ISLAMABAD: PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan on Tuesday ruled out any change in the party’s plan to hold a protest on September 27, saying the government’s actions had left the party with little choice but to take to the streets.
Speaking to reporters at Dahgal Naka on Adiala Road, Gohar said the political situation could have improved had PTI been allowed regular meetings with its founder. He alleged that the party leader was being subjected to treatment unprecedented for a political prisoner in the country.
Gohar also expressed dissatisfaction with the judiciary, claiming that PTI had been disappointed by court proceedings and that authorities were not implementing judicial directives concerning meetings with the party founder. He said a number of PTI petitions were still awaiting decisions in the Supreme Court.
“We have been pushed against the wall,” Gohar said, alleging that party workers were being picked up ahead of the planned protest.
He questioned restrictions on peaceful demonstrations and said PTI had directed its supporters to remain peaceful and avoid carrying sticks or engaging in violence.
According to Gohar, the party would continue its street movement if neither parliament nor the judiciary provided relief. At the same time, he acknowledged that the public was exhausted by prolonged political confrontation and urged all stakeholders to step back to ease tensions.
The PTI chairman reiterated that court orders concerning the party founder’s meetings and transfer had not been fully implemented.
Gohar backs KP CM’s political outreach
Commenting on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi’s recent visit to Sindh, Gohar said the chief minister received a warm reception from residents. He accused the Sindh government of creating hurdles by blocking roads during the visit.
He said the PTI founder had assigned Afridi the responsibility of leading the party’s street mobilisation.
Warns against rushed move on new provinces
On calls for the creation of new provinces, Gohar termed the matter sensitive and cautioned against taking any decision in haste, saying it could have repercussions for the federation.
He argued that provinces had historically not been created solely on the basis of population and warned that additional constitutional amendments by the present parliament could undermine the federal structure.
Gohar also said PTI had made no statement regarding the party founder’s sons, adding that a High Court order permitted them to communicate with their father.
He rejected allegations that the party had exploited provincial government resources for political activities.
Calls for action against terrorism
Responding to remarks by the Punjab chief minister concerning KP and terrorism, Gohar said such statements could deepen tensions between the provinces.
He maintained that terrorism in all forms was unacceptable and called for effective implementation of the National Action Plan.
Regarding appointments in the Pakistan Army and NACTA, Gohar said these were matters for the respective institutions and maintained that PTI had never challenged the appointment of heads of state institutions.
Urges PM to consult opposition on CEC appointment
Gohar called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to begin consultations with the opposition leader over the appointment of a new chief election commissioner.
He noted that the incumbent’s term had expired in January 2025 and stressed the need for the constitutional process to move forward.
Gohar said Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Allama Raja Nasir Abbas had been entrusted with PTI’s mandate for political negotiations.
