Quetta: The resolution to ban Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was passed in the Balochistan Assembly, the opposition staged a walkout.
During the BA meeting on Thursday, the parliamentary leader of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) and provincial minister for communications and construction Mir Salim Khoso. A joint resolution was presented by the provincial ministers and members of the assembly, which included Mir Muhammad Sadiq Imrani, Mir Muhammad Khan. Asim Kurd Gallo, Rahila Hamid Khan Durrani, Bakht Muhammad Kakar, Wali Muhammad Noorzai, Barkat Ali Rand and Zarak Khan Mandukhel.
Salim Khoso said that PTI, a political party, is responsible for the nationwide riots and has once again resorted to violent activities. The party had now turned into a violent group, wreaking havoc in the country. PTI’s agenda of destabilization affected the country badly. It should be noted that the statements of the Constitutional Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa against the federation and the federal government are in line with the agenda of the anti-state forces.
He further said that the KP government’s open attack on the federation using government machinery and resources is a clear proof of the enemy’s agenda. Minister Khoso said that the Assembly strongly condemns the actions of PTI in targeting security forces, attacking media and federation and promoting chaos in the state of Pakistan. The Assembly pays tribute to the services and sacrifices of the armed forces who are the pride of the nation. Pakistan Army has always lived up to the nation’s expectations in difficult times and its heroes have continuously brought honor to the country.
He said that the Balochistan Assembly strongly demands the federal government to immediately ban PTI to prevent further instability in the country. Supporting the resolution, Provincial Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar said that bringing the ban resolution was a difficult task, but when a party fails to abide by the constitution and law, engages in misbehavior against institutions on social media and violates constitutional principles. If you ignore it, there is no such thing. Options other than banning.
Jamiat Ulema Islam (JUI) member Nawab Aslam Raisani strongly opposed the resolution and demanded that Imran Khan be allowed to participate in the political arena so that he can compete with other political parties. Leader of Opposition Mir Younis Aziz Zahri said that PML-N and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) are political parties with their own sacrifices. JUI condemned the events of May 9 and also condemned the attack on Rangers personnel in Islamabad. However, if one political party is banned today, then tomorrow other parties will also face ban. It will set a precedent and every party that comes to power will ban the opposition party. He proposed that the word “ban” be removed from the resolution.
Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch of the National Party said that it was sad to hear the resolution. The same parties with whom they fought and sacrificed for the supremacy of democracy and constitution are bringing this resolution for ban today.
Hidayatur Rehman of Haq Du Tehreek opposed the resolution saying that no party has killed more people than MQM and yet they are part of the federal cabinet whose governor is posted in Sindh. He questioned that if a PTI worker does wrong, why should he be banned while no ban has been imposed on the killers of Baloch and Pashtuns. He questioned whether after the martyrdom of Benazir Bhutto, the burning of trailers, shops and hotels was banned.
Opposition parties including JUI, BNP, National Party and Haq Du Tehreek members walked out from the House. However, one Awami National Party (ANP) member was present in the assembly.
A resolution to immediately ban PTI was submitted in the Punjab Assembly.
PML-N MPA Rana Muhammad Fayaz submitted the resolution, which said that PTI started its protest in violation of the Islamabad High Court order. The MPA said the protests also targeted national security agencies. The text of the resolution said that the party spreading chaos has proved that it does not respect any institution.