The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf criticized the federal government on Monday, accusing it of attempting to ban the party “out of desperation” following a favorable Supreme Court ruling on reserved seats.
In an interview, senior PTI leader Senator Ali Zafar vehemently opposed the government’s decision, stating that his party would not permit its implementation “even for a moment,” citing its inconsistency with the nation’s laws.
Zafar’s remarks were prompted by Information Minister Attaullah Tarar’s announcement of the government’s intention to ban PTI and initiate treason charges against its founder, Imran Khan, and former president Arif Alvi.
“In regard to their announcement of banning PTI, I believe they operate in a realm beyond legal bounds. There is no provision in our legal framework that sanctions such a measure,” Senator Zafar asserted.
He continued, criticizing Minister Tarar’s statement as disqualifying and suggested that any attempt to pursue such an action would face opposition from both PTI and the judiciary.
“The Information Minister’s remarks appear to stem from desperation following the reserved seats judgment. This decision is unlawful,” Zafar commented.
Regarding the allegation of receiving illegal foreign funds and riots targeting military installations, cited by Minister Tarar as grounds for the ban and treason charges, Zafar dismissed them as baseless and lacking legal merit.
“He seems to misunderstand the law, including the invocation of Article 6 for high treason. Mere violations do not warrant such severe measures,” Zafar stated, emphasizing that such actions could set a dangerous precedent.
Regarding the government’s decision to file a review petition against the Supreme Court’s verdict on reserved seats, Zafar acknowledged their constitutional right to do so but cautioned about the limited success rate of such petitions.
“Review petitions are typically dismissed, especially when reconsidered by the same bench. I believe the Supreme Court’s decision on reserved seats is well-founded and unlikely to be overturned,” he concluded.
