PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar demands immediate access to party founder, criticizes budget and government policies

Chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, has called for immediate access to the party’s founder

Chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, has called for immediate access to the party’s founder, stating that PTI leaders should be allowed to meet him without further delay. He made these remarks while addressing a session of the National Assembly of Pakistan.

During his speech, Barrister Gohar emphasized that political stability is essential for achieving economic stability in the country. He argued that without a stable political environment, economic growth and public confidence cannot be sustained. Stressing his party’s commitment to Pakistan, he stated that the country belongs to all its citizens and that all political stakeholders have a responsibility to contribute to its progress and development.

The PTI chairman also expressed concerns regarding what he described as the disqualification of several PTI lawmakers. He questioned where his party should seek justice and accountability, suggesting that PTI members have faced significant political challenges. According to him, such developments have raised serious concerns about democratic representation and political fairness.

Barrister Gohar further stated that since October, meetings with the founder of PTI—whom he described as the country’s most popular political leader—have not been taking place. He demanded an explanation from the government, asking why access to the PTI founder continues to be restricted. He maintained that political leaders should be allowed to communicate with one another and that denying such meetings only increases political tensions.

Referring to previous discussions with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Barrister Gohar said that he had earlier raised the issue directly with the prime minister. According to him, the prime minister had responded by saying that he would seek clarification and provide an answer later. Gohar added that if any decision or response has since been received, it should be shared publicly so that everyone understands the reasons behind the restrictions.

Later, while speaking to journalists at Parliament House, the PTI chairman sharply criticized the federal budget. He argued that the budget contains no meaningful relief for low-income and vulnerable segments of society. In his view, the government has failed to address the everyday financial difficulties faced by ordinary citizens.

Using a common expression, Gohar said that “the cat is out of the bag,” suggesting that the true nature and limitations of the budget have become apparent. He claimed that the budget would not lead to a reduction in electricity load-shedding, lower electricity prices, or a decrease in the cost of essential goods and services. As a result, he argued, the public should not expect significant improvements in their economic conditions.

The PTI chairman also stressed that the government must take serious measures to reduce what he described as excessive public spending. He called for comprehensive management reforms and greater financial discipline in order to improve governance and reduce unnecessary expenditures.

Commenting on political developments, Gohar referred to remarks made by members of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), who, he said, had criticized the ruling Pakistan Muslim League (N) (PML-N). He argued that certain electoral victories had been achieved under controversial circumstances and compared them to the mayoral election in Karachi, suggesting that questions had been raised about those outcomes as well.

In conclusion, Barrister Gohar reiterated his demand for immediate access to the PTI founder, called for greater political openness, and maintained that genuine political stability, economic reforms, and transparent governance are necessary for Pakistan’s future progress.