Lahore, December 10, 2025: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Wednesday opposed the idea of banning any political party, clarifying that neither he nor his party had demanded the imposition of governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).
His remarks came amid calls by several ministers in the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)-led federal government for a ban on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) over what they describe as the party’s “anti-state” and “anti-army” narrative.
“I am not in favour of banning any political party, but the party in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa must improve its conduct,” Bilawal said while speaking to the media in Lahore.
The PPP chairman warned that interference in ongoing counterterrorism operations could create serious complications. He added that if a political party were to facilitate terrorists, the imposition of governor’s rule could become unavoidable.
The debate over the possible removal of the KP government intensified after State Minister for Law Aqeel Malik said the federal government was “seriously considering” governor’s rule in the province, citing deteriorating security conditions and poor governance.
In response, PTI-backed KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi challenged the PML-N-led government to impose governor’s rule.
Bilawal’s comments come amid reports that the PTI has decided to initiate contacts with the PPP—an ally of the PML-N at the Centre—through the multi-party opposition alliance, Tehreek Tahaffuz-e-Ayeen-Pakistan (TTAP).
Sources said the PPP would be invited to participate in a two-day national conference aimed at exploring avenues for political dialogue. The ruling PML-N, however, would not be invited, they added.
According to sources, the PTI has linked any potential negotiations with the government to a meeting between jailed PTI founder Imran Khan and political allies, including Mahmood Achakzai.
Commenting on the security situation, Bilawal said a “war-like situation” was developing in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He also welcomed the idea of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz contesting elections from Sindh, urging all political parties to take part in the electoral process in the province.
The former foreign minister warned that threats emanating from Afghanistan were proving real, with militants based across the border carrying out attacks on Pakistani soil.
“This is a serious risk, and our armed forces are confronting this challenge,” he said.
Addressing internal political tensions, Bilawal criticised certain “political forces” for attempting to undermine state institutions and urged all parties to keep politics within constitutional limits.
“A political party is behaving like a ‘political dajjal’ and wants to create a wedge between the people and the armed forces,” he said, calling on the party to improve its conduct.
