RAWALPINDI (The COW News Digital) Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has urged the government to reverse its recent measures in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, arguing that counterterrorism efforts should not be used to protect political interests.
Speaking to reporters at the Dahgal checkpoint on Adiala Road in Rawalpindi, Gohar said the government had already taken the steps it intended to take and should now reconsider its approach. He stressed that political disputes should not undermine efforts to combat terrorism or affect national security.
Gohar reiterated that PTI opposed all forms of terrorism and acknowledged the sacrifices made by Pakistan’s armed forces. He said the party wanted the National Action Plan to be implemented effectively and did not want political disagreements to affect the country’s fight against militancy.
The PTI chairman alleged that a group of individuals was attempting to prevent tensions between the party and state institutions from easing. He also criticised the imposition of Governor’s Rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, describing the move as unconstitutional and illegal.
According to Gohar, the demand for a meeting with PTI founder Imran Khan had become a central issue in the political dispute. He claimed that restrictions on meetings with Khan had contributed to the situation in the province.
Gohar said PTI had entered negotiations with the government without preconditions and had hoped to resolve the outstanding issues through dialogue. He maintained that the negotiations should not have been abandoned and that the government should have continued engaging with the opposition.
He said PTI’s demands during the long march included access to Imran Khan, medical treatment for him and telephone contact with his children. Gohar added that the government had expressed interest in discussing counterterrorism and provincial matters during the negotiations.
The PTI chairman also addressed events surrounding a proposed video statement by Imran Khan in November 2024. He said he had met the party founder several times on November 24 and 25 that year.
According to Gohar, discussions took place about recording a video statement in which Khan would offer condolences over the deaths of Rangers personnel. Gohar said Khan had not refused to record the statement but wanted it filmed on Gohar’s own mobile phone to prevent possible tampering.
He explained that his phone was in the custody of prison authorities at the time, while the device intended for recording the statement belonged to the jail administration. Gohar said Khan had suggested recording the statement the following day.
Gohar further criticised administrative measures in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including the transfer of deputy commissioners, the imposition of Section 144 and the removal of plaques associated with development projects. He argued that such steps were increasing political resentment in the province.
He also warned that allegations suggesting the provincial government was supporting terrorists could damage Pakistan’s international reputation if not supported by credible evidence.
Addressing internal party matters, Gohar said PTI founder Imran Khan had authorised Mahmood Khan Achakzai to serve as opposition leader and that the decision was not open to challenge. He said the party would issue a notice to MPA Mishal Yousafzai over remarks that he considered inappropriate, adding that her claims lacked factual basis.
Gohar also rejected allegations that PTI’s negotiating committee had been directed by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa leadership during talks with the federal government. He said the committee had consulted provincial leaders but maintained that claims of outside instructions were incorrect.
He dismissed reports of discussions about replacing Achakzai with Maulana Fazlur Rehman as opposition leader, saying Imran Khan had already given Achakzai the authority.
Gohar concluded by urging the government to return to dialogue, reverse the disputed measures and ensure that counterterrorism policies remained separate from political rivalries.
