Balochistan Assembly Passes Resolution to Ban PTI Amid Opposition Walkout

The Balochistan Assembly has passed a resolution calling for a ban on the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), sparking protests and a walkout by opposition parties.

The resolution, presented by Provincial Minister Mir Saleem Ahmed Khosa, the parliamentary leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), was supported by members of the PML-N and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) during a session chaired by Speaker Captain (Rtd.) Abdul Khaliq Achakzai.

The text of the resolution accused PTI of engaging in violent activities and labeled it a “disruptive political group” undermining key state institutions, including the judiciary, media, and the economy.

“PTI’s provocative agenda is tantamount to advancing the objectives of anti-state forces,” the resolution stated, referring to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government’s actions and alleged misuse of resources against the federal government.

The resolution also condemned a security forces-targeted resolution passed by the KP Assembly, terming it factually incorrect and divisive. It demanded that the federal government ensure an immediate ban on PTI to curb unrest and restore public confidence.

The resolution faced strong criticism from opposition parties, including the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F), National Party, and Haq Do Tehreek:

• Opposition Leader Younis Aziz Zehri emphasized the importance of political dialogue and equal opportunities in politics, opposing any ban on political entities.
• Former Chief Minister Nawab Aslam Raisani decried the move, stating,
  

  “Political parties should resolve matters through dialogue and not restrict others’ political rights.”

• National Party leader Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch expressed regret, recalling past bans on political parties like Jamaat-e-Islami and National Awami Party, which proved counterproductive.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s MPA Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman argued that banning PTI would set a dangerous precedent, saying,

“If no ban was imposed on MQM despite its violent history, why single out PTI?”

In contrast, PPP’s Bakht Mohammad Kakar justified the resolution, criticizing PTI’s introduction of “abusive politics” and violations of state boundaries.

“The state is a red line, and those who cross it must face consequences,” he asserted.

Opposition members walked out of the assembly in protest before the vote. The resolution was subsequently passed with a majority, supported by PML-N, PPP, and Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) members.

This is not the first time the Balochistan Assembly has passed such a resolution. In May 2015, a similar resolution was adopted calling for a ban on the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), led by then-Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti.

The move highlights the growing polarization in Pakistan’s political landscape and raises questions about the impact of such decisions on democratic principles.