Pakistani Journalist Hamid Mir Reacts to Government’s Plan to Ban Imran Khan’s PTI
Islamabad [Pakistan], July 15: Prominent Pakistani journalist Hamid Mir has shared his thoughts on the Pakistan government’s announcement to ban Imran Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Mir believes that banning the party will not eliminate its leadership. He also warned that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) might face similar consequences.
Mir posted on X, ‘The political history of Pakistan shows that by banning a party, the leadership of that party cannot be eliminated.’ He added that the government is preparing to ban PTI, but this could backfire on PML-N.
PTI leader Shibli Faraz called the ban the ‘last blow’ to their party and criticized the government as ‘incompetent.’ He expressed this sentiment on PTI’s official X handle.
Pakistan Information and Broadcasting Minister Attaullah Tarar announced the government’s plan to file a case to ban PTI, citing ‘credible evidence.’ He emphasized the need to move the country forward without PTI’s presence.
Tarar also mentioned that the government plans to pursue a treason case against former Prime Minister Imran Khan and other PTI leaders. This reference will be sent to the Supreme Court after the cabinet’s approval.
In response, Naeem Haider Panjutha, spokesperson for Imran Khan on Legal Affairs, stated that the government has ‘no right’ to ban PTI. He argued that only the Supreme Court can issue such an order under Article 17 (2) of the Constitution of Pakistan.
PTI’s official response accused the government of daydreaming about banning the party and warned against shaking the foundations of Pakistan. They urged General Asim Munir to stop playing with the constitution and learn from past mistakes.
