Imran Khan Criticizes Government’s Move to Ban PTI as Desperate

Former Prime Minister Imran Khan, currently imprisoned, has sharply criticized the Pakistani government’s decision to ban his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), labeling the move as a “sign of panic” and “desperation.” Khan, who faces over 200 legal cases and is serving time at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, claims the government is attempting to stifle opposition through baseless allegations of anti-state activities.

PTI leaders argue that the ban defies legal norms and reflects the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s (PML-N) fear of PTI’s growing political strength, especially after a Supreme Court ruling favored PTI for reserved assembly seats. The party asserts that this crackdown could further isolate Pakistan internationally, given the UN and US critiques of political repression in the country.