HRCP said today that it was shocked by the government’s decision to ban the PTI.Not only is this move in flagrant violation of party members’ right to association under Article 17 of the Constitution, but it is also an enormous blow to democratic norms, especially when the Supreme Court has unanimously ruled that the PTI is a political party. Moreover, such a move reeks of political desperation, given that it follows closely on the heels of the apex court’s ruling that has effectively made the PTI the single largest party in the National Assembly after making it eligible for reserved seats for women and minorities, it said.

HRCP demanded that this unconstitutional decision be withdrawn immediately. If pushed through, it will achieve nothing more than deeper polarization and the strong likelihood of political chaos and violence. No government can afford to have a selective memory and conveniently forget the consequences of banning or demonizing political parties lest it find itself on the receiving end of such measures.

HRCP also reminded the government that it needs to prioritize relief to its beleaguered citizens who are caught in a continuing cost-of-living crisis and rising violence, crime and militancy. It cannot do this without the support of its allies as well as its rivals.