Barrister Gohar questions delay in Govt-PTI talks

Barrister Gohar questions delay in Govt-PTI talks

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan welcomed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s offer for dialogue but questioned the delay in initiating meaningful negotiations between the government and the opposition.

Speaking during a session of the National Assembly, Barrister Gohar said the proceedings did not begin on a positive note, as both sides exchanged sharp remarks instead of demonstrating cooperation. He stressed that political leaders should adopt a more tolerant approach to reduce tensions and create an environment conducive to dialogue.

He warned that confrontational politics and inflammatory statements only deepen divisions and increase hostility. According to him, Pakistan’s current political challenges require patience, restraint, and a willingness to engage constructively with opposing viewpoints.

Barrister Gohar also reiterated PTI’s demand for access to the party’s founder, saying his party has repeatedly sought permission to meet him. He raised concerns over the suspension of PTI lawmaker Iqbal Afridi during the assembly session and criticized the manner in which the incident was handled. He urged the government and the assembly leadership to revoke the suspension and allow Afridi to participate in the remainder of the proceedings.

Referring to a separate incident in the assembly, Barrister Gohar said Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain had apologized to PTI members. He said the opposition accepted the apology in the interest of maintaining parliamentary decorum and fostering a more respectful political environment.

The PTI chairman further emphasized the importance of strengthening democratic institutions and preserving the dignity of Parliament. He proposed that both the government and the opposition commit themselves to a shared understanding of parliamentary conduct through a formal memorandum. Such an agreement, he said, would help reduce political friction and encourage constructive engagement on national issues.

Barrister Gohar concluded by reaffirming his party’s readiness for dialogue and expressing hope that meaningful negotiations would begin without further delay.