Pakistan Government Moves to Ban PTI and Charge Imran Khan with Treason

In a significant escalation against the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the federal government has announced plans to ban the former ruling party and file treason charges against its founder, Imran Khan, and former president Arif Alvi under Article 6 of the Constitution.

Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar made the announcement during a press conference in Islamabad, asserting that “The PTI and Pakistan cannot co-exist.” He emphasized that the decision will be presented to the federal cabinet and the Supreme Court for further action.

The government’s move comes in response to the PTI’s alleged involvement in the May 9 incidents and attempts by its leaders to sabotage Pakistan’s deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi has already been indicted in cases related to the May 9 riots, and Imran Khan has been arrested in connection with the events of that day.

Tarar also highlighted the ongoing foreign funding case against the PTI, accusing the party of receiving funds from Indian-born U.S. citizens and other foreign lobbies, including Israeli ones. He questioned the PTI’s prolonged stay order in the case, suggesting that the party failed to defend itself adequately.

Reflecting on the May 9 riots, where PTI supporters allegedly vandalized military installations following Khan’s arrest, Tarar accused Imran Khan of prioritizing personal interests over national ones. He further criticized the PTI for allegedly providing safe havens to terrorists and resettling them, questioning the party’s right to make such decisions.

Tarar announced plans to move a reference against former prime minister Imran Khan, former president Arif Alvi, and former National Assembly deputy speaker Qasim Suri. The reference, under Article 6, will be sent to the Supreme Court after cabinet approval. This action follows the controversial dissolution of the National Assembly during a no-confidence motion against Khan, which the Supreme Court later declared unconstitutional.

The PTI has also been implicated in the so-called cipher case, where Khan alleged U.S. interference in his ouster. Despite creating a narrative around this claim, Tarar pointed out that the PTI engaged in lobbying efforts in Washington, further damaging Pakistan’s international relations.

Tarar asserted that the government’s patience has run out, declaring that Pakistan’s prosperity and development are incompatible with the PTI’s continued existence. “Enough is enough. They have played with the country’s fate too much,” he stated, emphasizing the need for decisive action to ensure the nation’s economic and political stability.