The Pakistani government led by Shehbaz Sharif has decided to ban the incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan‘s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, the country’s Information Minister declared Monday. The PTI is Pakistan’s largest opposition party.
Attaullah Tarar, Pakistan’s Minister for Information and Broadcasting, said during a news conference that the PTI had been banned for alleged anti-state activities. Pakistani media reports that the government will refer the matter to the Supreme Court.
Supreme Court order says PTI eligible for over 20 seats reserved for women and minorities
This decision by the government led by the Pakistan Muslim League (N) comes just days after a Supreme Court order declared Imran Khan’s party eligible for over 20 seats reserved for women and minorities, paving the way for the PTI to emerge as the single largest party in the National Assembly, while the ruling alliance is expected to lose its two-third majority.
Also read: Canadian PM Trudeau meets Diljit Dosanjh; both praise Canada’s diversity
Minister announces decision citing credible evidence for the measure
The minister announced the prohibition decision, citing “credible evidence” for the measure.
“In view of the foreign funding case, the May 9 riots, the cipher episode, as well as the resolution passed in the US, we believe that there is very credible evidence present to have the PTI banned,” stated Mr. Singh.
