Pakistan to Ban Ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan's Party

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Jul 15, 2024

Image copyright: Chip Somodevilla/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Imagesstory last updated Jul 16

The Facts

Pakistan's Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said Monday that former Prime Minister Imran Khan's political party — Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) — will be banned for its alleged anti-state activities.
He said Pakistan's government decided to impose the ban based on the "proven" charge of the party accepting foreign funds from unlawful sources and the involvement of its cadre in last year's violent riots.

The Spin

Establishment-critical narrative

This is politically motivated and unconstitutional. The Shehbaz Sharif-led government has become frustrated as Imran Khan's party remains immensely popular and holds significant sway in Parliament. By upping the ante against PTI and Pakistan's most popular leader, the government wants to further Pakistan into political instability and uncertainty. However, all of his opponents' anti-democracy moves will not prevent Khan from returning to power as the judiciary is asserting itself now.

The Express Tribune

Pro-establishment narrative

Khan's actions have been treasonous, having sabotaged Pakistan's deal with the International Monetary Fund, received funds from Indian Americans, and manipulated the US to pass a resolution calling for a probe into Pakistan's February vote. If Pakistan is to move forward, it can't do so with the PTI, which, it should also be noted, previously banned its own political opponents. The PTI is getting what it deserves morally and legally.