US expresses concern over govt’s decision to ban PTI

The United States has expressed concern over the government’s decision to ban Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller responded to questions regarding the “possible restrictions on PTI” during a presser on Monday.

“Our understanding is this is the beginning of what would be a complete complex political process, but certainly banning of a political party is something that would be a great concern to us,” Matthew Miller said.

He said that the US will closely monitor these internal developments and decisions.

His remarks came just a few hours after Information Minister Ataullah Tarar’s presser where he informed media about government’s move regarding PTI’s future.

“Pakistan and PTI cannot move together and the government will register a case against the party,” the federal minster told a news conference on Monday.

He added: “If the country has to develop, then Pakistan and the PTI cannot go together.” There is an impression that no one can lay a hand on them (PTI) and our patience and tolerance has been considered our weakness. We have been given political training to respect political opponents.

Attaullah Tarar said that the government has decided to file an Article 6 case against former president Arif Alvi, PTI founder Imran Khan and former deputy speaker Qasim Suri.