Resignation from Party Post Is a Serious Matter, Not a Drama: PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar

Rawalpindi: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan has said that resignation from a party position is a serious issue and should not be treated like a drama. Speaking to the media outside Adiala Jail, he commented on reports regarding Salman Akram Raja’s resignation, saying he had only heard about it but had not read his statement.

Barrister Gohar lamented that internal matters of the party often leak, creating unnecessary controversies and giving the impression of internal rifts. He emphasized that the party founder has issued clear directions that no leader should submit or announce their resignation publicly, nor make public comments on internal affairs.

He further stated that leaders, including Salman Akram Raja, should refrain from tweeting about party matters, adding that any decision regarding Raja’s resignation will be made by the PTI founder.

Gohar Khan also expressed disappointment over being denied a meeting with the party founder in jail, stressing that such restrictions are inappropriate. “I have always said there should be reconciliation. Unjust sentences, disqualifications, and arrests will only widen the gap,” he said.

On the upcoming by-elections, he clarified that if the political committee has decided on contesting or boycotting polls, he was not part of that meeting. He said the founder’s directives would be final, and any ambiguities would be resolved after meeting him.

Regarding the opposition leader’s slot in parliament, Barrister Gohar said that the founder alone would decide who holds the position. “When the seat became vacant, I never put myself forward as a candidate. Parliament can function without an opposition leader,” he remarked.

He added that PTI is not holding negotiations with anyone at any level, but democracy cannot function without an opposition. Responding to rumors, he clarified that Aliema Khan has no involvement in party affairs, and all decisions are made solely by the party founder.

Commenting on the devastating floods in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Barrister Gohar said he had been in Buner overseeing relief efforts. He described the floods as a test from Allah, affecting 10 districts of the province. He criticized the federal government for providing minimal aid—200 tents, five generators, five dewatering pumps, 500 kilograms of medicines, 1,400 tents, and 200 cheques—urging Islamabad to extend generous support to the affected people.