Khawaja Asif confirms govt mulling ban on PTI

Khawaja Asif confirms govt mulling ban on PTI

Islamabad (Web Desk): Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Wednesday confirmed that the coalition government is considering a possible ban on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

Khawaja said that the matter will be referred to the Parliament for approval in the government finally decides to ban the former ruling party.

United Nations human rights chief Volker Türk has condemned coalition government’s decision to prosecute civilians involved in May 9 vandalism under the Army Act, terming its “disturbing”.

“Pakistan’s plans to revive the use of military courts to try civilians is disturbing,” UN high commissioner for human rights said.

Moreover, Amnesty International and other human rights organisations have also urged the Pakistani authorities to stop clamping down on the opposition through mass arrests, arbitrary detention, and charging people under vague anti-terrorism laws, and to release immediately all those held solely for exercising their right to freedom of peaceful assembly.

Several Pakistani leaders had opposed the decision and the PTI even moved the Supreme Court against the decision.

Punjab Interim Information Minister Amir Mir had said that “technical and intelligence” information had also been received through geo-fencing that terrorists were seeking refuge at Imran Khan’s Zaman Park residence.