Pakistan's Punjab Assembly bans Imran Khan, PTI over 'anti-state' activities
What's the story
The Punjab Assembly in Pakistan has passed a resolution calling for a ban on former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his political party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), according to local media reports. The resolution was introduced by lawmaker Tahir Pervaiz from the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and was passed with treasury benches after PTI lawmakers boycotted. The motion accuses Khan and PTI of "anti-state" activities and echoing enemy narratives.
Military tensions
Resolution follows military's accusation against Khan
The resolution comes shortly after the military's media wing chief, Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, accused Khan of spreading "anti-army" narratives. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) chief said such rhetoric had crossed political boundaries and now posed a national security threat. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif also criticized Khan for using similar language against political opponents in the past. As per a report by Dawn, the resolution also paid tribute to the leadership and personnel of institutions responsible for Pakistan's security.
Institutional support
Resolution praises state institutions, accuses political party
The resolution stated, "The institutions that safeguard Pakistan...have successfully countered an enemy five times larger, such as India...are vital to...integrity and stability." It accused PTI and its founder of "acting as a tool of the enemy state," spreading chaos, and making statements against the country. The motion called for legal action against those found guilty under the law, with appropriate punishment. PTI leaders dismissed the allegations against them as "ridiculous," and insisted Khan was "not a security threat."