Senior PML-N leader slams potential ban of PTI

Former Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Muhammad Zubair has criticized the government's decision to ban the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), emphasizing its status as the most popular political party in the country.

Zubair's comments come in response to Information Minister Attaullah Tarar's announcement last week that the government had resolved to ban the PTI, citing consultations with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and ongoing discussions with the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P).

PPP, however, claimed that they were not aware of this decision.

Read: Cabinet glosses over PTI ban, treason trial

Speaking to a private TV channel, Zubair stated, "No political party, including PTI, should be banned."

He argued that lifting political restrictions is essential for national development, as such bans have hindered progress. He also highlighted that around 70% of Pakistanis believe PTI should not be banned.

“The parties want to ban the majority party,” he noted.

Zubair questioned whether Article 6 of the Constitution was solely applicable to politicians, insisting it should not be invoked unless "the Constitution is thrown into the trash." He further accused the PML-N of exploiting the May 9 incident for political gain.

Echoing Zubair's sentiment, PML-N leader Mian Javed Latif stated that banning a political party, regardless of its support level, was wrong. "If a political party was banned before, then it was wrong," he stressed.