The government has decided to ban the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and plans to submit a petition to the Supreme Court regarding this matter. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar announced this during a press conference on Monday, stating that for the country to develop, it cannot coexist with the PTI.

Tarar cited various reasons for this decision, including the foreign funding case, the alleged cipher from the US, attempts to sabotage the previous IMF program, and an anti-Pakistan resolution in the American Congress as “clear evidence” for seeking a ban on the party.

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He emphasized that the government believes it has the authority under Article 17 of the Constitution to ban political parties and that, based on the evidence, the PTI should be prohibited. He accused the PTI of trying to undermine the IMF deal.

Additionally, Tarar announced the government’s intention to file a review of the Supreme Court’s ruling regarding reserved seats, asserting that the PTI received relief that was not requested. He stated that the review aims to clarify whether those who submitted affidavits sought the relief granted.

The minister questioned the parliament’s authority to interpret and amend the Constitution and affirmed that the government would present strong constitutional arguments in the review petition. He claimed there is clear evidence of illegal funding of the PTI, which includes funds from India.

Tarar also indicated that the former PTI government unlawfully dissolved the National Assembly and announced plans to file a reference under Article 6 of the Constitution against former President Arif Alvi, former Prime Minister Imran Khan, and former Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri. This reference will be sent to the Supreme Court following approval from the federal cabinet.