US Concerns
ISLAMABAD: On Friday, Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO) addressed the concerns raised by the United States regarding the Pakistani government’s decision to ban Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
During a weekly briefing, FO Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch criticized the US for what she described as unwarranted and unacceptable interference in Pakistan’s domestic affairs.
She emphasized that recent judicial decisions, including those by the Supreme Court, demonstrated the robustness of Pakistan’s legal and judicial system and the country’s capability to address internal issues independently.
The Pakistani federal government recently announced its intention to ban PTI and pursue Article 6 proceedings against prominent figures associated with the party, including its founder Imran Khan, former President Dr. Arif Alvi, and former Deputy National Assembly Speaker Qasim Suri.
This move followed recent court rulings that provided relief to the party in cases involving reserved seats and the Iddat case involving Imran Khan.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, addressing the media, explained that the decision to ban PTI was driven by several factors, including the foreign funding case, the May 9 riots, and the cipher case.
He also referenced a resolution passed in the US that he believed supported the evidence for the ban. Tarar asserted that Article 17 of the Pakistani Constitution grants the government the authority to ban political parties and stated that the matter would be referred to the Supreme Court for further proceedings.
In response, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller expressed concern over the potential restrictions on PTI.
Miller conveyed that any move to ban a political party would be alarming to the US, emphasizing the importance of upholding democratic principles and fundamental rights globally.
He reiterated the US’s stance against political violence and reaffirmed support for democratic processes and the rule of law in Pakistan and worldwide.
Miller also commented on the recent Supreme Court decision in favor of PTI, underscoring US support for constitutional and democratic norms, including the protection of human rights and freedom of expression.
