LAHORE - The Punjab Assembly on Tuesday adopted by a majority vote a resolution calling for a ban on the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and its founding leader citing concerns related to the country's armed forces. Although the resolution did not explicitly name the party, its language and references left little doubt that it was targeting the PTI and its founder for allegedly speaking against the armed forces, creating chaos and acting at the behest of hostile foreign powers. The resolution was moved by PML-N MPA Tahir Pervaiz and was passed during the 36th sitting of the Assembly session, which began one hour and twenty-nine minutes late under the chairmanship of Samiullah Khan from the panel of chairpersons. In his resolution, Tahir Pervaiz urged the federal government to ban any party or leader involved in making statements against the Pakistan Armed Forces and institutions responsible for the security of the country. The text of the resolution said statements against Armed Forces were equivalent to undermining national integrity. It demanded a ban on what it described as an enemy-backed party and its founder, legal action and strict punishment for any leader found guilty of anti-state statements, and recognition for the services of the armed forces and their leadership. Notably, the PTI was not present in the House at the time the resolution was adopted. All its members reportedly left for Rawalpindi to participate in a political activity outside Adiala Jail. As a result, the resolution was passed smoothly without any disruption that might have occurred had the PTI members been present.