Govt to deliberate on decision and consult allies before taking any decision on banning PTI, says Dar
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar said Tuesday that the decision to impose a ban on the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has not been taken yet by the federal government.
Upping the ante against the embattled Imran Khan-founded party, the federal government led by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) decided to ban the former ruling party as well as file references against the top PTI leaders founder — Imran Khan, Arif Alvi and Qasim Suri — under Article 6 (high treason) for dissolving the National Assembly in April 2022.
Dar, while addressing a press conference in Lahore today, clarified that Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar had clearly announced a day ago that the government would deliberate on the ban on the PTI and make a decision after consulting its allies.
“Decision would be taken according to the law and the Constitution,” the deputy premier assured.
“Whatever decision we take, it would not be above the law and the Constitution, nor politically motivated,” he added.
It is noteworthy to mention here that Tarar blamed the former ruling party for May 9 riots, foreign funding from questionable sources, and illegal dissolution of assemblies during the no-confidence move against the former premier Khan in April 2022.
‘PTI is foreign-funded’
“May 9 events are unacceptable,” said Dar, adding that however, national integrity should be prioritised at any cost.
“Whoever is involved in the May 9 riots must face penalties. Either it’s us or anyone else, if someone is working against the country, then it will be unacceptable,” Dar insisted.
The May 9 riots had erupted following ex-PM Khan’s arrest from Islamabad High Court (IHC) premises last year in which protesters targeted government and military installations.
Commenting on possibilities to initiate political dialogue, he said, “Reconciliation is possible as I have always worked for it.”
