Government Must Create the Right Environment for Talks, Says PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar
Rawalpindi: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said on Tuesday that if the government is serious about holding political negotiations, it must first create a conducive environment for dialogue.
Speaking to the media after being stopped by police near Dahgal checkpoint while attempting to reach Adiala Jail, Gohar said there had been no progress in talks with the government despite the prime minister’s invitation for dialogue on the floor of the National Assembly.
“We have always maintained that political issues should be resolved through political means, but meaningful negotiations cannot take place while our party members are being handed prison sentences,” he said.
Gohar welcomed the permission granted for Bushra Bibi’s family members to meet her, adding that PTI founder Imran Khan should also be allowed to meet his family. He expressed concern that despite 36 weeks having passed, Imran Khan’s family had not been allowed to meet him.
Clarifying reports regarding a previous protest at 26 Number Chowk, Gohar denied conveying any message during a jail meeting. He said only discussions regarding permission for one of Imran Khan’s sisters to meet him had taken place, while the family insists that all three sisters should be allowed to visit together.
He also supported the family’s request to shift Imran Khan to a hospital if medical treatment is required, adding that unnecessary obstacles should not be created in arranging family meetings.
Gohar stressed that PTI has no alternative to Imran Khan, saying the party continues to revolve around its founder. He also urged party leaders to avoid discussing internal matters publicly and instead resolve differences within the party.
The PTI chairman said his own meeting request had been submitted through official channels and called for an end to what he described as “toxic propaganda” on social media, expressing hope that regular family meetings would help reduce tensions.
Commenting on national security, Gohar said PTI fully supports the government’s efforts against terrorism. He described terrorism as a major threat that must be eliminated and praised the sacrifices made by Pakistan’s armed forces, emphasizing that counterterrorism operations should not become a subject of political controversy.
Meanwhile, authorities allowed Bushra Bibi’s daughter, Mubashra Sheikh, and sister-in-law, Mehr-un-Nisa Maneka, to meet her at Adiala Jail. Officials noted that a similar meeting scheduled last week did not take place because family members did not arrive.
Separately, Aleema Khan, sister of Imran Khan, and senior PTI leader Salman Akram Raja were stopped by police at a checkpoint while heading toward the jail. Security personnel blocked access roads leading to Adiala Jail, preventing party leaders and family members from proceeding.
After the visiting hours ended without permission being granted for anyone to meet Imran Khan, Aleema Khan staged a sit-in protest near the checkpoint, where PTI supporters gathered and chanted slogans.
