PML-N top leaders deliberate options against PTI amid reaction from other parties

Lahore:  Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) top leaders met to review the country's political climate, with a particular focus on the proposed ban on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and alternative strategies, said the sources on Monday.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held discussions with his elder brother and PML-N President Nawaz Sharif for the third time this week, emphasizing the critical nature of the current political environment. Nawaz encouraged Shehbaz to explore all legal, constitutional, and political options available.

During their talks, the Prime Minister briefed Nawaz on his interactions with President Asif Zardari and other coalition partners, with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also present at their Changla Gali residence. The agenda focused on the broader political situation, including plans for implementing the PTI ban and related initiatives.

All decisions from these consultations were communicated to senior party leaders. It was also agreed that a federal cabinet meeting would be scheduled after Muharram, and a parliamentary session would occur ahead of the regular schedule.

In a related matter, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has opted not to publicly address the PTI ban. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), a significant ally of the ruling coalition, stated that they were not consulted about the decision to impose a ban on PTI. Party sources indicated their unawareness of this decision and the treason cases involving PTI founder Imran Khan and former President Arif Alvi, and they intend to hold a meeting to further discuss these developments.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s acting Emir, Liaqat Baloch, criticized the government's action, calling it irrational and a form of unethical governance. He warned of the potential fallout from this anti-democratic decision.

Baloch accused the ruling party of aligning with the establishment to maintain its grip on power and urged political figures to unite to address the ongoing crises. He stressed the necessity of restoring the people's mandate based on Form 45 to confront current political and economic challenges.

Accompanied by JI Secretary General Amirul Azim and Information Secretary Qaisar Sharif, Baloch also condemned the prosecution of political figures under Article 6 of the Constitution, arguing that a government with a questionable mandate lacks the legitimacy to make important decisions. While recognizing the government’s right to challenge Supreme Court rulings regarding reserved seats, he asserted that it lacks the moral authority to hinder elected members from joining their respective parties. Furthermore, he criticized the government's authorization for intelligence agencies to surveil citizens, labeling it an invasion of privacy and unconstitutional.