Gohar briefs Australian envoy on PTI activists’ convictions

ISLAMABAD: Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan Neil Hawkins met Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan here on Wednesday and said that his country supported a stable, democratic and prosperous Pakistan.

“Australia will continue to advocate to the government of Pakistan on the importance of upholding democratic principles and human rights, consistent with its [Pakistan’s] Constitution and international obligations,” said the Australian envoy in the meeting.

He also noted that Australia maintained regular diplomatic engagement with all major political parties in Pakistan.

Barrister Khan briefed the high commissioner on the evolving political situation in the country and PTI’s efforts to “restore the Constitution and uphold the rule of law.”

He expressed concern over the recent passage of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, which, he said, has undermined the independence of the judiciary in the country by making it “subservient to the executive.”

The PTI leader also raised alarm over what he termed the mass criminal convictions of PTI leaders without adherence to due legal process.