Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has stated that there are currently no talks taking place with the government, but the party is very close to sitting at the negotiating table. He emphasized that no political force can be excluded from the process.
Speaking to the media outside Parliament House, Barrister Gohar presented the party’s detailed position regarding possible negotiations with the government, the situation of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi in prison, and the recent verdicts issued by anti-terrorism courts.
Addressing the ongoing political stalemate, he said, “We want talks with the government, but at present there are no discussions taking place on any front. However, we are very close to beginning negotiations. It is impossible to move forward by sidelining the country’s largest political force or by excluding any stakeholder from the process.”
The PTI chairman also appealed to the authorities and influential circles, urging them to allow Imran Khan to meet his family members and to permit him, as party chairman, to meet the former prime minister. “Only through such meetings can the situation improve,” he said, adding that the party is deeply concerned about Bushra Bibi’s health.
Commenting on the recent sentences handed down to PTI leaders by anti-terrorism courts, Barrister Gohar said that such decisions would further deepen political bitterness and divisions. He noted that Dr. Yasmin Rashid, Mian Mahmoodur Rashid, Ijaz Chaudhry, and Omar Sarfraz Cheema have always served the country and its people. He appealed to the judiciary to uphold the principles of justice and avoid decisions that could intensify political tensions and national polarization.
Criticizing the tradition of political victimization, he said, “Pakistan has witnessed a troubling culture of imprisoning political opponents since its inception. I have never supported such practices in any form. Politics should be based on tolerance, ethics, and public service. Arresting people and putting them in jail cannot serve the interests of the country or its citizens.”