The government asserted that there is "credible evidence" supporting the ban of Pakistan's largest opposition party, Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), citing allegations against Khan. It is expected that the case will be presented to the Supreme Court.
Pakistan Government Seeks to Ban Imran Khan's Party, PTI
Pakistan's Information Ministry announced on Monday that the government intends to initiate legal proceedings to ban the political party of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
"The federal government plans to file a case for the banning of PTI (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf)," said Information Minister Attaullah Tarar during a press briefing in Islamabad, indicating that the matter would be brought before the Supreme Court.
"We have credible evidence to support the case for banning PTI," he stated, citing allegations against Khan such as divulging state secrets and provoking unrest.
Khan, who held office from 2018 to 2022, has been in custody for almost a year. The announcement comes shortly after a court overturned his conviction and ordered his release in a case concerning his marriage, though he remains incarcerated on charges related to inciting violence.
The former premier faces numerous charges across more than 100 cases, with several sentences and convictions either suspended or overturned by the judiciary. Khan maintains that these legal actions are politically motivated to thwart his return to power.
Earlier this year, PTI was barred from participating in elections, compelling its members to run as independents. Despite this setback, their candidates emerged as the largest single bloc in parliament, comprising 93 lawmakers.
PTI has alleged widespread electoral fraud aimed at preventing them from securing a majority of seats. Recently, Pakistan's Supreme Court ruled that PTI was unfairly denied at least 20 parliamentary seats.
Khan was ousted through a parliamentary no-confidence vote after discord with Pakistan's influential military leaders, who had previously supported him.