Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has acknowledged that the PML-N government acted hastily in announcing a ban on the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). He added that a constitutional meltdown is about to happen.

While speaking on Geo News on Thursday, Asif admitted that the decision was made prematurely and that consultations with coalition partners were crucial.

The government’s surprise announcement on Monday, which also included plans to charge former Prime Minister Imran Khan, former President Arif Alvi, and ex-Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri with high treason under Article 6, has faced strong opposition from both within and outside the ruling coalition. Even the PML-N’s key ally, the PPP, has criticized the move as undemocratic.

Asif clarified that the government will now seek a broader consensus among its allies before taking any further action against the PTI. He emphasized that the decision to ban the party will be made only after achieving a unified stance.

He added that there is increasing chatter about elections being annulled by October.

When questioned about the perception that the government is facilitating a crackdown on Imran Khan, Asif vehemently denied the claim. He asserted that the government’s actions are solely in the best interest of Pakistan.

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Asif further accused the PTI of posing an existential threat to the country due to its behavior since being ousted from power. He claimed that the party is receiving significant support from the United States, both diplomatically and legislatively, through hired lobbyists who have secured backing from various US interest groups.

Expressing concerns about a potential constitutional crisis, Asif warned of a “constitutional meltdown” in Pakistan. While he did not elaborate on the specifics, he clarified that he was not referring to a possible military takeover.

Asif stressed the need for a political solution to the current political turmoil, urging all parties to work towards a peaceful resolution.