Leave Provincial Issues to Next Parliament, Avoid Controversial Amendments: Barrister Gohar

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has called for provincial matters to be left to the next parliament, urging the current assembly to refrain from introducing further controversial constitutional amendments.

He also categorically rejected speculation that any deal was being considered to secure the release of PTI founder Imran Khan in exchange for support for the proposed 28th Constitutional Amendment.

Speaking to the media, Barrister Gohar reiterated Imran Khan’s position, saying the former prime minister had declared that he would spend 100 years in prison rather than enter into any deal.

He stressed that PTI was not negotiating any such arrangement and that no proposal linking Imran Khan’s release to the 28th Constitutional Amendment was under consideration.

Barrister Gohar said approximately 70 members of the National Assembly and senators attended an important joint parliamentary party meeting that continued for nearly eight hours.

Despite lengthy discussions, no final decision or proposal regarding the 28th Constitutional Amendment emerged from the meeting, he added.

The PTI chairman said constitutional matters concerning the provinces should be left to the next parliament in the best interests of the country and its people. He argued that the current assembly had already passed several controversial amendments and should avoid introducing further changes of a similar nature.
PTI Calls for Withdrawal of Emergency and Governor’s Rule
Barrister Gohar said the PTI parliamentary party had unanimously decided to seek the withdrawal of the emergency and governor’s rule imposed in the country.

He maintained that the measures were causing serious reputational damage not only to those responsible for imposing them but also to democracy and Pakistan as a whole.
PTI Ready for Political Dialogue
On political negotiations, the PTI chairman said there was no disagreement within the party over the need for dialogue and that talks should begin as soon as possible.

He added that opposition leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai had a formal mandate to conduct negotiations on behalf of the party.
Barrister Gohar Defends KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi
Barrister Gohar also praised Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and strongly condemned what he described as negative propaganda against him.

He said the party had been fully informed of and was on board with the chief minister’s actions. According to Barrister Gohar, all members were briefed on the matter during the previous day’s meeting.

He observed that some people failed to keep track of political developments, adding that, under the circumstances prevailing at the time, protests and a long march had appeared to be the only available options.

The PTI chairman reiterated that the party remained committed to its political position while advocating dialogue and opposing what it considers controversial constitutional changes and emergency measures.