Pakistan Set to Ban Imran Khan's PTI Amidst Legal and Political Turmoil

Pakistan plans to ban former Prime Minister Imran Khan's party PTI over illegal foreign funds and riot charges. The government aims to move the case to the cabinet and Supreme Court. Khan, jailed since August, was acquitted on separate charges but remains in custody as new arrest orders have been issued.

Pakistan is preparing to ban former Prime Minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, according to Information Minister Attaullah Tarar.

The decision stems from multiple factors, including proven allegations that PTI received illegal foreign funds and engaged in rioting targeting military installations last year. The federal government will present the case to cabinet and, if necessary, the Supreme Court.

PTI candidates had contested the Feb. 8 elections as independents after being barred from the polls. Recently, the Supreme Court ruled that PTI could claim over 20 extra reserved seats in parliament, intensifying pressure on the coalition government. It remains uncertain how the impending ban will affect this ruling. The government seeks a legal review on the reserved seats issue.

Imran Khan, jailed since August, was acquitted on charges related to an unlawful marriage with his third wife. However, he will not be released due to new arrest orders. Khan rose to power in 2018 but was ousted in 2022 following disputes with Pakistan's military.