Speculations of a potential ban on the former ruling party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), have sparked a debate, with PTI Senator Barrister Ali Zafar asserting that the Supreme Court would overturn the decision within 24 hours if the government proceeds with the ban. The statement comes in response to a senior minister’s suggestion of banning the PTI following the violent riots on May 9, which included attacks on military installations.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, addressing a press conference in Islamabad, stated that the PTI had attacked the fundamental pillars of the state, which cannot be tolerated. However, Senator Ali Zafar argues that individual acts of vandalism cannot be grounds for banning a political party, citing past attempts to ban Jamaat-e-Islami and previous Supreme Court rulings establishing that political parties cannot be banned.
The PTI workers took to the streets after their party leader’s arrest in the Al-Qadir Trust corruption case, which coincided with the army-designated “Black Day.” Senator Zafar, representing PTI’s legal interests, emphasized that the law must be followed, expressing concern over the rearrest of PTI leaders despite securing bail. He vowed to file a petition against these actions, confident that the court will take notice.
Several PTI leaders, including Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Maleeka Bokhari, Musarrat Jamshed Cheema, and others, have been rearrested shortly after their release on bail. Former PTI senior vice president Shireen Mazari, who was arrested five times within a span of two weeks, announced her departure from active politics and resignation from the party following her fifth arrest.
In addition to party leaders, thousands of PTI workers have been detained in connection with the May 9 vandalism. The government and military aim to prosecute those involved in the attacks on military installations under the Pakistan Army Act and the Official Secrets Act.
