Barrister Gohar expresses concern over 27th constitutional amendment, urges need for consensus
The founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Imran Khan, has stated that there will be no negotiations with the government or the establishment, stressing that any discussions will be conducted exclusively through Mahmood Khan Achakzai, the leader of the opposition alliance.
After a meeting between the party founder and Dr. Uzma Khan and Aleema Khan on Tuesday spoke Dr. Uzma to the media and revealed that she had given Imran the latest updates. She quoted him as saying that talks with the government were not possible.
“What negotiations can there be when the Prime Minister tells the Chief Minister of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa that ‘he will ask and inform’ and then the Chief Minister will inform me?” she quoted Imran as saying. She added that Imran had expressed frustration over the ongoing hardships he was facing, noting that after three years of intense pressure, discussing matters with the establishment had only worsened the situation for the PTI. “There’s no use talking to them,” she insisted.
Dr. Uzma also mentioned that the treatment Khan endures, the imprisonment of Dr. Yasmin Rashid, who is battling cancer, and Bushra Bibi’s solitary confinement are unprecedented in Pakistan’s political history. “No political prisoner has ever been treated this way in the history of the country,” she quoted Khan as saying. She further stated that Imran had full confidence in Salman Akram Raja and said that all communication with PTI would be handled exclusively through him.
Meanwhile, Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ain Pakistan has said that Imran has formally restricted party leaders from engaging in any talks with the government or the establishment. The party spokesman said in a statement that Imran has issued instructions to all party leaders to refrain from contacting the government or the establishment.
Instead, Imran has delegated the authority for any negotiations or dialogue to Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Allama Raja Nasser Abbas. “If the government or the establishment wants to engage in negotiations or negotiations, they should do so with Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Allama Raja Nasser Abbas,” the spokesman said, relaying Imran’s directive.
Gohar urges need for consensus on constitutional amendments
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has expressed his concerns regarding the proposed 27th Amendment, stating that his party will respond after consulting their policy committee and meeting with the party’s founder. He emphasized the need for consensus on constitutional amendments, citing that such amendments have historically been made with the consent of all political parties.
Addressing the media near the Adiala Jail, Gohar criticized the 26th Amendment, calling it a divisive move that created a rift in the country. He further noted, “The judiciary has always been controversial, but the 26th Amendment has made the situation worse.”
Gohar also discussed the pending 27th Amendment, revealing that while earlier versions contained extensive changes to several articles, the final draft saw changes to only 25 articles. Among these, amendments to Articles 175-A, 191, 179 and 209 sparked considerable debate with changes relating to judicial commissions, establishment of constitutional benches and appointment of judges. He noted that the majority of these changes were considered “cosmetic” by his party.
He stressed that the PTI’s position was clear: “Any changes made must have the consent of all provinces,” especially on contentious issues such as the NFC award and provincial autonomy. He further argued that overturning the 18th Amendment, which transferred powers over education and public welfare to provinces, would harm the nation’s democratic processes and governance.
Gohar rejected the possibility of revisiting the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, calling it unnecessary and prejudicial. “The issue of education and population welfare is crucial for the future of Pakistan. If the provinces are to retain these powers, the NFC award must be respected,” he stressed.
On internal party matters, Khan also responded to PTI member Mishal Yousafzai’s recent tweet about the party leadership. He advised that such internal matters should remain within the party and not create public discord. Gohar stated, “Every patriotic Pakistani calls for de-escalation and for all stakeholders to step down.”
Despite the controversies surrounding judicial reforms, Gohar made it clear that the PTI remains committed to working towards the release of the party’s founder and strengthening democracy. “We will continue our efforts for his release,” he concluded.
