United States has expressed its concerns regarding the PML-N-led Pakistani government’s unexpected declaration of its intent to ban its political rival, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), over allegations of anti-state activities.
Earlier in the day, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar revealed that the federal government plans to file a treason reference against former Prime Minister Imran Khan, former President Arif Alvi, and former National Assembly Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri. The charge stems from their involvement in dissolving the lower house of parliament in April 2022, an act seen as a violation of Article 6 of the Pakistani Constitution.
“This is a fact and on the record that the PTI has been involved in anti-state activities. And, to this end, the government and its allies have decided to initiate legal proceedings to ban the PTI under Article 17 of the Constitution which empowers the federal government to ban any such party,” announced Tarar during a press conference in Islamabad.
In response, State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller addressed the issue during a daily briefing. Referring to the Pakistani government’s announcement, he remarked that the development marks “the beginning of a complex process.”
“Certainly, the banning of a political party would be of great concern to us,” Miller added. He emphasized that the United States supports the peaceful upholding of Pakistan’s Constitution and democratic principles, including respect for human rights and freedom of expression.
“We support the democratic processes and broader principles including the rule of law and equal justice under the law, and as these internal processes continue to play out we will monitor the further decisions,” Miller stated.
The Pakistani government’s announcement has faced significant backlash from various sectors, including leaders of mainstream political parties. PTI, without directly naming PML-N, called for invoking Article 6 against those who undertook unconstitutional steps, urging allies of the ruling coalition to clarify their stance on the plan to ban the former ruling party.
At a press conference in Islamabad on Monday, PTI leadership condemned the federal government’s decision. PTI Secretary General Omar Ayub specifically called on the PPP and MQM-P to clarify their positions, noting that the ANP has already done so.
Senior PTI leader Senator Ali Zafar, speaking to Geo News, stated that his party would vehemently oppose the decision, asserting it is against the law. “We will not allow the decision’s implementation even for a second,” Zafar declared.
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