PLANS to ban the party of former prime minister Imran Khan, who is in prison on charges of illegally receiving funds from abroad and involvement in nationwide riots, were announced today by Pakistan’s government.

The decision is likely to significantly deepen political turmoil as Mr Khan, the main rival of current Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, remains a popular figure despite his convictions in a series of cases that he says are politically motivated.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar claimed that the government had “credible evidence” against Mr Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf. 

The government has long accused the party of receiving money from overseas, which is not allowed under Pakistani law.

Mr Tarar said that, under the constitution, the government has the power to ban the party, but that the decision would be referred to the Supreme Court for its approval.

Mr Khan’s party accused the government of panicking after court rulings threw out many of the charges against the former prime minister.

Today’s announcement came two days after a court overturned the convictions and seven-year sentences given to Mr Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi in a case related to the legality of their marriage.