QUETTA: The provincial assembly of Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan on Thursday adopted a joint resolution urging the federal government to ban Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.
The resolution, supported by the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), accused PTI of inciting anarchy, undermining state institutions, and promoting an anti-national agenda.
The resolution also condemned PTI’s role in the violent incidents on May 9 and its attempts to challenge the central government.
The joint resolution was presented by Minister for Communications and Works Mir Saleem Ahmad Khosa, along with other provincial ministers, and it received backing from several members of the provincial legislature.
It called on the federal government to take action after PTI’s alleged involvement in escalating unrest, particularly targeting the judiciary, media, and the economy. The resolution argued that the PTI’s actions were destabilising the country and impeding the smooth functioning of democratic institutions.
The opposition staged a walkout, accusing the government of unfairly targeting PTI. National Party President Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch warned that similar actions could be taken against other political parties, including the PPP and PML-N.
“We have not learned from past mistakes,” he said, referring to previous bans on political groups like Jamat-e-Islami and the Awami National Party.
Veteran nationalist leader Nawab Aslam Raisani also criticised the resolution, emphasising the need for dialogue over punitive measures. “Every political party should have a level playing field,” he stated, calling for negotiations and urging the release of Imran Khan.
While the opposition voiced its concerns, the ruling coalition defended the resolution, with PML-N lawmaker Saleem Khosa arguing that PTI’s actions threatened national security and democracy.
He emphasised that political power should come through public support, not through disruptive actions.
Despite the opposition’s protest and walkout, the resolution passed.
It reflects the growing tensions between the central government and the PTI, following the party’s recent clashes with state institutions and its ongoing campaign to challenge the ruling establishment.
The resolution also praised the Pakistan Army for its sacrifices and expressed unwavering support for the armed forces, which have been a central figure in the country’s political and security landscape.
According to legal experts, the final decision to ban a political party rests with the Supreme Court, as per Article 17(2) of the Constitution. Experts said that the government has limited powers to seal the fate of its political rivals.
Analysts said that relevant constitutional and legal provisions show that the government had limited options to ban a political party through legal means. It can either invoke Article 17 (2) of the Constitution to ban a political party or Section 212 of the Elections Act 2017 to seek dissolution of a political party.
Section 212(1) of the Elections Act states the government can make a declaration in this regard but the matter will be referred to the Supreme Court for adjudication.
“Where the federal government is satisfied on the basis of a reference from the commission or information received from any other source that a political party is a foreign-aided political party or has been formed or is operating in a manner prejudicial to the sovereignty or integrity of Pakistan or is indulging in terrorism, the government shall, by a notification in the official gazette, make such declaration,” the section reads.
