Says Kasim did not make any anti-Pakistan remarks, vows to make every effort to secure Imran’s release under the constitution
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan on Thursday defended a speech delivered by party founder Imran Khan’s son Kasim Khan at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), criticizing the government’s uproar over it as “unfounded”.
A day ago, Kasim called on the UNHRC to intervene and press the government for the immediate release of his father. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar accused PTI and Imran’s sons of acting against Pakistan’s national and economic interests today, alleging attempts to harm the country’s global standing and stability after the UNHRC speech.
In response to Tarar, Gohar told private media that Imran’s sons’ efforts for their father were “non-political” and should not be made controversial.
“Ata Tarar has tried to create controversy around Kasim’s speech and has adopted an inappropriate tone against PTI and the children, which I strongly condemn,” he said.
Gohar added that it was already on record that PTI and Imran’s family had clearly stated that any effort for his release would be carried out within the framework of the constitution and the law. “PTI is not waiting for any external force for Imran’s release,” he said.
He noted that Imran had been imprisoned for three years and faced restrictions, including limited access to family and medical facilities. “In such a situation, it is the duty of his children to raise their voice for their father’s release. What his children have said is not wrong,” Gohar said.
Citing international concerns, Gohar said reports by UN human rights agencies and other independent actors in Pakistan had already highlighted the conditions of Imran’s detention.
He further clarified that the speech in question was broadcast live and did not contain any remarks against Pakistan’s status on the EU’s Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP Plus) trade arrangement. “Not a single word was spoken against Pakistan and its GSP Plus,” he said.
Gohar also questioned the government and urged the information minister to provide details of past engagements. “I will ask the federal minister to explain what was in Volume 10 and share the details of the meetings in Murree, which have not been made public to this day,” he said.
He claimed that statements made by government officials had earlier been used against Pakistan in international forums, including the International Court of Justice, but the government had not issued any clarification on them so far.
“At a time when Pakistan is facing a war-like situation and regional tensions are high, we are trying to put aside our differences and think about the country,” Gohar said. “In such a situation, making these cases controversial reflects a pattern of actions that have not served Pakistan’s interests,” he added.
