Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has expressed frustration over the government’s lack of seriousness in forming a commission, stating that his party cannot engage in negotiations merely for a “photo session.” Speaking to the media outside the Judicial Complex in Islamabad, Gohar emphasized that dialogue remains the best path forward, but the government’s inaction has undermined the process.
Gohar highlighted that despite PTI’s willingness to negotiate in good faith, the party has faced injustices, including the alleged theft of its mandate. He pointed to the sentences handed down to PTI founder Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi as evidence of the challenges the party has endured. Despite these issues, PTI had agreed to engage in talks based on two key demands.
The PTI chairman revealed that the party had given the government a seven-day ultimatum to either form a commission or announce its decision not to do so. The proposed commission was expected to outline the selection of judges and define its terms of reference (TORs). However, Gohar noted that the government has taken no concrete steps, which he believes demonstrates a lack of genuine intent to establish the commission.
Gohar made it clear that PTI will not participate in any process that is merely symbolic or designed for public display. He reiterated that the party is committed to meaningful dialogue with all political stakeholders and had initiated the process in good faith. He also recalled that PTI had formed the first committee to facilitate negotiations, underscoring its commitment to resolving issues through dialogue.
The PTI chairman’s remarks come amid ongoing legal challenges, including a case related to protests outside the Supreme Court, where several lawyers face terrorism charges. Gohar expressed hope that the court would deliver a verdict in the case by the next hearing date.
Gohar concluded by asserting that PTI’s stance is clear: the party will not engage in any superficial processes and expects the government to demonstrate seriousness in addressing the issues at hand. The lack of action, he said, only reinforces the perception that the government is not genuinely interested in resolving the political impasse.
