Barrister Gohar Explains Why Aleema Khan Said No One Has Mandate for Talks
Rawalpindi: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has said that if Mahmood Khan Achakzai holds the mandate for negotiations, he should proceed with talks; however, if Aleema Khan is stating that no one has such authority, it indicates that a new message has likely been conveyed.
Speaking to the media at the Dahgal checkpoint in Rawalpindi, Barrister Gohar said that chances of a meeting appeared slim today, but stressed that holding meetings was essential. He noted that the country is already facing serious challenges and conditions are deteriorating, making it necessary for a meeting to take place before the end of the year.
He emphasized that meetings of family members should not be politicized and that the family of Bushra Bibi should also be allowed to meet. According to him, the public has a fundamental right to be informed about the health of PTI founder Imran Khan. He added that had court decisions been announced in a timely manner, the former prime minister would have been free by now; since that did not happen, at least the right to meetings should be ensured.
Barrister Gohar said that blocking meetings was creating a negative perception among the public and fueling social polarization. “We come here every Tuesday, but meetings are not allowed. The question is, for how long will this continue?” he asked, adding that allowing family meetings could bring positive developments.
پاکستان سے باہر اور اندر سب کی کوشش ہے کہ عمران خان جیل سے باہر آجائے۔۔۔ اگر کوئی کوشش کر رہا تو انکی کوشش کو Welcome کرنا چاہئے۔۔۔ بس اب بہت ہوا،۔ یہ پوری ملک کی خواہش ہے۔۔ اور مذاکرات کی بات محمود خان اچکزئی کے ہاتھ میں ہے۔۔۔ بیرسٹر گوہر خان pic.twitter.com/G2Px3y68Zs
— Mehwish Qamas Khan (@MehwishQamas) December 23, 2025
Commenting on reports of negotiations between the government and PTI, the PTI chairman said Aleema Khan’s position on the matter was already clear, and he would not comment further. He said that according to written instructions, Imran Khan had earlier authorized Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Allama Nasir Abbas to conduct negotiations. If a decision is taken not to negotiate, that authority also rests with him. However, he added, if it is now being said that no one holds the mandate, it suggests that another message has been received.
Barrister Gohar further stated that whether the path chosen is resistance or reconciliation, channels of dialogue should remain open. He criticized the government’s current approach, saying democratic governments engage with the opposition and respect its mandate. He also pointed out that court orders were not being implemented, which, he said, is the government’s responsibility.
