Former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry has strongly criticized the current government’s consideration of banning the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), labeling it a monumental mistake. Chaudhry’s comments come amid escalating tensions following Information Minister Attaullah Tarar’s announcement of the government’s intent to proceed with the ban.
Chaudhry specifically targeted PML-N President Nawaz Sharif and PPP President Asif Ali Zardari, accusing them of being on the wrong side of history. “Banning PTI would be the worst mistake in history,” Chaudhry warned, asserting that such a move would only serve to undermine democratic principles in Pakistan.
Information Minister Tarar had earlier reiterated the government’s firm decision to ban the PTI, describing it as a “principled” stance. “We have consulted with the Pakistan Peoples Party regarding the PTI ban and are currently in talks with the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan. People are strongly supporting the idea of banning PTI,” Tarar stated on Geo News’ ‘Capital Talk’ on Tuesday.
Tarar referenced a July 19 meeting convened by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, which sought to secure key allies’ support for the ban. The coalition government has initiated consultations with its partners to advance this decision, citing PTI’s alleged involvement in anti-state activities.
According to Tarar, the plan is to bring the issue to parliament for discussion after internal party deliberations. It will then be presented to the federal cabinet for final approval. However, Chaudhry remains skeptical of the ban’s efficacy, pointing out that PTI founder Imran Khan has been imprisoned for nearly a year without diminishing the party’s influence. “Did it make any difference?” Chaudhry questioned while addressing the media outside the anti-terrorism court in Lahore on Wednesday.
He emphasized that despite the government’s attempts to undermine PTI, such as depriving the party of its election symbol (the bat) and offering a myriad of alternatives, public support for PTI remained robust. “People voted in favor of the PTI,” Chaudhry stated emphatically.
Chaudhry also dismissed allegations linking PTI to “digital terrorism,” asserting that such activities are being orchestrated from abroad. This statement comes in the wake of PTI Information Secretary Raoof Hasan’s arrest from the party’s central secretariat in Islamabad. Hasan is accused of heading a social media cell involved in running anti-state propaganda.
Following Hasan’s arrest, Islamabad police released a statement alleging that the PTI digital media center had become a hub for international disinformation, disseminating anti-Pakistan propaganda globally. These accusations were echoed by Inter-Services Public Relations Director-General (DG ISPR) Lt General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, who highlighted the growing threat of “digital terrorism” on social media and emphasized the army’s stance against both physical and digital terrorists.
In his recent media interaction, Chaudhry condemned the government’s actions and reiterated his belief that banning PTI would be a historical blunder by Nawaz Sharif and Asif Ali Zardari. He also drew attention to Pakistan’s dire economic situation, predicting that it would lead to widespread public unrest. “The current economic situation will prompt people to scream in the coming days,” he warned, noting the government’s confrontational stance against both the judiciary and the public.
Chaudhry also called for the immediate release of PTI leader Raoof Hasan, criticizing the government’s approach to dealing with dissent. “The government’s direct confrontation with the judiciary and the public at large is alarming,” Chaudhry stated, underscoring the need for a more conciliatory and democratic approach.
The unfolding political scenario in Pakistan reflects deep divisions and escalating tensions between the government and opposition forces. As the debate over banning PTI intensifies, it remains to be seen how these developments will impact the country’s political landscape and democratic processes.
