour.

Senior Pakistan People's Party (PPP) leader Sherry Rehman also voiced surprise over the government's decision, stating that the PPP had no prior indication of such a move. Sherry highlighted that the PPP had already expressed its concerns during the budget discussions, advising against unilateral decisions that could strain the coalition.

Sherry emphasized, "We had no indication that a ban on PTI was imminent. We stand by whatever decision our party makes, but I believe this will achieve nothing. You cannot suppress anything like this. The rule of law should prevail, and the public is already suffering under the current conditions."

She further stressed the importance of collective wisdom and public consultation, urging all political parties to consider the country's problems and propose solutions to overcome the challenges.

However, PML-N leader Talal Chaudhry clarified that the government did not ban a political party but rather filed a reference in the SC against a party involved in anti-state activities.

"We took this step after both the government and caretaker government deliberated on this option. Despite knowing we would face criticism, fulfilling our duty was more important," Chaudhry stated.

PML-N leader reiterated that the government is acting in the interest of the state and is pursuing justice for the incidents of May 9 and foreign funding allegations against PTI.