ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan registrar’s office has returned a petition filed by Istihkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) Additional Secretary General Aun Chaudhry, seeking a ban on the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the former ruling party. The registrar’s office raised objections, citing non-fulfillment of constitutional requirements and lack of clarity on the matter.
Aun Chaudhry, who was once a close aide of PTI Chairman Imran Khan, supported Jahangir Khan Tareen and resigned as special adviser to the Punjab chief minister in August 2021 amid differences between Khan and Tareen regarding a high-profile sugar scam.
Supreme Court Raises Objections
In response to Chaudhry’s petition, the registrar’s office stated that the requirements of Article 184(3) of the Constitution were not met. It further questioned how the imposition of a ban on the PTI falls under Article 184(3) and emphasized the lack of explanation on how banning the PTI is a matter of public interest.
Additionally, the apex court noted that Chaudhry did not approach the relevant forum before filing the petition, as required. The registrar’s office also pointed out that under Article 248 of the Constitution, the prime minister and the defense minister cannot be made parties to the case.
Earlier, Imran Khan expressed concerns about efforts to “impose a ban” on his party, especially in light of the government’s decision to try the May 9 rioters in military and anti-terrorism courts. However, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah had suggested the possibility of imposing a ban on the PTI following violent protests that erupted after Khan’s arrest in the Al-Qadir Trust case.
It is important to note that the Supreme Court’s registrar’s office has returned the plea seeking a ban on the PTI due to objections regarding constitutional requirements and lack of clarity.
