As discussions intensify regarding a potential ban on the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has emphasized that Pakistan cannot overcome its political turmoil without the military stepping back from political matters.
Fazlur Rehman expressed that the resolution to the current political crisis hinges on the army’s detachment from governance, stating, “The military must refrain from engaging in politics to help resolve these issues.”
The government, led by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), recently announced plans to prohibit the PTI, accusing the party of participating in anti-state activities. The administration is also pursuing treason charges under Article 6 against former Prime Minister Imran Khan, former President Arif Alvi, and former National Assembly Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri for actions related to the dissolution of parliament in April 2022.
In a post on social media platform X, Fazlur Rehman criticized the use of force against political entities, arguing that the path to stability lies in respecting constitutional boundaries. He stated that understanding this principle is crucial for both the country’s welfare and that of its leaders, asserting that the current hybrid political framework has proven ineffective.
Rehman reiterated his long-standing call for fresh elections, insisting that transparent polls are essential to resolving the nation’s difficulties. His position aligns with various political groups, many of which have rallied against the government’s intentions to ban the PTI.
Information Minister Ataullah Tarar, addressing the media in Islamabad, remarked that the PTI’s existence is incompatible with Pakistan’s interests, and the matter will be presented to the federal cabinet before escalating to the Supreme Court. Tarar cited the party’s alleged role in the riots of May 9 and its leaders’ supposed efforts to undermine the nation’s agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as justifications for the ban.
Farhatullah Babar of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), part of the ruling coalition, dismissed the proposed ban as “absurd,” and criticized the idea of pursuing treason charges against political figures. The Awami National Party (ANP) also condemned the move, labeling it “childish” and emphasizing that political processes should remain unobstructed.
Shahid Khaqan Abbasi of the newly formed Awam Pakistan also criticized the ruling coalition’s approach, warning that such actions could backfire, especially if Article 6 is invoked against the PTI. He cautioned that imposing a ban would only exacerbate the prevailing situation.