Islamabad, July 15 (Reuters) – Pakistan is planning to ban the political party of its former Prime Minister Imran Khan and take him to the country’s top court on charges of treason, said the information minister on Monday.
Minister Attaullah Tarar said the decision to ban Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is based on proof that the party received illegal foreign funds and its supporters rioted last year, targeting military bases.
“The federal government will start the process to ban Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf,” Tarar said, adding that the cabinet will make the final decision.
The government also intends to file a legal case against Khan and former President Arif Alvi for treason under the country’s constitution, Tarar added.
Khan’s aide, Zulfikar Bukhari, criticized the decision, calling it a form of “soft martial law” and suggesting the government is worried because the courts cannot be influenced.
These actions come at a time when Pakistan faces tough economic reforms, such as unpopular measures to raise taxes on farm income to secure $7 billion from the IMF.
“A weak government, struggling with legitimacy issues and focused on preventing Imran Khan’s influence, will find it hard to make the decisions needed to meet IMF requirements,” said Khurram Husain, an economic analyst and journalist.
Last week, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of PTI, granting it more than 20 extra reserved seats in parliament, putting more pressure on the country’s shaky coalition government. PTI candidates had run as independents in the February 8 election after the party was banned from running.
It’s not clear how banning the party might affect the court’s decision on the reserved seats. Minister Tarar said the government will ask the court to review this issue.
The reasons for banning Khan’s party include PTI’s efforts in Washington to get U.S. support for a resolution against Pakistan’s elections and its request to the IMF to check the elections before helping Pakistan.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan said on social media it was “shocked” and asked the government to change its decision.