Petition calls for ban on PAT, PTI

Published August 22, 2014
PTI chairman Imran Khan and PAT chairman Tahirul Qadri.
PTI chairman Imran Khan and PAT chairman Tahirul Qadri.

LAHORE: Advocate M.H. Mujahid on Friday filed a petition in the Supreme Court's Lahore registry seeking a ban on the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT).

In his plea, the petitioner contended that the protests being staged by the PAT and PTI were adversely affecting the movement of Islamabad's residents and sought a ban on both the political parties under Article 17 of the Constitution.

Article 17 of the Constitution relates to freedom of association and states that "every citizen shall have the right to form associations or unions, subject to any reasonable restrictions imposed by law in the interest of sovereignty or integrity of Pakistan, public order or morality".

The PAT and PTI have been staging anti-government protests for more than a week now against alleged rigging during the 2013 general elections and corruption in the country. The parties are also seeking the resignation of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

Sharif's PML-N had come into power following its sweeping victory during the 2013 elections that marked the first democratic transition of power in the country.

European Human Rights Commission and other foreign observers had endorsed the transparency and fairness of the elections and appreciated the arrangements made for the polls in a free and peaceful manner.

Opinion

Editorial

Hasty transition
Updated 05 May, 2024

Hasty transition

Ostensibly, the aim is to exert greater control over social media and to gain more power to crack down on activists, dissidents and journalists.
One small step…
05 May, 2024

One small step…

THERE is some good news for the nation from the heavens above. On Friday, Pakistan managed to dispatch a lunar...
Not out of the woods
05 May, 2024

Not out of the woods

PAKISTAN’S economic vitals might be showing some signs of improvement, but the country is not yet out of danger....
Rigging claims
Updated 04 May, 2024

Rigging claims

The PTI’s allegations are not new; most elections in Pakistan have been controversial, and it is almost a given that results will be challenged by the losing side.
Gaza’s wasteland
04 May, 2024

Gaza’s wasteland

SINCE the start of hostilities on Oct 7, Israel has put in ceaseless efforts to depopulate Gaza, and make the Strip...
Housing scams
04 May, 2024

Housing scams

THE story of illegal housing schemes in Punjab is the story of greed, corruption and plunder. Major players in these...