Pakistan's Information Minister Attaullah Tarar stated on Monday that "the country intends to ban the 'Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf' party led by former Prime Minister Imran Khan." The minister noted that "the decision is based on several factors, including the proven allegation that the party received foreign funding from sources considered illegal in Pakistan, as well as the riots carried out by the party's leadership and supporters last year targeting military facilities." He added, "The federal government will file a lawsuit to ban the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party," explaining that the matter will be referred to the cabinet and the Supreme Court if necessary.
Candidates from the party ran as independents in the elections on February 8 after the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf was barred from participation. The Supreme Court ruled on Friday that the party is eligible for over 20 additional seats in parliament, increasing pressure on the fragile coalition government. It is still unclear what the impact of the planned ban will be on the court's decision to allocate seats to the party. Tarar said the government would also seek to legally review the issue of seat allocation. The appeals court acquitted Khan and his third wife on Saturday of charges of illegal marriage, but he will not be released as authorities issued new detention orders for him. Khan took office in 2018 and was ousted in 2022 following a dispute with the military.
