In Quetta, the Balochistan Assembly has passed a resolution calling for a ban on the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, despite significant opposition.
The resolution was presented by PML-N Parliamentary Leader Mir Saleem Khosa, prompting strong objections from the opposition. In response, opposition members staged a walkout in protest.
Nawab Aslam Raisani, an opposition member, argued that no political party should have the authority to call for banning another, stating, “I oppose this resolution. Everyone should be given a level playing field, and all issues should be resolved through dialogue.”
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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 made it clear that his party would not support the ban on PTI.
Dr. Malik Baloch, another opposition member, highlighted the historical context of party bans, referencing past bans on Jamaat-e-Islami and the Awami National Party (ANP). He expressed surprise that PDM parties, who once opposed Nawaz Sharif, are now advocating for such bans.
In support of the resolution, Bakht Muhammad Kakar argued that PTI introduced abusive language into 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, emphasizing that if no ban had been imposed on MQM, the same logic should apply to PTI. He argued that punishing the party for the actions of its workers would be unjust.
After the opposition’s walkout, the Speaker of the Assembly adjourned the session indefinitely.
