Pakistan’s Punjab Assembly passes resolution seeking ban on Imran Khan and PTI

Pakistan’s Punjab Assembly passed on Tuesday a resolution seeking to ban former prime minister Imran Khan and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, citing alleged anti-state activities and rhetoric deemed a threat to national security.

The resolution, introduced by a ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) lawmaker, was approved amid a boycott by PTI legislators.

It called for legal action against any political or non-political figures accused of undermining state institutions and urged that offenders receive “appropriate punishment.”

“The institutions that safeguard Pakistan and have defended the country against larger adversaries are central to national stability,” the resolution said, accusing Khan and PTI of acting as instruments of external enemies and spreading chaos through statements against the state.

The move follows public remarks by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, who criticized Khan for promoting what he called “anti-army rhetoric,” warning that such narratives had shifted from politics into a national security concern.

The resolution also paid tribute to Pakistan’s military and other institutions, recognizing their role in maintaining national security and stability.

The development mirrors earlier federal government actions in 2024, when authorities attempted to ban PTI and initiated Article 6 proceedings against Khan, former President Dr. Arif Alvi, and ex-National Assembly Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri.