On Thursday, a constitutional petition was filed in the Supreme Court by a senior leader of the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP), urging the court to dissolve the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
The petitioner, Awn Chaudhry, argued that the PTI chairman was responsible for attacking state institutions, the judiciary, the military, and its installations. Furthermore, he alleged that the PTI chairman violated basic human rights and the Constitution.
The petition names the PTI chairman and the party president as respondents. In addition, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, the ministries of law and interior, and others are included as respondents in the case.
According to the petition, the acts of the PTI, its Chairman, and its office-bearers, such as hate speeches against the judiciary, the defense sector and the destruction and looting of public assets, are completely unconstitutional.
The petition specifically refers to the events of May 9, highlighting that PTI supporters conspired against state institutions, including burning the house of the Corps Commander and engaging in widespread looting of state properties.
The petitioner further argues that the PTI chief and his party have undermined the fabric of society by attacking institutions and making hate speeches that demean the country and its institutions.
Moreover, it is claimed that the PTI has seriously violated the concept of democracy and the parliamentary form of government, which are enshrined in the Election Act.
Referring to Article 212 of the Election Act 2017, the petition asserts that Tehreek-e-Insaf (Respondent No.4) should be dissolved as its formation and operations are deemed detrimental to the sovereignty and integrity of Pakistan.
The petition includes a copy of a letter written by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif to Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial, addressing the PTI chief’s “shocking statements containing serious allegations levelled against senior most officials of the Armed Forces.”