ISLAMABAD(The COW News digital ) Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan has said that the party remains in contact with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi through backchannel communication, while declining to disclose details of the discussions.
Speaking to journalists at Parliament House, Barrister Gohar said there was currently no proposal under consideration to postpone the PTI-led protest scheduled for September 27. He said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi would lead the protest, adding that no discussions had taken place with the government regarding postponement of the planned long march.
The PTI chairman maintained that the September 27 protest was not solely a decision of his party. According to him, the protest had been planned after consultations among several political parties, which would also participate in the demonstration.
Commenting on contacts with the government, Barrister Gohar confirmed that communication with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi was continuing through unofficial or backchannel channels. However, he said the details could not be shared with the media.
He added that PTI’s communication with the government had never been concealed and that political contacts continued from time to time.
Barrister Gohar also reiterated that PTI founder Imran Khan had consistently preferred dialogue as a means of resolving political differences. He said Imran Khan had authorized Mahmood Achakzai and Allama Nasir Abbas to engage in negotiations on his behalf.
However, the PTI chairman said the party’s offers for talks had been interpreted as a sign of weakness. He clarified that, at present, no formal negotiations were taking place between PTI and the government.
Regarding a letter received from the prime minister, Barrister Gohar described its receipt as a positive development. He said the opposition leader was coordinating on the matter and that further developments would depend on consultations.
The PTI leader also raised concerns over the party’s access to its founder, claiming that despite court orders, PTI leaders and representatives had been unable to meet Imran Khan for around 10 months.
His remarks come amid continued political tensions between the government and opposition, with the September 27 protest expected to remain a major focus of political activity in the coming weeks.
