Punjab Legislators Adopt Resolution Calling for Ban on PTI & Imran Khan – Full 2025 Political Crisis Explained
The political temperature in Pakistan has reached a new high as the Punjab Assembly officially adopted a resolution demanding a ban on PTI and its founder Imran Khan. The move has intensified the national debate over political freedoms, state security, and the future of democratic competition in the country.
This article explains the background, statements from government ministers, reasons behind the resolution, potential consequences, KP governor rule debate, terrorism concerns, and national security arguments, all in clear and simple English.
Background: Why Punjab Assembly Took This Step
The Punjab Assembly passed a strong resolution stating that PTI and Imran Khan were acting against Pakistan’s national interests and creating instability. The resolution accused the PTI founder of:
- Making statements against the state
- Creating chaos
- Weakening national security
- Aligning with the narrative of hostile countries
The resolution also praised Pakistan’s security institutions, highlighting their sacrifices and role in protecting the country from internal and external threats.
Resolution Highlights: What the Punjab Assembly Said
The resolution, presented by PML-N MPA Tahir Parvez, stated:
- PTI and Imran Khan should be banned for acting as tools of hostile states
- Anyone promoting unrest or weakening national security should face strict legal action
- The state must take decisive measures to protect Pakistan
- Institutions safeguarding Pakistan from a much larger enemy like India deserve tribute
This resolution is one of the strongest political steps taken against PTI since Imran Khan’s imprisonment.
Azma Bokhari’s Press Talk: ‘PTI Is Pushing Us Towards Extreme Steps’
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari gave a detailed press conference in Lahore, where she clearly stated:
She Personally Opposes Party Bans but Circumstances Are Changing
Azma Bokhari said as a political worker, she does not prefer banning any political party nor imposing governor’s rule in KP.
But she warned:
“PTI’s actions are forcing us in that direction.”
KP Security Situation Used as Key Argument
The minister highlighted:
- KP is the province most affected by terrorism
- Police are understaffed
- KP does not have a Crimes Control Department (CCD)
- PTI government did not improve policing or equip law enforcement
Comparison With Altaf Hussain
Azma Bokhari compared Imran Khan to MQM founder Altaf Hussain, whose speeches were banned in 2015 for attacking state institutions.
She said PTI’s founder was:
- Using stronger and more aggressive rhetoric
- Creating instability
- Targeting the head of a key institution (reference to CDF/Army Chief)
She warned:
“If PTI continues its campaign against institutions, a full stop will come.”
Why Government Is Considering a Ban on PTI
Several arguments are being repeated by ministers and government officials:
Narrative Matching Hostile Countries
Officials claim PTI’s statements resemble those circulating on:
- Indian social media networks
- Afghan platforms
This has strengthened accusations that PTI is harming Pakistan’s international position.
Political Campaign Targeting Institutions
The government alleges that PTI:
- Accuses institutions of bias
- Creates mistrust in the military and judiciary
- Tries to weaken the chain of command
National Security Risks
PTI’s recent protests, especially the November 26 violent demonstration, were described as:
“No less than terrorism,”
because protesters carried nail-studded sticks.
Deteriorating KP Situation
Government ministers say:
- PTI mishandled KP security
- Terrorism regained ground
- Intelligence-based operations (IBOs) were resisted by PTI leaders
- KP police lacked support and resources
International Isolation During PTI Rule
According to Azma Bokhari:
- Pakistan faced diplomatic isolation
- PTI weakened Pakistan’s global standing
- The country is now recovering internationally
Aqeel Malik’s Statements: ‘Enough Is Enough’
Minister of State Barrister Aqeel Malik also issued a strong warning against PTI.
He Says PTI Has Followed a Reckless Pattern Since 2011
He argued that PTI has:
- Followed emotional politics
- Relied on aggressive street agitation
- Repeatedly targeted institutions
No Difference Between PTI and Enemy Narratives
He claimed PTI’s political narrative matches:
- Indian media
- Afghan social platforms
This, he said, cannot be ignored any longer.
Governor’s Rule in KP Under Serious Consideration
Aqeel Malik said the government is seriously reviewing:
- Imposing governor’s rule in KP
- Taking over security operations
- Strengthening provincial policing
He blamed Imran Khan for:
- Allowing terrorism to grow in KP
- Obstructing counterterrorism policies
PTI Leadership Itself Is Divided
He stated that many PTI lawmakers:
- Quietly seek exit strategies
- Disagree with Imran Khan’s confrontational politics
He said the ruling party does not believe in revenge but:
“The consequences PTI faces are the result of its own actions.”
The Core Accusations Against PTI Explained
Here is a simple breakdown of the main accusations the government has presented:
Undermining National Stability
PTI speeches allegedly:
- Increase polarization
- Create anti-state sentiment
- Encourage protests that turn violent
Targeting Military Leadership
The government claims PTI has attacked:
- The current CDF/Army Chief
- Senior military officials
- Security institutions
Support for Anti-State Elements (Government Allegation)
The resolution says PTI’s narrative resembles:
- Enemy propaganda
- Foreign disinformation campaigns
H2: Weakening KP’s Counterterrorism Capacity
Government officials blame PTI for:
- Inadequate policing
- Weak intelligence coordination
- Blocking IBOs
H2: Violent Protests
The November 26 protest and past events were cited as evidence of PTI’s “violent tendencies”.
What Happens If PTI Is Banned?
A ban on PTI could lead to:
- Dissolution of party structure
- Disqualification of key leaders
- Closure of party offices
- Freezing of political operations
- Impact on KP government
- Possible early elections in KP
A ban would require:
- Court approval
- Constitutional justification
But the political and legal battle would be long and complex.
Could Imran Khan Face the Same Fate as Altaf Hussain?
The government’s comparison suggests:
- Speech restrictions
- Media blackout
- Ban from political activities
- Possible court orders restricting public communication
However, Imran Khan remains a popular figure, making such steps highly sensitive.
Conclusion
The Punjab Assembly’s resolution marks a major escalation in Pakistan’s political crisis. The government insists PTI has crossed red lines by:
- Targeting institutions
- Endangering national security
- Allowing terrorism to rise in KP
- Mirroring hostile foreign narratives
PTI, on the other hand, rejects these accusations and sees the resolution as an attack on democracy.
The next few weeks will be crucial for:
- KP governance
- PTI’s legal status
- National political stability
- Institutional-political relations
Pakistan is entering a decisive and unpredictable political phase, and the possibility of a PTI ban or governor’s rule in KP remains under active discussion.
Punjab Resolution to Ban PTI & Imran Khan – 2025 Update
1. Why did the Punjab Assembly call for a ban on PTI and Imran Khan?
The Assembly accused PTI and Imran Khan of harming national stability, spreading unrest, and promoting a narrative similar to hostile countries.
2. Can the government legally ban a political party in Pakistan?
Yes, but it requires strong evidence and approval from the Supreme Court. The government must prove the party is working against the Constitution or national security.
3. Why is governor’s rule being considered in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP)?
Government ministers claim KP’s security situation is worsening, police are understaffed, and PTI leadership allegedly obstructed counterterrorism operations.
4. What comparison did ministers make between Imran Khan and Altaf Hussain?
Ministers said Imran Khan’s speeches are more aggressive than Altaf Hussain’s past statements and warned that similar restrictions could be applied.
5. What could happen if PTI is officially banned?
If banned, PTI’s organisational structure may be dissolved, leaders could be disqualified, party offices shut down, and political activity may be restricted nationwide.
