Pakistan Government Stands Firm on Banning Imran Khan's PTI Amid Legal Consultations

Pakistan's Information Minister Attatullah Tarar affirmed on Geo News' 'Capital Talk' the government's decision to ban the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Despite dissent from political allies and civil society, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) administration moves forward following recent unrest linked to PTI leaders.

Pakistan's Information Minister Attatullah Tarar reiterated the government's determination to ban the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) during an appearance on Geo News' program 'Capital Talk' on Tuesday, Geo News reported. He stated that the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) would uphold the 'principled' decision following necessary legal procedures.

'We have consulted with the Pakistan Peoples Party regarding the PTI ban and are currently in talks with the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan. People are strongly supporting the idea of banning PTI,' Geo News quoted Tarar. The announcement follows Imran Khan's admission to journalists at Adiala Jail that he called for a protest at the general headquarters if arrested, as reported by Dawn.

Tarar's recent comments echo his previous week's statements about PTI's incompatibility with Pakistan. He cited Imran Khan's role in the May 9 riots and other PTI leaders' attempts to derail an IMF deal as reasons behind the decision.

'We have principally decided to ban PTI, but we are awaiting a broader consensus among ruling allies to impose the ban,' Tarar had said in an earlier Geo News appearance. In response, Imran Khan criticized the ban, calling it a 'murder of democracy.' Khan noted that PTI had already faced restrictions, with its top leaders in jail and barred from elections.

Civil society and the Human Rights Council of Pakistan expressed immediate objections, labeling the ban a violation of fundamental rights. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)