Islamabad: Fresh reports from Islamabad suggest that the administration is planning to ban the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party headed by Imran Khan, the former prime minister.
In Pakistan, which is sinking in political turmoil following a series of incidents after Imran Khan was removed from the top seat, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif hinted at the plan to ban on Wednesday, IANS reported.
According to local media, the proposed ban stems from the violent protests after the arrest of Khan on May 9 in a 190 million pounds settlement case.
The minister, however, was convinced that the proposal would be referred to the parliament for approval if the government moved forward with the ban.
The country is in political instability after Khan was arrested, and violent protests erupted almost in all provinces of the Islamic Republic. Khan, who was arrested on corruption charges, was later set free on protective bail. Responding to the leaders' call for countrywide protests, the PTI workers and supporters took to the streets, but the demonstrations turned deadly as they attacked public and private property, including military installations and buildings.
They also resorted to arson and set afire the Corp Commander House, also known as the Jinnah House, in Lahore.
The armed forces have, since then, resolved to try the arsonists and those involved in anti-state activities on the day of the protests under relevant laws, including the Pakistan Army Act and the Official Secrets Act.
"The PTI has attacked the very basis of the state, that never happened before. It can't be tolerated", Asif said while addressing a presser in Islamabad on Wednesday, Geo News reported.
"Is there a crime that didn't happen on May 9?" he asked.
Asif said that the miscreants involved in the violent episode had nefarious motives.