Govt decides to ban ex-PM Imran Khan’s party, file treason case against its founder under Article 6, says Atta Tarar
ISLAMABAD: Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has announced that the government has decided to ban former prime minister Imran Khan’s party Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf and seek Article 6 proceedings against its founder Imran Khan, former president Dr Arif Alvi, and former National Assembly deputy speaker Qasim Suri.
Speaking during a press conference in Islamabad on Monday, Information Minister Atta Tarar said that if the country is to move in a forward direction, it cannot do so with PTI’s existence.
Mr Tarar said that the move to ban Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was based on the “proven” charge of the party receiving foreign funds from sources that are illegal in the country, and rioting by its supporters last year that targeted military installations.
“The federal government will move a case to ban the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf,” he said, adding that the plan will be taken up before the cabinet, which was empowered to take a decision.
The government will also file a legal reference against Imran Khan and former President Arif Alvi for treason charges under the country’s constitution before the Supreme Court, Mr Tarar said.
Article 6 of the Constitution says: “Any person who abrogates or subverts or suspends or hold in abeyance, or attempts or conspires to abrogate or subvert or suspend or hold in abeyance the Constitution by use of force or show force or by any other unconstitutional means shall be guilty of high treason.”
The Supreme Court had last week ruled that PTI was eligible for more than 20 extra reserved seats in parliament, ramping up pressure on the weak coalition government.
PTI candidates had contested the February 8 election as independents after it was barred from the polls.
Mr Tarar said the government would seek a legal review of the reserved seats issue. Jailed since August 2023, Imran Khan was on Saturday acquitted, along with his wife, on charges that they married unlawfully but he will not be freed after authorities issued new orders to arrest him. – Special Correspondent/News Agencies
