PPP, ANP oppose govt’s move to ban PTI

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and the Awami National Party (ANP) have opposed the federal government’s decision to ban the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

According to PPP sources, senior leaders have advised the party leadership to openly reject the government’s move, stating that they do not support the decision.

Some PPP leaders expressed surprise at the statement by Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Atta Tarar, who claimed that allies were consulted on the matter. The PPP leaders said they were not aware of any such consultation.

Meanwhile, the ANP also criticised the government’s decision, calling it a childish act.

An ANP spokesperson stated that imposing restrictions on political parties is unwise and counterproductive.

“Notwithstanding political differences with the PTI, this move by the government is foolish,” the spokesperson said. “The ruling party at the centre has evidently not learned from past mistakes.”

Earlier, Atta Tarar, during a press conference in Islamabad, announced the decision to ban PTI. He cited evidence of foreign funding, the May 9 attacks, the return of terrorists, and a resolution in America as justifications for the ban.

Additionally, he mentioned a “game of cipher” and other activities as reasons for the government’s decision to pursue the ban.

Tarar emphasised that under Article 17 of the Constitution of Pakistan, the government has the authority to ban political parties.

He accused the PTI of attempting to sabotage the IMF deal and creating instability and chaos in the country for political gains.

This decision by the federal government has sparked significant controversy, with opposition parties condemning the move and questioning the rationale behind the ban.