LAHORE: Senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader opposed government’s decision to ban Tehreek-e-Insaf, stressing that banning political parties is not solution to any problem.

Speaking at press conference, Javed Latif said that ‘local political parties’ serve state and nation, arguing that if certain individuals threaten state, they should not be considered national party. He highlighted that parties contributing to national prosperity should be recognised and that hidden forces weakening state should be exposed. He criticised judicial murder of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who fortified Pakistan’s defense. He expressed concerns over potential banning of PTI, noting that PTI’s founder had previously banned party without similar public concern. He warned that weakening national political parties undermines democracy and likened current situation in Pakistan to Kenya. He condemned glorification of those who contributed nothing over four years and criticised May 9 incident, questioning whether any national party or leader could be responsible for such actions. Latif called for round table conference involving political leaders and institutions to address current issues. He demanded that those responsible for May 9 incident be brought to justice according to law, stressing that Pakistan cannot afford actions taken to appease specific interests.