PTI must apologise to the nation and institutions to reintegrate into the political mainstream, says Ahsan Iqbal
\n Islamabad
\nFederal Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal has stated that there is no place for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in Pakistan\u2019s current political framework.
\nIn an interview with an American broadcaster on Thursday, Iqbal criticised PTI\u2019s founding chairman Imran Khan for his contradictory political stance, insisting that he must apologise to the nation and its institutions. \u201cOtherwise, there is no room for PTI in Pakistan\u2019s current political landscape,\u201d Iqbal said.
\nAddressing a question about negotiations with the military, the minister noted that the army has decided to distance itself from politics. \u201cThe military should not be dragged into political affairs,\u201d he said, adding that there would be no concern if discussions occur between the army and PTI.
\nIqbal challenged Imran Khan to clarify what he wishes to discuss with the military, accusing him of inviting the army to interfere in politics. \u201cKhan has admitted that the protest plan at GHQ was his idea. His political approach is full of contradictions. On one hand, he invites military intervention, and on the other, he talks about civilian supremacy.\u201d
\nThe minister accused Khan of seeking the establishment\u2019s help to become prime minister. He noted that if an incident similar to the May 9 protests happened in the US, there would be severe repercussions. \u201cThose convicted for the Capitol attack in the US received up to 14 years in prison. PTI is directly attacking the interests of the state of Pakistan. Such political tactics have no place in a democracy.\u201d
\nIqbal emphasised that PTI must apologise to the nation and institutions to reintegrate into the political mainstream. \u201cWithout an apology, there is no room for PTI in Pakistan\u2019s current political framework,\u201d he reiterated.
\nHe also clarified that banning a political party requires the judiciary\u2019s endorsement, not just the government\u2019s desire. \u201cThe decision to ban PTI follows their international campaign, taking the political fight to the US Congress. Any ban on PTI will be according to the law and Constitution,\u201d he said, indicating that institutions will decide the timing.
\nIqbal mentioned that the government has successfully addressed China\u2019s security concerns, affirming that bilateral cooperation will not be affected by attacks. \u201cPakistan considers the protection of Chinese nationals its responsibility.\u201d
\nHe concluded that balancing relations with China and the US is not challenging for Pakistan. \u201cNeither the US nor China can afford to overlook Pakistan,\u201d he asserted.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
PTI must apologise to the nation and institutions to reintegrate into the political mainstream, says Ahsan Iqbal Islamabad Federal Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal has stated that there is no place for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in Pakistan\u2019s current political framework. In an interview with an American broadcaster on Thursday, Iqbal criticised PTI\u2019s founding chairman Imran […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-422205","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-top-news"},"yoast_head":"\n