Balochistan PA demands ban on PTI

QUETTA:

The Balochistan Assembly on Thursday passed a resolution demanding a ban on the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), accusing the party of promoting unrest and targeting state institutions, particularly during the May 9 riots.

Saleem Khan Khoso, the parliamentary leader of the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) in Balochistan Assembly tabled the resolution. It was signed by Mir Sadiq Umrani, the parliamentary leader of the PPP in Balochistan Assembly and other lawmakers from treasury benches.

Chief Minister Mir Sarafarz Bugti was also present on the occasion and backed the resolution.

The resolution, backed by the ruling PML-N, PPP, Awami National Party (ANP) and other allies, condemned PTI’s alleged actions aimed at destabilizing the judiciary, media, and economy.

Criticising the PTI for the nationwide riots on May 9, 2023, the resolution said the party was once again "committing acts of violence" and had taken on the form of a "political anarchist group".

"This kind of anarchist agenda of the PTI has badly affected every system and school of thought in the country, including the judiciary, the media and the country's economy

"It should be noted that the talk of a province's constitutional chief minister of opposing the federation is tantamount to taking forward the agenda of anti-national forces," it said.

Referring to the alleged use of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government's resources in the protest, the resolution said that its "open attack on the federation with government machinery and resources" was clear evidence of the PTI's non-political agenda.

"Keeping in view the above facts, this House of the Balochistan Assembly strongly demands the federal government to ensure an immediate ban on PTI for trying to spread chaos in the country and pit the Pakistan Army and security forces against the people. So that the anxiety and suffering experienced by the people of the country due to PTI can be ended," the resolution demanded in its conclusion.

The resolution also criticised the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government for allegedly misusing state resources during protests.

Parliamentary leader of the PML-N's Saleem Khosa defended the ban, stating that it was necessary to safeguard democracy and national security.

Meanwhile, PPP lawmaker, Bakht Muhammad Kakar supported the resolution, with the Minister for Health emphasizing stricter action against elements threatening national stability.

However, the resolution faced opposition from the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) and National Party (NP), whose lawmakers walked out in protest.

Former Chief Minister Nawab Muhammad Aslam Raisani argued that the ban was unwarranted, noting that PTI lacked representation in the Balochistan Assembly and had limited support in the province.

National Party Chief, Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch warned lawmakers against opportunistic politics, suggesting some supporters of the ban might align with PTI in the future. Jamaat-e-Islami's Maulana Hidayatur Rehman criticized the resolution, questioning why similar action was not taken against parties involved in violence in Karachi.

Despite the opposition, the resolution was passed, with lawmakers expressing their unwavering support for the army and condemning conspiracies against state institutions.

The Punjab Assembly paid tribute on Thursday to national security institutions and Islamabad Police for bringing an end to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's protest in the capital.

MPA Shoaib Siddiqui tabled a resolution in the house, commending security institutions for controlling the situation through timely and strategic decisions. The resolution hailed it as a significant success in preventing anarchy under the guise of protests by miscreants.

The resolution further said that the country's economy is gaining momentum, with new opportunities for prosperity emerging through foreign investment. It noted recent MoUs and partnership agreements signed with a 68-member Belarus delegation. However, it criticized protests and sit-ins during this critical period as a threat to economic stability. By halting such anti-economic protests, the resolution claimed, a positive message was sent to international investors and financial institutions.

The resolution paid tribute and hoped that the journey of progress would continue under the leadership of the prime minister, COAS and the Punjab CM.

The house prayed that may Allah always protect the country from terrorists and unscrupulous elements