Editorial
The recent decision by the government to move forward with a ban on the political party PTI and the subsequent trial of its key members, including former PM Imran Khan, former President Dr Arif Alvi, and former Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri, has sparked waves of controversy and debate across the country’s political landscape.
The move to ban PTI appears to be an ill-advised and desperate attempt, lacking a foundation in the nuanced history of the country’s politics. Such drastic measures have been attempted in the past with entities like NAP, yielding little success, and it seems unlikely that the outcome will be any different this time. It is evident that this surprise decision is driven by political exigency and is seemingly taken under duress. The decision, seemingly taken without due consultation with key allies such as the PPP, has led to concerns about inclusivism and unity within the political arena.
The recent pushback from the Supreme Court’s majority verdict in favor of PTI has seemingly left the ruling dispensation with no political recourse but to retaliate. This move has tarnished the PML-N’s image as a champion for civil supremacy and a fair political playing field in the face of adversity.
Despite these developments, the road ahead is fraught with uncertainty. The federal cabinet’s obligation to send a reference to the apex court for the ban within 15 days, along with the current judicial activism, weakens the PML-N’s case. Even if the reference proceeds, the judiciary will face real constraints in banning the country’s most popular political party.
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The charges brought against PTI seem to lack substance, relying on past resolutions, incidents of violence, and allegations of foreign funding. Many of these allegations have already been addressed in court, making further prosecution on these grounds unsustainable.
Civil society voices, including politicians like Farhatullah Babar of PPP and Mushahid Hussain Syed of PML-N, have condemned the move as ill-conceived. It is clear that such contentious actions by the government, particularly in a politically charged environment, could lead to heightened confrontation and push the country towards a precarious edge – a disservice to the nation at a critical juncture.
The PML-N must reorient its political strategy and refrain from undermining the democratic process. Rather than seeking administrative measures of extermination, it should prepare for a battle with PTI on the floor of the house, contributing to a healthy democratic discourse.
