He also clarified that the idea of imposing governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was not a demand of his party.
His remarks came after several ministers in the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz led federal government called for a ban on the Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf, accusing the party of promoting what they described as an anti state and anti army narrative.
Speaking to the media in Lahore, Bilawal said he did not support the idea of banning any political party. However, he added that the ruling party in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa must improve its conduct.
The PPP chairman warned that interference in counterterrorism operations could create serious problems. He said that if a political party acted as a facilitator for terrorists, then the option of governor’s rule could become unavoidable.
Debate over the future of the KP government intensified after State Minister for Law Aqeel Malik said that the federal government was seriously considering imposing governor’s rule in the province because of security concerns and what he described as poor governance.
In response, PTI backed KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi challenged the federal government to go ahead and impose governor’s rule.
Bilawal’s comments regarding the ban on political parties come at a time when reports suggest that the PTI has decided to reach out to the PPP through the multi party opposition alliance Tehreek Tahaffuz e Ayeen Pakistan. Sources said the PPP would be invited to a two day national conference aimed at exploring possibilities for political dialogue. They added that the ruling Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz would not be invited to the conference.
According to sources, the PTI has linked any potential talks with the government to a meeting between its political allies, including Mahmood Achakzai, and jailed PTI founder Imran Khan.
The PPP chairman also spoke about the security situation in Pakistan and said a war like situation was emerging in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He welcomed the idea of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz contesting elections from Sindh and urged all political parties to participate in elections in the province.
Bilawal said threats from Afghanistan were proving real and that militants from the neighbouring country had been carrying out attacks inside Pakistan. He added that this was a serious risk and that the armed forces were confronting the challenge.
Commenting on internal political developments, Bilawal criticised political elements whom he said were trying to undermine state institutions. He accused a political party of acting like a political dajjal and said it was trying to create a divide between the public and the armed forces. He urged the party in question to improve its conduct.
