Banning PTI is out of question: Gandapur challenges PML-N govt

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur strongly rebutted the federal government's recent move to take punitive actions against the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), stating that PTI, which garnered the highest votes in the February 8 national elections, cannot be banned by anyone.

Speaking at a press conference in Peshawar on Tuesday, he criticised the decision of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)-led coalition government to impose a ban on PTI, labeling it as a catalyst for further political turmoil.

He made these remarks following a visit to the Supreme Command Post at Kohati Gate in Peshawar, where he reviewed security arrangements for Muharram processions alongside key provincial officials.

Amid allegations that the current federal rulers came into power by usurping the people’s mandate, Gandapur lambasted the federal government's actions, particularly the announcement by Federal Information Minister Ataullah Tarar regarding PTI's ban.

The decision also included plans to file treason charges against top PTI leaders including Imran Khan, Arif Alvi, and Qasim Suri for dissolving the National Assembly in April 2022.

Also Read: No decision yet to ban PTI, says Ishaq Dar

Highlighting PTI's recent legal victory, where the Supreme Court upheld the party's eligibility for reserved seats for women and minorities, Gandapur hailed it as a vindication of PTI’s stance on the matter.

He further called for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Sikander Sultan Raja following the court's decision, which overturned previous rulings by the Election Commission of Pakistan and the Peshawar High Court denying reserved seats to PTI-backed Sunni Ittehad Council candidates.

In response to queries, the CM expressed PTI's disapproval of ad hoc appointments of judges to the Supreme Court, asserting that such appointments should be based on merit rather than interim arrangements. He announced intentions to raise this issue in the provincial assembly.

Regarding political dialogue, Gandapur stated that PTI founder Imran Khan would decide on initiating talks with ruling parties.

He criticised PTI's political opponents for condemning the government's decision, calling it a political ploy. He urged them to openly oppose any attempts to ban PTI, emphasising the need for unified opposition against unjust actions.