Punjab Assembly passes resolution hinting at ban on Imran Khan’s PTI

LAHORE: In a significant move amid mounting state scrutiny of the opposition, the Punjab Assembly on Tuesday passed a resolution calling for a ban on the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party and its incarcerated leader, Imran Khan, citing national security concerns.

The resolution, introduced by PML-N lawmaker Tahir Parvez, accuses the former prime minister and his party of destabilising the nation, aligning with adversaries, and spreading chaos.

The document condemned the PTI for actions deemed harmful to the country’s security and integrity, stressing that any individual or group involved in undermining the state or promoting unrest should be held accountable. The resolution particularly highlighted the role of Imran Khan, accusing him of making hostile statements and acting in ways that jeopardised national stability.

“The institutions that safeguard our sovereignty, having successfully defended Pakistan against adversaries, must be protected at all costs,” the resolution stated. “Imran Khan and PTI’s actions have aligned them with foreign elements opposed to Pakistan’s stability, and as such, a ban on the party is warranted.”

Furthermore, the resolution called for the legal prosecution of those found guilty of endangering the country’s security, regardless of their political affiliation, and paid tribute to security forces for their sacrifices in defending Pakistan.

Earlier, Information Minister Azma Bokhari, addressing a press conference in Lahore, echoed the sentiment of growing frustration within the government toward the PTI’s actions. While she expressed personal opposition to the idea of banning political parties or imposing governor’s rule, she suggested that the ongoing situation might force the state to take drastic measures.

She pointed to the deteriorating security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), a province currently governed by PTI, where terrorism continues to be a persistent issue. She described the province’s police force as understaffed and ill-equipped to deal with rising terrorism, criticising PTI for its failure to address these security concerns effectively.

“The rhetoric coming from PTI is no longer just political opposition,” Bukhari said. “It is putting Pakistan’s stability at serious risk. If they continue down this path, we may have no choice but to take stronger actions.”

She also drew comparisons between Imran Khan and the exiled leader of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Altaf Hussain, who faced court-ordered restrictions after inciting violence and making anti-state statements. Bokhari warned that Khan’s continued behavior could lead to a similar fate.

“If Imran Khan does not change course, he may face consequences like those of Altaf Hussain,” she warned, highlighting PTI’s perceived alignment with hostile elements abroad.