PTI will not attend talks with government tomorrow: Barrister Gohar

Media is the fourth pillar of the state, its voice is being suppressed, says PTI chairman.

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Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar has announced that the party will not participate in talks with the government scheduled for tomorrow, stating that the decision has been officially conveyed.

Speaking to journalists alongside Asad Qaiser and other media representatives, Barrister Gohar criticised the government for rushing legislation since coming into power. He claimed that under the proposed bill (PECA Act), anyone could be arbitrarily accused of spreading fake news.

“We stand with the legitimate rights of the media. Media is the fourth pillar of the state. It helps us identify issues, and now efforts are being made to suppress its voice,” he stated.

Barrister Gohar further said that even if the law is passed, it will be challenged in court, expressing hope that the judiciary will address it. On the matter of Kurram, he highlighted that all political parties have united on one platform.

The PTI Chairman added, “We had given a seven-day deadline regarding the talks. We will not attend tomorrow’s meeting with the government and have informed the secretary and speaker about our decision.”

Speaking on the occasion, Asad Qaiser said the government’s legislative efforts essentially amount to civil martial law. He condemned the proposed amendments to the PECA Act and announced PTI’s participation in a nationwide movement against it.

“We will engage with all parties, including the media, to raise our voice for the supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the Senate Standing Committee on Interior has approved amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), despite strong objections from journalist organisations and media bodies.

According to Express News, the meeting, chaired by Senator Faisal Saleem, saw the committee passing the PECA amendment bill.

During the session, journalist organisations voiced their opposition to the bill, criticising the lack of clarity in its provisions and expressing concerns about its potential impact.

The committee chairman questioned why journalist organisations did not submit their written recommendations, stating that they should have formally presented their suggestions to the committee.

Earlier, Former Prime Minister Imran Khan, currently serving a jail sentence, on Sunday reiterated his call for overseas Pakistanis to boycott sending remittances, escalating political tensions as his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), faces off with the government.

“Once again, I urge overseas Pakistanis to continue their boycott of foreign currency remittances,” Khan said in a post on X. “Sending money to this government strengthens the very hands that are tightening the noose around your necks.”

The appeal comes as talks between the government and PTI, initiated last month, broke down this week. The deadlock followed the PTI’s refusal to participate without judicial commissions to probe protests on May 9, 2023, and November 26, 2024.