Political System Stalled for Us, 2026 Also Seems Like a Year of Convictions: Barrister Gohar

**Rawalpindi:** Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman **Barrister Gohar Ali Khan** on Tuesday said that the political system has come to a standstill for his party, warning that **2026 also appears likely to be another year of punishments and convictions**. He urged those in power to find a way forward to improve the situation.

Speaking to the media at the **Dahgal checkpoint near Adiala Jail**, Barrister Gohar said that PTI leaders visit the jail every Tuesday but are forced to return after waiting for the scheduled time without being allowed to meet the party founder.

He said that **seeking permission for meetings has become humiliating**, adding that both political opponents and allies have played a role in creating hurdles. “No matter how intense a movement may be, there is no alternative to dialogue,” he said, lamenting that talks are not progressing in line with the country’s needs. He appealed to the ruling authorities to show compassion toward the nation.

Reiterating his concerns, the PTI chairman said the system had effectively frozen for his party, otherwise they would not be standing outside the jail repeatedly. “We are entering a new year, but it feels like **2026 will also be a year of punishments**,” he remarked.

Barrister Gohar said that **PTI founder Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi, and 16 PTI parliamentarians have been convicted**, adding that while a ceasefire has been achieved with external enemies, internal political tensions continue unabated.

He clarified that PTI has **never called off negotiations**, and that he has received no instructions from the party founder to end dialogue. However, he said Imran Khan had issued directions regarding a **street movement**, stressing that protests are PTI’s constitutional right.

The PTI chairman also stated that **Sohail Afridi’s visit to Lahore** was carried out on the instructions of the party founder and was not a result of internal party consultation. He added that PTI has designated **Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Allama Nasir Abbas** as the authorized figures for negotiations.

Questioning the sudden restrictions, Barrister Gohar said meetings had taken place previously without issue and asked why obstacles were now being created. He also demanded that, at the very least, **Bushra Bibi be allowed to meet Imran Khan**.