Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan expressed support for dialogue with the government on Sunday but acknowledged that progress has been hindered by a frosty political environment. Speaking in Peshawar, he emphasized that while negotiations are necessary, the current atmosphere remains unproductive.
Gohar stressed that political challenges demand political solutions, urging all parties to make concessions to reach a resolution. The PTI, which previously held power, has announced a nationwide protest culminating in a march on Islamabad scheduled for September 27. The demonstration aims to demand the release of party founder Imran Khan and uphold the supremacy of the Constitution.
His remarks followed a statement by Senate Opposition Leader and Tehreek Tahaffuz Aiyeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) Vice Chairman Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, who revealed that Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had met with opposition leaders. During a media briefing at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House, Abbas noted that they conveyed their position to Naqvi, who was informed that only Imran Khan could decide whether to postpone the planned march.
When questioned about his own meetings with Naqvi, Barrister Gohar neither confirmed nor denied them, simply stating that discussions continue. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance the capacity of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police, noting that the province allocated Rs45 billion to the police department last year.
Gohar assured that political interference in the police force would be prevented, adding that the chief minister’s authority over the police would be exercised responsibly and not based on personal preferences. He affirmed that steps would be taken to improve the police service.
Addressing recent court orders concerning the KP police chief, Gohar criticized the Islamabad High Court’s directive requiring an affidavit from the inspector general of police. The court had ruled that provincial governments must ensure that government resources are not used to support participants in protests heading towards Islamabad. It further mandated that no public servant should be compelled to join such marches.
Following the ruling, KP Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed instructed officers not to facilitate any rallies or processions moving toward the federal capital. Barrister Gohar emphasized that the police and the public of KP would not be pitted against each other during the protest. He pledged that the march would comply with the law and would not involve road blockages.
Finally, Gohar assured that no government resources would be utilized for the PTI’s planned long march to Islamabad, underscoring the party’s commitment to a lawful demonstration.
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