Gohar urges end to march, demands Bushra Bibi meetings

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has alleged that certain elements are attempting to create divisions between the party and a key

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has alleged that certain elements are attempting to create divisions between the party and a key state institution, urging political stakeholders to resolve differences through dialogue and strengthen Parliament.

Speaking to reporters outside Parliament House on Sunday, Gohar said PTI founder Imran Khan had authorised Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Allama Raja Nasir Abbas to hold talks. He said discussions had taken place on the political situation following the imposition of governor’s rule and emergency measures in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

According to the PTI chairman, the discussions were held without bitterness or tension. He stressed that the issues confronting the country needed a lasting resolution and called for Parliament to play a stronger role in addressing political disputes.

Gohar also acknowledged the sacrifices made by the Pakistan Army. Commenting on the situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, he said taking the chief minister of a smaller province into custody would not help resolve the prevailing political crisis.

He called for an end to PTI’s ongoing long march and demanded that meetings with Bushra Bibi be facilitated afterwards. He also called for the release of Imran Khan’s sisters.

In a separate conversation with a private television channel, Gohar rejected reports suggesting that the party had sidelined its core and political committees. He clarified that the core committee, political committee and parliamentary party were separate organisational bodies with distinct roles.

He said the party’s decisions continued to be made by the core and political committees, whose proposals were subsequently presented to the parliamentary party. Members of Parliament were also able to offer their suggestions during the process, he added.

Meanwhile, PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram criticised what he described as the use of state machinery to intimidate political opponents. He warned that disregarding constitutional protections, due process and the sanctity of private homes could threaten the fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens.

In a statement, Akram said Imran Khan had spent 1,177 days in detention at Adiala Jail, including 356 days in solitary confinement. He also claimed that Bushra Bibi had remained in custody for more than 911 days.

The PTI spokesperson expressed concern over restrictions on meetings between the detained leaders and their family members, lawyers and party representatives. He also raised concerns about Imran Khan’s health and access to medical care.

Akram demanded that Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi be granted their legal and constitutional rights, including regular access to family members, legal counsel and party leadership. He also called for medical treatment under the supervision of Imran Khan’s personal physician, along with a comprehensive examination by qualified specialists.

The PTI leader further demanded that all pending cases against Imran Khan be scheduled for fair and speedy trials. He alleged that unnecessary delays in the proceedings were politically motivated and maintained that the cases were based on fabricated allegations.

Akram expressed confidence that a fair hearing on merit would support the party’s demand for Imran Khan’s release. He also called for the immediate release of Bushra Bibi and other political detainees.

The spokesperson additionally condemned the continued detention of Imran Khan’s sisters, despite the reported completion of their 30-day detention period under the Maintenance of Public Order law.