Those in power should show flexibility, as the political system has become ‘stagnant’ for the party, says the chairman
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has said the political system has become ‘stagnant’ for his party and warned that 2026 could also turn into a ‘year of punishment’ unless those in power show flexibility and engage in dialogue.
Speaking to reporters at Dahgal check post near Adiala jail on Tuesday, Gohar said that PTI leaders visit the place every Tuesday but return after waiting for hours without being allowed to meet the party leadership. “We come here every Tuesday and leave after waiting for hours despite being allotted time,” he said.
Gohar said the party was forced to “beg for meetings”, adding that the responsibility did not lie only with the political opponents. “In begging for meetings not only others but our own people are involved,” he said. “No matter how intense the movement becomes, negotiations have no alternative.”
He said that the negotiations are not progressing according to the demands of the situation. “I’m asking those in power to show some compassion for this country,” he said, adding, “Find a way for the situation to improve.”
Gohar said PTI founder Imran Khan, his wife Bushra Bibi and 16 party parliamentarians had already been convicted. “Despite a ceasefire with the enemy, our internal tensions have not ended,” he said. He questioned why meetings that had previously been allowed were suddenly blocked. “At least Bushra Bibi should be allowed to meet,” he said.
He added that PTI had never called off talks and that he had not received any instructions from the party founder to stop talks altogether. “I have not received any indication that there will be no negotiations from now on,” he said. “However, the founder has issued instructions regarding a street movement. Protest is our constitutional right.”
Commenting on internal party affairs, Gohar said Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi’s Lahore visit was done on the instructions of the PTI founder and not through party consultation. He said the authority to negotiate on behalf of PTI rested with Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Allama Nasir Abbas.
PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja said there was no environment for negotiations in Pakistan and accused authorities of violating basic human rights by denying meetings between the jailed PTI founder and his family. “The PTI founder and his sisters have the right to meet. No one can decide to keep him in solitary confinement,” Raja said. “This behavior is in violation of basic human rights.”
He said party leaders would continue to come to the site despite knowing that permission for meetings would not be granted. “We know we won’t be allowed to meet, but we will keep coming here and keep shaking the conscience of the state,” he said.
Referring to talks, Raja said he did not see any conducive atmosphere for talks at present. “I don’t see an environment for negotiations,” he said. “Negotiations only take place when basic principles are accepted.”
He criticized what he described as superficial engagement. “What kind of negotiation is this—come, go, get crackers, and something comes out of it?” he said. Raja said the PTI and its leadership wanted a meaningful dialogue, not talks held ‘in the air’. “The people of Pakistan and the PTI founder deserve a sincere and meaningful discussion,” he said. “Talking about negotiations without substance is pointless.”
He alleged that the constitution had been undermined and stressed that democracy was the only way forward. “Accept that the constitution of this country has been attacked,” he said. “Democracy is the only way forward.”
Referring to the political system established after the February 8, 2024 elections, Raja said it would not last long, adding: “We must move forward.” He further said that PTI did not set tough conditions for talks but insisted on adherence to basic principles. “We are not here to sit and drink tea or eat biscuits,” he repeated.
Noreen, sister of the PTI founder, launched a scathing criticism of the Punjab government, accusing it of trying to suppress public mobilization by blocking roads and targeting party workers.
Speaking to reporters in Rawalpindi, she said the Punjab administration was afraid of people taking to the streets, prompting authorities in Lahore to close roads and markets. “The Punjab government was afraid that people would come out,” she said. “Routes were blocked in Lahore and workers, MPAs and MNAs were beaten.”
Noreen also referred to the security situation in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and claimed that the violence in the province was part of an attempt to weaken the PTI-led provincial government. “Everyone knows who is behind the killings taking place in KP,” she said. “This is being done to weaken the KP government.”
She said PTI’s protest movement was ongoing and would continue to grow. “Our movement has already begun and you will see it expand,” she said. Referring to party leader Sohail Afridi, she said the entire party leadership stood with him and praised his handling of the situation during the protests.
