LAHORE: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Wednesday distanced himself from growing calls to outlaw the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), insisting that neither he nor his party supports banning any political force. He also clarified that imposing governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) was not a PPP demand.
His remarks came as several ministers in the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)-led federal government renewed calls for a ban on the PTI, accusing it of promoting an “anti-state” and “anti-army” narrative.
Speaking to reporters in Lahore, Bilawal said: “I am not in favour of banning any political party, but the party in KP must improve its conduct.” He cautioned that interference in ongoing counterterrorism operations could have serious consequences, warning that if any political group acted as a “facilitator” for militants, governor’s rule in KP might become unavoidable.
Debate around dismissing the KP government intensified earlier this week after State Minister for Law Aqeel Malik said the Centre was “seriously considering” invoking governor’s rule due to the province’s security challenges and alleged governance failures. PTI-backed KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, however, dared the federal government to go ahead.
Bilawal’s comments coincided with reports that the PTI plans to reach out to the PPP — a federal coalition partner of the PML-N — through the multi-party opposition platform, Tehreek Tahaffuz-e-Ayeen-Pakistan (TTAP). Sources said the PPP is likely to be invited to a two-day national conference aimed at exploring options for political dialogue, though the ruling PML-N will not be included.
According to insiders, the PTI has conditioned any future negotiations with the government on allowing TTAP leaders, including Mahmood Khan Achakzai, to meet imprisoned party founder Imran Khan.
Discussing Pakistan’s deteriorating security landscape, Bilawal warned that “a war-like situation is developing in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” and said threats emanating from Afghanistan were proving real, with cross-border militants targeting Pakistan. “This is a serious risk, and our armed forces are confronting the challenge,” he noted.
He welcomed the possibility of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz contesting elections from Sindh, urging all political parties to fully participate in the province’s electoral process.
Criticising what he called divisive politics, Bilawal accused certain political actors of trying to “undermine institutions,” urging restraint and responsible conduct. “A political party is acting like a ‘political dajjal’. They want to create a wedge between the public and the armed forces,” he said, calling on the party to correct its behaviour.
