'Faiz Hameed's court martial should not be politicised': PTI's Barrister Gohar

PTI's Gohar noted that Faiz Hameed's case is under the Army Act, and the military will decide his punishment.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar stated in an exclusive interview with Express News that the court martial of General (retd) Faiz Hameed should be treated as an internal matter of the military and should not be politicised.

The PTI chairman noted that former Prime Minister Imran Khan had formed a committee for negotiations, adding, “We believe that finding a permanent political solution to all political issues is essential. We are hopeful that the talks will progress, and a solution will be reached.”

When asked about the PTI’s distancing from General Faiz Hameed, Gohar explained that while Hameed had held a key position and there had been a professional relationship, the matter now falls under the jurisdiction of the Army Act.

“General Faiz has been subject to the Army Act, and it is for the military to decide the nature of any punishment he may face,” Gohar said. “The PTI has no involvement in this matter.”

He further added, “I would urge that the issue of Faiz Hameed’s arrest and court martial remain within the army’s internal accountability process and not be turned into a political issue.”

'Parliment must provide path to negotiations'

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has called on the parliament to facilitate a path for negotiations, stressing that the turmoil of May 9 must "now be put to rest".

Addressing the National Assembly today, Barrister Gohar stated, "We seek accountability for the injustices we have faced in this house through dialogue".

"We want a path forward through negotiations in this assembly. A committee has been formed for talks, and it should not be seen as a weakness," the chairman maintained.

He continued, "If we are not given a way through negotiations, we will be forced to take to the streets again. Do not push us to return to the streets".

"Let us convene a parliamentary committee meeting, and the dust of May 9 should settle now."

He further pointed to recent global events, referencing protests in countries like Brazil, where demonstrators entered legislative buildings without violent confrontation. "In those countries, did they fire bullets?" Gohar asked.

"Here, when we held a constitutional protest, the government responded with gunfire."

He criticized the government's narrative, particularly a statement from the Defense Minister that suggested the bullets were fired by the guards of PTI's Ali Amin Gandapur.

"It is absurd that the government refuses to acknowledge that bullets were fired."

The PTI leader also raised concerns over the government's handling of protests, citing the tragic deaths of eight people during the implementation of Sharia law in the past.

"The government filed charges but then apologized, and the issue was forgiven. Could the government not have offered solace to the martyrs?" he questioned.

He also addressed criticism of PTI's use of the "Pashtun card," asserting, "Our people who came out in protest were unarmed. We are not playing the Pashtun card."

Gohar dismissed accusations that PTI was using protests for political gains, stating that PTI founder Imran Khan’s popularity was already proven by events like the February 8 rally.

"Imran Khan does not need rallies for popularity," he said.

Yesterday, the government and opposition clashed in the National Assembly session, with Opposition Leader Omar Ayub accusing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of ordering security officials to open fire on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protesters on November 26.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif immediately refuted the claim, questioning the PTI leadership's inconsistent statements about the number of deaths in Islamabad's Blue Area.

He noted that the opposition had failed to provide any evidence to substantiate their claims.

This was the first National Assembly session since the November 26 standoff between PTI protesters and security personnel.

Both sides remain at odds over the alleged casualties, with PTI claims ranging from 12 to over 250 deaths. The government has repeatedly called for proof to verify these assertions.

The assembly session featured fiery exchanges, with members of PTI and the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) delivering impassioned speeches about the November 26 clashes and their aftermath.