Not in favour of banning any party: Murad Ali Shah

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has said that the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) is not in favour of banning any political party.

Answering a question on the government’s plan to ban the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Shah mentioned that the PPP had not been consulted on the decision to ban the PTI but reiterated the PPP’s stance against banning any political entity.

Talking to the media at Numaish Chowrangi, where he oversaw security for 10th of Muharram (Ashura), he emphasised that PTI needs to reflect on its own actions, as merely holding seats or votes does not constitute a political party.

According to Shah, PTI’s current predicament is a result of its own actions.

He provided an update on the security measures for various processions in Karachi. He assured that all security agencies, including the police and Rangers, have been put on high alert.

He said that local bodies and the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) have also made necessary arrangements.

Shah said that he was personally reviewing the security arrangements for the main processions in Karachi and Hyderabad, in view of the emergence of a new wave of terrorism in the country.

He pledged to continue monitoring the security until the processions culminated.

Earlier, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has said that the decision to ban the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is not final yet and it will be done after consultation with political parties and allies.

Talking to the media in Lahore, Dar said that no decision will be political but it will be according to the constitution and law.

In response to a question, he said that the PTI as a party received foreign funding, including from Jews and Christians.