The Punjab Assembly on Tuesday passed a resolution seeking a ban on jailed Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) founder and former prime minister Imran Khan and his party, citing “anti-state” activities. The resolution, moved by PML-N MPA Tahir Pervaiz, was adopted amid a boycott by PTI lawmakers.
The development follows remarks by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, who criticized Khan for promoting an “anti-army” narrative, calling it a “national security threat.” The move triggered a political clash, with Defence Minister Khawaja Asif supporting the military’s stance and PTI leaders dismissing it as “ridiculous,” insisting Khan poses no security threat.
The resolution emphasized that institutions safeguarding Pakistan’s integrity, which have successfully countered threats from larger adversaries, are vital for national stability. It urged action against any individual, political or non-political, spreading chaos or making statements against the country, and called for “appropriate punishment” under the law.
The Assembly also paid tribute to personnel and leadership of Pakistan’s key security institutions. Earlier, the federal government had sought similar bans and Article 6 proceedings against PTI leaders, though no action followed. The resolution reflects Pakistan’s history of restricting political groups under security or anti-terrorism measures, as seen in previous decades.
