Gohar wants breakthrough with establishment

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan stated on Monday that while he desires a breakthrough in talks with the establishment, any decision would require approval from incarcerated party founder Imran Khan.

Speaking informally to journalists at the Parliament House, Gohar clarified that while past interactions with the establishment did not amount to formal dialogue, limited contact had occurred.

“Currently, we are not in contact with the establishment. We believe that talks should take place in any case. There should be possibilities of a breakthrough so that solutions to the problems can be found,” he contended.

He added that the PTI founder chairman had also formed a committee with good intentions to hold dialogue. When questioned about Senator Azam Swati’s claim of attempting backchannel communication through some establishment’s associates – allegedly rebuffed by the establishment – Gohar acknowledged hearing the account, noting Swati had referenced 2022 events.

Reacting to a bipartisan bill introduced in the US House of Representatives seeking sanctions against Pakistan, the PTI chairman clarified that his party has no connection with legislation in the US Congress.

His comment came after two US lawmakers in the House of Representatives last month sought sanctions against Pakistani state officials via the bill titled ‘Pakistan Democracy Act’ over alleged human rights violations, including the “persecution” of former prime minister Imran Khan”.

The bill aims to invoke the US Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, which permits the US to deny visas and entry to individuals accused of committing human rights violations.

Gohar said countless legislations and resolutions are passed in the US Congress, however, the former ruling party has no connection with the said bill. He also clarified that his party is not in contact with the US delegation that arrived in Pakistan.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had brushed aside what was seen as an anti-Pakistan bill introduced in the US House of Representatives and hoped that the US would instead continue its supportive role in strengthening the Pak-US ties.

“We are aware of the bill being introduced in the House of Representatives. This is an initiative of a single individual legislator. We believe the timing and context of the bill do not align well with the current positive dynamics of Pakistan-US bilateral relations based on mutual respect, understanding and non-interference in each other’s affairs,” said the Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan at a press briefing.

Pakistan remains committed to constitutionalism, rule of law, protection of human rights and freedom of expression because it considers democracy as a vehicle for prosperity and progress as a nation, he added.

During the media talk, some reporters questioned Gohar about the PTI’s next political move. To this, Gohar said that the PTI would finalise its future strategy after forming an alliance with the opposition parties.

He detailed that Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman would announce his decision on April 15 after consulting his party’s executive committee. The joint opposition would decide on terms of reference for the upcoming anti-government movement.

Commenting on the internal rifts among the PTI leadership, Gohar said that all of them are part of a democratic party which doesn’t stop anyone from expressing opinions.

He, however, advised the PTI leaders to discuss party affairs within the party.