Imran Khan says no use of talks with government or establishment

Barrister Gohar expresses concerns 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, emphasising that any discussions will be conducted solely through Mahmood Khan Achakzai, the leader of the opposition alliance.

Following a meeting of the party founder with Dr Uzma Khan and Aleema Khan on Tuesday, Dr Uzma spoke to the media and revealed that she had provided Imran with 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 faced, noting that after three years of intense pressure, discussing matters with the establishment had only worsened the situation for PTI. "There's no point in talking to them," she maintained.

Dr Uzma also mentioned the treatment Khan is enduring, the imprisonment of Dr Yasmin Rashid, who is battling cancer, and the solitary confinement of Bushra Bibi, show no example in Pakistan's political history. "No political prisoner has ever been treated this way in the country's history," she quoted Khan as saying. She further stated that Imran had full confidence in Salman Akram Raja, saying 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. Party spokesperson, in a statement, said 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. “Should the government or establishment wish to engage in talks or negotiations, they must do so with Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Allama Raja Nasser Abbas,” the spokesperson stated, 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 with their political committee and meeting with the party’s founder. He emphasised the need for consensus on constitutional amendments, citing that such changes have historically been made with agreement from all political parties.

Speaking to the media near Adiala Jail, Gohar criticised the 26th Amendment, calling it a divisive move that created a rift within the country. He further noted, "The judiciary has always been controversial, but the 26th Amendment has worsened the situation."

Gohar also discussed the pending 27th Amendment, revealing that while earlier versions included extensive amendments to several articles, the final draft saw modifications to only 25 articles. Among these, changes to Articles 175-A, 191, 179, and 209 drew significant debate, with amendments concerning judicial commissions, the establishment of constitutional benches, and the appointment of judges. He noted that the majority of these changes were deemed "cosmetic" by his party.

He emphasised that PTI's position was clear: "Any amendment that is made must have the consent of all provinces," particularly regarding contentious issues such as the NFC Award and provincial autonomy. He further argued that reversing the 18th Amendment, which devolved education and population welfare powers to provinces, would harm the nation’s democratic processes and governance.

Gohar dismissed the possibility of revisiting the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, calling it unnecessary and harmful. "The issue of education and population welfare is crucial to Pakistan's future. If the provinces are to retain these powers, the NFC Award must be respected," he stressed.

Addressing internal party matters, Khan also responded to PTI member Mishal Yousafzai’s recent tweet regarding the party's leadership. He advised that such internal matters should remain within the party and not fuel public discord. Gohar stated, "Every patriotic Pakistani is calling for de-escalation and for all stakeholders to step back."

Despite the controversies surrounding judicial reforms, Gohar made it clear that 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.