Balochistan PA demands ban on PTI

The Balochistan Assembly on Thursday passed a resolution demanding a ban on the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), accusing the party of promoting unrest and targeting state institutions, particularly during the May 9 riots.

Saleem Khan Khoso, the parliamentary leader of the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) in Balochistan Assembly tabled the resolution. It was signed by Mir Sadiq Umrani, the parliamentary leader of the PPP in Balochistan Assembly and other lawmakers from treasury benches.

Chief Minister Mir Sarafarz Bugti was also present on the occasion and backed the resolution.

The resolution, backed by the ruling PML-N, PPP, Awami National Party (ANP) and other allies, condemned PTI’s alleged actions aimed at destabilizing the judiciary, media, and economy.

Criticising the PTI for the nationwide riots on May 9, 2023, the resolution said the party was once again "committing acts of violence" and had taken on the form of a "political anarchist group".

"This kind of anarchist agenda of the PTI has badly affected every system and school of thought in the country, including the judiciary, the media and the country's economy

"It should be noted that the talk of a province's constitutional chief minister of opposing the federation is tantamount to taking forward the agenda of anti-national forces," it said.

Referring to the alleged use of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government's resources in the protest, the resolution said that its "open attack on the federation with government machinery and resources" was clear evidence of the PTI's non-political agenda.

"Keeping in view the above facts, this House of the Balochistan Assembly strongly demands the federal government to ensure an immediate ban on PTI for trying to spread chaos in the country and pit the Pakistan Army and security forces against the people. So that the anxiety and suffering experienced by the people of the country due to PTI can be ended," the resolution demanded in its conclusion.