Bilawal Rejects Calls to Ban PTI as Debate Over KP Governor’s Rule Gains Momentum

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Wednesday distanced his party from growing demands within the federal coalition to outlaw the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), asserting that political bans are neither his position nor the stance of the Pakistan Peoples Party. Speaking to journalists in Lahore, he stressed that while PTI’s conduct in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) must improve, banning any party is not the solution.

His remarks come as several ministers from the PML-N-led federal government push for a PTI ban, accusing the party of promoting an “anti-state” and “anti-army” narrative. The debate has intensified alongside renewed discussions on whether circumstances in KP warrant the imposition of KP governor’s rule.

KP Security Concerns Drive Talk of Extraordinary Measures

Bilawal warned that interference in counterterrorism operations could “create serious problems” at a time when security risks in the province are escalating. He cautioned that if any political force is found facilitating militant activities, the option of governor’s rule could “become unavoidable.”

Federal State Minister for Law Aqeel Malik recently stated that the government is “seriously considering” invoking governor’s rule in KP, citing deteriorating governance and security challenges. KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi — backed by PTI — openly dared the federal authorities to take such a step.

Bilawal echoed concerns about rising threats emanating from Afghanistan, saying recent attacks have demonstrated that cross-border terrorism remains a “real and immediate danger” that Pakistan’s armed forces are actively confronting.

Political Channels Shift as PTI Seeks Contact With PPP

Amid political tensions, sources say PTI is preparing to reach out to the PPP through the multi-party Tehreek Tahaffuz-e-Ayeen-Pakistan (TTAP) platform. The PPP is expected to be invited to a two-day national conference aimed at identifying pathways for political dialogue — though the ruling PML-N will not be asked to participate.

PTI, sources added, has tied any future engagement with the government to a meeting between its political allies — including Mahmood Achakzai — and incarcerated founder Imran Khan.

Bilawal Criticizes Rising Hostility in Politics

Bilawal also touched on what he described as a “war-like situation” developing in KP, underscoring the need for political forces to act responsibly. He warned against attempts to malign state institutions and urged parties to maintain boundaries in political discourse.

Without naming PTI, he condemned the behavior of a party he described as acting like a “political dajjal,” accusing it of trying to sever the link between citizens and the armed forces.

Turning to electoral politics, the PPP chief welcomed the possibility of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz contesting elections in Sindh, saying all parties should freely compete in the province.

As tensions rise across the political spectrum, Bilawal reiterated that Pakistan’s challenges — especially those tied to security — require unity, restraint and responsible leadership rather than bans or escalating confrontation.