US-Pakistan Tensions Escalate over PTI Party Ban

Pakistan has rejected the US' concerns over its plans to ban former PM Imran Khan's party, PTI. The US stated it is closely monitoring the situation, emphasizing the importance of democratic principles and the peaceful process. Pakistan terms the US comments as unwarranted interference in its domestic affairs.

Pakistan has rebuffed the US' concerns about its intention to ban the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, labeling the remarks as "unwarranted and unacceptable interference" in its domestic matters.

In a push to suppress Khan and his party, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's government announced legal proceedings against Khan and ex-president Arif Alvi on charges of treason. Just hours after the announcement, the US expressed significant concern, asserting it would keep a close watch on subsequent judicial decisions.

During her weekly briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch praised Pakistan's legal systems while rejecting the US' comments. Meanwhile, US Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller highlighted Washington's support for democratic principles, human rights, and the rule of law, emphasizing that any attempt to ban a political party would be highly concerning.

(With inputs from agencies.)