(Daily Point) — The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is currently under scrutiny, with opponents suggesting that the party could face a ban if its founder, Imran Khan, and other top leaders are convicted in cases related to the May 9 violent incidents and violations of the Secrets Act in the cipher case, as reported by The News.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) recently declared that the PTI had received “prohibited funding” in August 2003 after years of investigation into the party’s financing. This development provided an opportunity for the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government to dissolve the party. Although Imran Khan was disqualified from parliament, sources from the previous Shehbaz Sharif government revealed that the government hesitated to pursue the ban immediately, choosing to address the matter at a later, more suitable time.

Senator Azam Nazir Tarrar, the law and justice minister of the previous government, highlighted the PTI’s alleged defiance of laws under the Elections Act, 2017. He pointed to Article 212 of the Act, which outlines the dissolution of a political party if it is deemed foreign-aided, operates against the interests of Pakistan, or is involved in terrorism. Tarrar suggested that once the government decides to challenge the PTI’s lawful existence, the matter could be taken up by the Supreme Court.

Tarrar also discussed the potential effects of dissolving the party, citing Article 213 of the Elections Act, which mandates the disqualification of members if their political party is dissolved. Additionally, Article 200 of the Act outlines the prohibited actions for political parties, including actions prejudicial to the fundamental principles of the Constitution, undermining the sovereignty of Pakistan, promoting hatred, or engaging in terrorism.

Sources indicate that the likelihood of the PTI being disbanded increases if Imran Khan and other leaders are convicted in the ongoing under-trial cases. However, despite these developments, PTI leaders, including the Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, Dr. Shahzad Waseem, have remained unavailable for comments.

As the legal challenges mount, the PTI finds itself at a critical juncture, with the specter of a potential ban hanging over the party. The unfolding legal proceedings will undoubtedly shape the political landscape in Pakistan, and the consequences of a ban could have far-reaching implications for the party and its members.