The country’s ruling party, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), appeared perplexed over the issue of banning jailed former prime minister Imran Khan’s Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) party.
The move has been criticised by supporters and opponents of the PML-N, with party leaders sending conflicting messages. Rifts have been seen within the party, with senior members opposing the decision. Deputy Chief Minister Ishaq Dar said no decision had been taken as everyone was left in limbo.
However, at a press conference in his hometown Sialkot, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif was seen trying to justify the ban. He defended the government’s decision. He, however, added that the decision (to ban PTI) would be tabled in parliament after consulting all allied parties.
The Express Tribune reported on Wednesday that a PML-N member had alleged that a summary to try the PTI leaders on treason charges under Article 6 had already been moved to the Supreme Court.
On Monday, the Shehbaz Sharif-led Pakistan government decided to ban the Tehreek-e-Insaaf party for allegedly receiving illegal foreign funds, involvement in insurgency and engaging in “anti-national” activities.
Sharif’s government has also warned that it will prosecute former prime minister Imran Khan (71) and former president Arif Alvi (74) on treason charges.
