In Lahore, a Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) has submitted a resolution in the Punjab Assembly, calling for a ban on the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party following the recent protest in Islamabad.
The resolution describes PTI as a “disruptive group” and urges stern action against the party, which was founded by former Prime Minister Imran Khan. It also demands that those responsible for the November 24 events be brought to justice. The resolution claims that PTI is promoting an anarchist agenda, which poses a threat to the country’s stability.
This move follows a similar resolution passed in the Balochistan Assembly, which also called for a ban on PTI, despite strong opposition.
The resolution was presented by PML-N Parliamentary Leader Mir Saleem Khosa in the Assembly. However, the opposition strongly opposed the resolution, with several members staging a walkout in protest.
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Opposition member Nawab Aslam Raisani stated that no political party should have the authority to call for the banning of another, emphasizing that all issues should be addressed through dialogue. He added, “Everyone should be given a level playing field.”
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) member Yunus Zehri condemned the events of May 9 and the actions of former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, but clarified that his party would not support a ban on PTI.
Dr Malik Baloch, an opposition member, criticized the proposal, pointing out the mistakes made in the past when parties like Jamaat-e-Islami and the Awami National Party (ANP) were banned. He expressed surprise at the PDM parties now advocating for bans, noting that some of those opposing Nawaz Sharif in the past are now part of PML-N.
In support of the resolution, Bakht Muhammad Kakar argued that PTI has introduced abusive language in politics and crossed red lines by targeting state institutions. He stated, “A resolution against those who cross the state’s red lines is necessary.”
Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) member Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman opposed the resolution, arguing that if no ban was imposed on MQM, a similar approach should be followed with PTI. He contended that punishing the party for the actions of its workers would be unjust.
The opposition’s response was marked by a walkout in protest against the resolution.
