Political Parties in Pakistan at Loggerheads Over Government’s Imposition of Restrictions
Islamabad:In Pakistan, internal strife and imposition of restrictions among political parties are not novel occurrences, as even major parties like Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) have traversed this path before. Despite seven decades passing, political parties have remained unsuccessful in devising a mechanism to resolve their political disputes on their own.
The government’s decision to impose restrictions on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has triggered a series of reactions, with dissent emerging not only from other political parties but also from within PML-N.
Senior leader of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, Khurram Dastgir, commented on the government’s decision, stating, “I am not in favor of restrictions on any political party.” He further added that if the government is taking action against Arif Alvi, Imran Khan, and Qasim Suri for violating the constitution, it is a justified move because no one should be allowed to engage in unconstitutional activities.
Khurram Dastgir emphasized that political parties should compete through politics and performance.
On the other hand, another PML-N leader, Abid Sher Ali, opposed any restrictions on political parties, saying, “Nawaz Sharif has never been silenced.”
It should be noted that besides imposing restrictions on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, the government has also decided to initiate action under Article 6 against former President Arif Alvi, Imran Khan, and Qasim Suri.
Federal Minister for Information, Ataullah Tarar, addressing a press conference in Islamabad, remarked, “There has been significant chaos in the country. Now, we want to lead this country forward and for that, we believe that if we want to take this country forward, then Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and Pakistan cannot go together.”
