Almost all mainstream political parties, including those part of the coalition on Monday, opposed strongly the government’s decision to ban the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), terming any such step contrary to the norms of democracy and calling it “childish” and “unconstitutional.”
Meanwhile, HRCP termed the government’s decision to ban the PTI shocking, calling it a flagrant violation of party members’ right to association under Article 17 of the Constitution and a blow to democratic norms, especially when the Supreme Court has unanimously ruled that the PTI is a political party.
‘Govt could not ban a political party’
Reacting to the govt’s decision to ban PTI, former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said that the government had no mandate to impose ban on a political party.
Convener Awam Pakistan Party (APP), talking to media said that if the Article six invoked against anyone than those in government today could also face it.
He was commenting on the government’s decision to ban the opposition’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). “This is the time to unify the country, are you want more grouping and chaos,” he questioned.
“An year and two months have passed to the May 9 incidents, the government didn’t prosecute,” he said. “Three days after the supreme court’s decision on reserved seats, the government has started talking about ban on a political party,” he said.
These decisions of courts boost democracy. The government’s holding press conferences and criticism has not been appropriate,” Abbasi said.
“What impression you wants to give, confrontation among institutions,” former PM questioned. “Are you want more chaos,” he asked.
“You were happy when these judges were giving decisions in your favour,” he remarked.
ANP opposes any ban on PTI
Awami National Party (ANP) also opposed imposing ban on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI).
In a statement on Monday, ANP leader Senator Arbab Umar Farooq Kasi said that during the democratic rule, the decision to ban political parties cannot be supported.
He said that there were relevant forums for banning political parties urging the political parties to strengthen the democratic process instead of league polling.
Senator Arbab Umar further said that the responsibility of protecting the democratic system from derailment lies with all political parties including the government.
The ANP labeled the government’s move as “childish and injudicious,” arguing that political parties’ activities should not be stifled with restrictions. “Restrictions on political parties and the political process are unacceptable,” stated an ANP spokesperson.
Despite political differences with PTI, the ANP believes the government’s decision is a mistake, emphasising the need to address those responsible for political instability and economic challenges in the country, he added.
PPP Chairman, other leadership oppose ban on PTI
The PPP senior leadership voiced their opposition to the federal government’s decision to ban Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
In a statement, the PPP leader Raza Rabbani stressed that banning a political party goes against the principles of democracy and urged the federal government to avoid such actions.