PTI ready for talks: Barrister Gohar after protest fallout

PTI chairman calls for thorough investigation into the fatal shootings that occurred during the party's recent protest

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has offered a rare olive branch, stating the party is open to holding talks with all political parties, following the abrupt end to the PTI’s “do-or-die” protest in Islamabad. 

Speaking to the media in Abbottabad on Wednesday, Gohar stressed that the future course of action will be determined by PTI founder Imran Khan. The remarks come after a turbulent protest in Islamabad last month, which turned deadly.

PTI has claimed that at least 12 of its workers were killed and 1,000 arrested while the government maintains that four law enforcement officers, including three Rangers personnel and a policeman, were martyred during the unrest, denying using live ammunition against protesters.

Despite repeated calls from the PML-N-led federal government for PTI to "sit across the table and talk," Imran Khan had previously rejected these offers, stating that the party would only engage with those holding real power.

Addressing speculation about Bushra Bibi, the wife of Imran Khan, Gohar dismissed rumours that she intended to enter politics, clarifying that she attended the protest simply as an ordinary worker.

He also refuted claims that Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur had used government resources during the demonstration.

The PTI chairman further claimed that at least 5,000 PTI workers were "still missing" following the crackdown, and said the party was collecting data on their whereabouts at district levels. He criticised the authorities for "firing on protesters," stating that no government should shoot at its own citizens.

Barrister Gohar calls for investigation into shootings

Barrister Gohar also called for a thorough investigation into the fatal shootings that occurred during the party's recent protest, highlighting that such incidents must be fully examined.

"We are collecting data from across Pakistan and are working on filing a petition for the registration of FIRs for the workers who lost their lives," he said, adding that PTI would not let the deaths of its workers go unaddressed.

He further stressed that his party would take legal action regarding the killings, ensuring that the victims' families receive justice.

Addressing the ongoing crackdown, Gohar revealed that PTI had established cells to gather information on missing party members, as the federal government has refused to share such data. Despite this, PTI remains committed to tracking the whereabouts of its supporters nationwide.

"We are also ensuring that those in jail have proper access to food, bedding, and other necessities," Gohar added. The PTI has also formed a committee to develop strategies and policies for future protests, ensuring that the party's activism continues within the boundaries of law.

Gohar visited the home of the deceased PTI worker, Abdul Qadir, alongside MNA Ali Asghar and MPA Iftikhar Ahmed. The team paid their respects at Qadir's grave and offered condolences to his grieving family. He also assured the family of financial support and job opportunities for the surviving members.

Looking ahead, Gohar affirmed that the K-P government would announce compensation, including jobs, for the families of those killed during the protest. "Our struggle is for the restoration of democracy and Imran’s release," he added, underscoring the PTI's ongoing political objectives.