PTI will win even if Pakistan has 100 provinces, Barrister Gohar

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan on Friday launched a sharp criticism of the country’s ruling coalition, claiming that administrative reforms or the creation of new provinces would not weaken his party’s political strength.

Speaking to reporters outside Parliament House, Gohar said the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) lacked both the political will and public mandate to introduce major constitutional changes, including the formation of new administrative units or provinces.

“You may create 100 provinces, but PTI will still emerge victorious across the country because the people stand with Imran Khan,” Gohar said, asserting that the former prime minister continues to enjoy overwhelming public support.

The PTI chairman also commented on the health of Bushra Bibi, saying she had recently been shifted to hospital for an eye examination before being returned to Adiala Jail. He said he was informed about her transfer only after she had already been taken to the hospital.

Responding to speculation about political contacts, Gohar denied having any communication with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi or PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. He questioned the government’s handling of national affairs and urged authorities to explain what had led the country’s governance system into what he described as a “default mode.”

Turning to the judiciary, Gohar argued that recent constitutional amendments had failed to improve the justice system despite the appointment of dozens of additional judges. He claimed public confidence in judicial institutions had declined and called for reforms based on consensus rather than political interests.

The PTI leader further alleged that the ruling parties were considering administrative restructuring to weaken the opposition. He insisted that constitutional amendments should not be introduced without broad political agreement.

Gohar also criticised the PPP, accusing it of remaining silent on national issues while focusing on political gains. He repeated PTI’s longstanding allegations regarding the 2024 general elections and challenged the PPP leadership to a public debate over disputed electoral seats, including constituencies in Karachi.

His remarks come amid renewed political debate over constitutional reforms, governance and the country’s evolving political landscape, with both the government and opposition continuing to exchange sharp criticism over electoral legitimacy and institutional performance.