KARACHI: PTI chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has revealed that his party had “backdoor contacts” with the Pakistani military before the November 2024 protests, but those talks have now been discontinued. I made it clear that I was. According to a report in Dawn newspaper, Gohar confirmed that all ongoing discussions are with the government only.
Gohar said the PTI leadership initially recognized the military’s important role in domestic decision-making and was in talks with the military. These contacts were heading in a “positive direction” until PTI founder Imran Khan was arrested in a new case.
Mr Gohar was granted bail in the Toshahana case over the controversial purchase of a Bulgari jewelery set, but was soon rearrested on charges related to the September 2024 protests and was later arrested by the army. details that negotiations have broken down.
“Currently, the PTI is not conducting behind-the-scenes negotiations with the establishment,” Gohar said. However, he emphasized that the possibility of future talks with the military has not been completely closed off, and that there is still room for future negotiations. This statement reflects PTI’s focus on interacting only with the government at this time.
The PTI chairman also responded to rumors that there was an offer to shift Imran Khan from Adiala Jail to his home in Bani Gala. Mr. Gohar quickly dismissed the allegations and Mr. Khan reiterated that he viewed his detention as unlawful. “There is no point in considering such a proposal,” Gohar said, echoing Khan’s position on the issue. The PTI leader’s refusal to grant any conditional release further strengthened his party’s stance against wrongful imprisonment, Dawn reported.
Mr. Gohar also mentioned that Imran Khan, PML-N President Nawaz Sharif, PPP’s Asif Ali, and others proposed by PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah to resolve the ongoing political crisis in the country. He rejected Zardari’s idea of a tripartite meeting. He characterized the proposal as “idealistic” and cited irreconcilable differences among the politicians involved.
“This day (a summit meeting) may come in my lifetime, but for now it is not possible,” Gohar said, suggesting that such a dialogue is highly unlikely at this point.
Meanwhile, in Peshawar, PTI’s Central Intelligence Director Sheikh Waqqas Akram addressed the issue of ongoing talks with the government. He was adamant that the expected £190m judgment in the case on January 6 would not derail negotiations.
“Consultations will continue keeping in mind the seriousness of the government,” Akram said, stressing that the party is not linking the ruling to the consultations. He also spoke about the release of PTI workers convicted by military courts, making it clear that their freedom was independent of ongoing government talks.
“Our employees were released because they were innocent and it was impossible to keep them in prison any longer,” Akram argued.
PTI has also been active in the civil disobedience movement, which started by asking overseas Pakistanis not to send money. Akram suggested that the effects of the measures would start to be felt within two months. He said the PTI would assess the situation and support the movement if the government complied with demands such as the release of all jailed party members and the establishment of a judicial commission to investigate the May 9 and November 26 protests. The Dawn newspaper reported that he said he would consider withdrawing from the company.
“A civil disobedience movement is necessary in a country where the constitution, laws and human rights are being violated and where members of parliament are being abducted,” Akram explained, underscoring PTI’s continued efforts towards reforms. . He also criticized the internet disruption and warned that it will have a negative impact on Pakistan’s digital economy, especially the youth who are contributing significantly to this sector.
