Hours after a contentious issue with the well in Pakistan, the United States on Monday voiced concerns over the PML-N-led government’s unexpected announcement to ban its political rival, PTI, citing alleged involvement in anti-state activities.
Earlier today, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar declared that the federal government would file a reference against former Prime Minister Imran Khan, former President Arif Alvi, and former National Assembly Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri for treason under Article 6, due to their actions in dissolving the lower house of parliament in April 2022.
“The PTI has been involved in anti-state activities, and the government and its allies have decided to initiate legal proceedings to ban the PTI under Article 17 of the Constitution, which allows the federal government to ban any such party,” Tarar announced during a press conference in Islamabad.
State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller, referring to media reports and the Pakistani government’s announcement, commented that this development marks the start of a complex process. He added, “Banning a political party would be of great concern to us.” Miller emphasized the U.S.’s support for the peaceful upholding of Pakistan’s Constitution and democratic principles, including human rights and freedom of expression. “We support democratic processes and broader principles such as the rule of law and equal justice, and will monitor the situation as it unfolds,” he said.
The government’s announcement faced significant backlash from various quarters, including leaders of mainstream political parties. The PTI, without directly naming the PML-N, demanded action under Article 6 against those responsible for unconstitutional steps in the country and urged allies of the ruling coalition to clarify their stance on the proposed PTI ban.
During a press conference in Islamabad, PTI Secretary General Omar Ayub called on the PPP and the MQM-P to declare their positions, noting that the ANP had already clarified theirs. Senior PTI leader Senator Ali Zafar told Geo News that his party would oppose the decision’s implementation, deeming it illegal.
PPP leader Farhatullah Babar criticized the idea of banning a political party, calling it “absurd” and dismissing the notion of launching a treason case against a political leader as “rubbish.” Senior PPP leader Raza Rabbani added that such a move contradicts democratic norms and noted that past attempts to ban political parties in Pakistan have failed and been discarded.
The Awami National Party (ANP) described the government’s move as “childish and injudicious,” asserting that political restrictions are unacceptable. The ANP stressed the importance of identifying those causing political instability and economic difficulties.
JUI-F leader Hafiz Hamdullah questioned whether the ban would stabilize the country politically and economically or if it would exacerbate conflicts. JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman argued that Pakistan could not resolve its political crisis unless the army refrains from political involvement.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) condemned the government’s decision, calling it unconstitutional and a significant blow to democratic norms, especially given the Supreme Court’s unanimous ruling recognizing the PTI as a political party. The HRCP’s statement on X (formerly Twitter) demanded the decision’s immediate withdrawal, warning that it could lead to greater polarization and potential political chaos and violence.
