PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Denies Negotiations with Government, Demands Accountability for May 9 Incident

Islamabad: Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has officially denied that any negotiations are taking place with the government. Speaking to the media, he clarified, “Negotiations are not starting today. We are working towards ensuring that the committee formed for talks follows its established procedure.” He further emphasized that PTI is eager for dialogue and hopes to reach a political solution to the ongoing crisis, as “political issues should be resolved politically.”
Meanwhile, government sources confirmed that PTI had initiated contact for negotiations, indicating that the party had backed down from some of its preconditions. The government has agreed to PTI’s proposal in an attempt to foster an atmosphere of reconciliation in the country.
“From the beginning, we have advocated for political dialogue as the means to resolve issues,” said the government sources, adding that negotiations are the way forward in politics, not chaos. PTI has formed a five-member committee to lead the negotiations, as part of their broader efforts to address the situation.
In the National Assembly, Barrister Gohar reiterated PTI’s stance regarding the May 9 incidents. “Our demand is that those responsible for the events of May 9 must be brought to justice,” he declared. He also strongly rejected claims that PTI protesters in Islamabad were armed. “The people who came to protest were peaceful, and I firmly deny any allegations that they were carrying weapons,” Gohar stated, adding that there was no evidence of firearms being present at the protest.
He also addressed the broader context, saying, “If shots were fired, then the culprits must be identified. The government is unaware of how this unrest is growing. Oppression can only last for so long—it will eventually be overcome.”
Reflecting on past instances, such as the 2014 protests, Gohar pointed out that despite the formation of inquiry commissions, no substantial reports have emerged. He also cited the Supreme Court’s acknowledgment in the Zulfikar Ali Bhutto reference that justice was not served in his case.
“We are now demanding justice. We call for accountability and justice from this assembly, and we hope we will not be forced back onto the streets,” Barrister Gohar concluded.