Party chairman says Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly must be included in efforts to fight terrorism
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar. Photo: File
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan described terrorism as a “cancer” and said his party unequivocally considers Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) a terrorist organization and must be dealt with under the National Action Plan (NAP).
Speaking to the media near the Adiala Jail on Tuesday, he stressed that there should be no sympathy for terrorists and that fighting terrorism should be done in consultation with elected officials.
“Any group that is considered terrorist by the government and institutions is also terrorist in our opinion,” he said, adding that organizations that act against Pakistan’s interests fall under the ambit of terrorism. He also stressed the need to involve the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly and maintain constitutional balance and warned against politicizing the issue.
On restrictions on meetings with the PTI founder, Barrister Gohar said it was unfortunate that no meetings had taken place despite repeated attempts by the party. “Every week we come, wait and then return without meeting. I don’t know who has recommended that it is good practice to prevent meetings,” he said, adding that engagement would help normalize conditions.
He noted that no meeting between the PTI leadership and the founder had taken place since February 2025 and stressed that restricting access only strengthened public sympathy for the founder.
Furthermore, Gohar welcomed the announcement by the Leader of the Opposition as a positive development. “The seat had been vacant since August and all opposition parties had agreed on a single candidate, Mahmood Khan Achakzai. The process has been completed and we hope the announcement will be made by Thursday at the latest,” he said, describing it as an important confidence-building step.
Commenting on the PTI’s parliamentary party meetings, he clarified that neither the party founder nor Bushra Bibi’s family were discussed as the agenda focused solely on parliamentary issues, particularly the notification of the opposition leader.
Referring to PTI leader Sohail Afridi’s recent visit to Karachi, he said that Afridi had initially thanked the Sindh government but alleged that the government’s attitude changed in the last day. He claimed that Afridi’s route was blocked while he was returning from Hyderabad despite prior permission for a public gathering.
He added that no property was damaged during the visit and Afridi received a peaceful public welcome. He also clarified that Afridi was not nominated in any case on May 9 and that circulating forensic video evidence did not clearly establish its location.
Announcing PTI’s protest plans, Gohar said the party would observe a shutdown and wheel stop strike on February 8. “Our protest will be peaceful and civilized,” he said, adding that all stakeholders must be involved in fighting terrorism. He emphasized the importance of political dialogue to solve problems. “If meetings are not allowed and PTI is not given space, what option do we have but to protest?” he asked.
On internal party matters, he said Salman Akram Raja had clarified his statement about him. He stated that controversial content is often spread on social and mainstream media, but internal party matters should not be made public. “If the founder asks me to resign, I will resign immediately,” he said, noting that he held the PTI chairmanship as a trust of the party founder.
He reiterated that the party symbol and authority ultimately rests with the founder and that his fight is for the founder, the country and democracy. He also apologized if anyone in Karachi felt hurt by PTI’s actions and stressed that dissenting voices should be tolerated.
Calling the media the “fourth pillar of the state”, Barrister Gohar said PTI had always supported journalists. He clarified that the founder’s family is only seeking justice for their brother and has never engaged in politics.
