May 9 events, civil-military relations, and political freedoms dominate political discourse

Govt Says Possible PTI Ban “A Legal Matter, Not Political”

Federal Information Minister Ataullah Tarar stated that any decision regarding a ban on the PTI would be made strictly on legal grounds, not political preferences.
Speaking on a private news program, he recalled the May 9 vandalism, accusing PTI of crossing constitutional limits and adopting actions “resembling terrorism.”

Tarar said the Punjab Assembly’s resolution seeking a ban was meant to “correct the record,” emphasizing that no political leader or party is above the state.

PTI Rejects Allegations, Warns of National Fallout

Responding sharply, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan accused the government of suppressing political freedoms and attempting to force PTI out of the political arena.

He warned that if the situation continues, the country could become “uncontrollable within a month”, adding that those pursuing such actions “will also not remain.”

He said PTI was ready to “act responsibly” but powerful circles must also step forward to de-escalate tensions.
“The politics of answering bricks with stones must end,” he said.

Restrictions, Meetings Blocked, Legal Rights Debated

Gohar claimed PTI had faced continuous restrictions after elections — from blocked access to the party founder to limited parliamentary speech opportunities.
He questioned why even Bushra Bibi was barred from meetings, saying:
“If meetings are banned due to tweeting, then why are others not allowed to meet her?”

PTI leaders insisted that lawyers and family visits should be allowed under court orders.

Opposition Leaders Condemn Force

PTI and allied leaders including Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Asad Qaiser criticized the government for coercive tactics, saying such measures threaten democracy.

Qaiser announced a national political conference later this month to address institutional concerns and political rights.

He said:
“The only way forward for Pakistan is democracy. Force will only push the country toward instability.”

Bilawal Bhutto Opposes Party Bans but Calls for Responsible Politics

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari took a middle-ground position — opposing any ban on political parties but also criticizing PTI’s stance towards the military.

He said Pakistan faces threats from both eastern and western borders, yet “one political party” chose confrontation instead of unity.

Bilawal urged reforms in the election system and reiterated concerns regarding “Form 47 distortions,” calling for transparent electoral processes.

Growing Warnings of “Third-Force” Consequences

PTI cautioned that political suppression might pave the way for non-political actors to exploit the crisis; a concern raised previously by analysts and legal experts.

Barrister Gohar stated:
“This is not our weakness; it is a failure of the system.”

Key Questions Emerging

• What legal framework will determine whether PTI faces a ban?
• Can political unrest escalate into wider instability if dialogue remains absent?
• Will restrictions on political meetings hold up under court scrutiny?
• Can electoral and governance reforms reduce polarization before the next elections?

These questions continue to shape Pakistan’s political landscape as government and opposition remain locked in a widening confrontation.