Pakistan to Ban Imran Khan’s Party, Information Minister Announces

The decision is based on proven charges of PTI receiving illegal foreign funds and last year's riots targeting military installations, Tarar explained.

Islamabad: Pakistan plans to ban former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, according to a statement made by Information Minister Attaullah Tarar on Monday.

The decision stems from several reasons, including the proven charge that Khan’s PTI received illegal foreign funds, as well as rioting by the party’s leadership and supporters last year that targeted military installations, Tarar explained.

“The federal government will move a case to ban the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf,” Tarar said, noting that the matter would be escalated to the cabinet and the Supreme Court if necessary.

PTI candidates contested the February 8 election as independents after the party was barred from the polls. The Supreme Court ruled on Friday that PTI was eligible for more than 20 extra reserved seats in parliament, increasing pressure on the country’s weak coalition government. It is currently unclear how the proposed ban would affect the court’s decision to allocate reserved seats.

Also Read | China Challenges US EV Subsidies at WTO, Requests Expert Panel

Tarar also mentioned that the government would seek a legal review of the reserved seats issue. Imran Khan, who has been jailed since August, was acquitted on Saturday, along with his third wife, on charges related to their allegedly unlawful marriage. Despite the acquittal, he will not be released as authorities have issued new orders for his arrest.

Khan, who rose to power in 2018, was ousted in 2022 after a fallout with Pakistan’s powerful military.

Recent News

South Korea Eyes Trade Talks with the US, Emphasizing Caution and Vigilance

Seoul: South Korea's Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun announced that Seoul intends to approach its ongoing trade discussions with the United States "calmly and cautiously". Speaking...

Iran’s Bandar Abbas Port Blast: Death Toll Rises to 8, Over 700 Injured

Tehran: A powerful explosion, likely triggered by chemical materials, claimed the lives of at least eight people and injured more than 700 others at...

Why Some Recall Dreams Vividly While Others Wake Up Blank

Ever wondered why some people recount their dreams in vivid detail while others draw a blank? Scientists are unraveling the mystery behind dream recall,...

Burkina Faso’s August 4 Stadium Set to Reopen, Ending 7-Year Ban on International Football

Burkina Faso is gearing up to reclaim its place on the international football stage as the August 4 Stadium in Ouagadougou prepares to reopen...