- PTI chairman terms launching a political movement a constitutional right, saying party has not shied away from dialogue either
- Notes while an alliance with Maulana Fazlur Rehman could not be materialised, relations between them have not deteriorated
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan Tuesday held a detailed meeting with the party’s jailed founder, Imran Khan, briefing him on key party affairs, recent political offers, and judicial developments, according to party insiders.
During the meeting, Barrister Gohar informed the PTI founder about an offer of talks extended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, marking a potential opening for political dialogue amid the ongoing political impasse. He also relayed a message from what insiders referred to as the “captive leadership”—a ”group of party leaders facing legal or political pressure.
Barrister Gohar advised restraint in issuing strong statements about the party’s leadership during the current sensitive situation. He also provided an assessment of the judiciary’s posture following the controversial 26th Constitutional Amendment, which has sparked legal and political challenges across the board.
In his comprehensive briefing, Barrister Gohar discussed the broader political landscape and internal party strategy. He reportedly emphasized that in addition to pursuing protest movements and judicial routes, PTI must evaluate all available political options moving forward.
Another key issue raised during the discussion was the party’s internal disciplinary policy. Gohar urged that the decision to expel members who did not participate in recent protests should be reconsidered, suggesting a more inclusive approach might be beneficial in the current climate.
Despite a detailed briefing, the PTI founder, sources claim, withheld a final decision on the matters discussed, opting to reflect further before offering direction.
Earlier, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said that efforts are being made to hold dialogue only with those stakeholders who are “relevant” to the process.
Speaking near the Dahgal checkpoint close to Adiala Jail before a meeting with the PTI founder on Tuesday, Barrister Gohar said he was visiting the PTI founder after a month due to his inability to meet him earlier during the budget session. He said that the police had stopped them at the checkpoint despite a clear directive from the High Court that no obstruction should be placed on such meetings.
Barrister Gohar emphasized that broader engagement would result in positive messages reaching the public, adding that the PTI founder has consistently conveyed a constructive message to the nation. He reiterated the party’s demand for the immediate release of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, who have been incarcerated for over 700 days.
He stressed that even if release is not being granted, at the very least, access should be allowed. “To move forward, there must not be unnecessary hardships. Once access is granted, we can discuss what the offer is, and during meetings, we can also address the letters from imprisoned PTI workers,” he said.
Gohar revealed that the prime minister had said in Parliament that talks should take place and advised the use of the Speaker’s Office for the purpose. However, the PTI founder rejected the government’s offer for dialogue, insisting that if the government is serious, it must first take concrete and positive steps.
Barrister Gohar stated that launching a political movement is a constitutional right, but PTI has not shied away from dialogue either. He noted that while an alliance with Maulana Fazlur Rehman could not materialise, relations between them have not deteriorated.
He clarified that, at present, no form of backchannel dialogue is underway. “Our consistent position has been that all options must remain open in political struggle, and even now, we are trying to continue the negotiation process with the appropriate parties,” he concluded.
