Gohar voices disappointment over DG ISPR’s presser, urges for dialogue
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar. Photo: File
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has appealed to pro-democracy forces to play their role in reducing tensions, as he expressed his disappointment over the Director General ISPR’s press conference, where he termed the former prime minister Imran Khan a 'threat to national security'.
In a post on X, Gohar responded to the DG ISPR’s remarks, saying he had always hoped for reduced tensions and improved relations between state institutions. He stressed that the defence of the country was paramount and asserted that PTI’s narrative 'had never been, and would never be, against the state'.
چئیرمین تحریک انصاف بیرسٹرگوہرعلی خان
مین ہمیشہ سےامیدکرتاآیاہوں کہ تناؤکم اورتعلقات میں بہتری آئے، آج آئی ایس پی آر کی پریس کانفرنس سے مایوسی ہوئی ہے، ملک کادفاع اہم ہے،پی ٹی آئی کابیانیہ کبھی ملک دشمن نہ ہے،نہ ہوگا، ریاستی ادارےاورسیاسی لوگ ایک دوسرےکوذہنی مریض کہے یاخطرہ…He added that it was deeply unfortunate for state institutions and political leaders to label one another as 'mentally unstable' or portray each other as threats. “Pakistan is ours, and the army is also ours. We have demonstrated this in practice and will continue to do so,” he said.
Calling for restraint, he said this was a moment for all sides to acknowledge one another, create space for engagement and work to overcome the prevailing trust deficit while appealing to all democratic forces to play their part in reducing tensions.
Read: DG ISPR lashes out at Imran's 'anti-army' narrative, dubs it 'national threat'
Gohar also cautioned that the conduct of 'certain non-stakeholders' should not worsen relations between PTI and state institutions. Referring to the incarceration of the PTI founder and Bushra Bibi, he said allowing meetings with them could help 'move matters towards improvement'.
“The country cannot afford any more tension and chaos,” he warned, urging all political actors to act responsibly for national stability.
His statement followed DG ISPR Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry’s hard-hitting press conference earlier in the day, during which he criticised the incarcerated former premier and his party, warning that no one would be allowed to incite the public against the armed forces.
Addressing reporters in Rawalpindi, the DG ISPR spoke of a 'creeping national security threat', the military believed, required urgent attention. He said the threat emanated from 'a delusional mindset of a delusional person who has become captive to his own ego, thinking that his wishes are bigger than those of the state of Pakistan', in a clear reference to Imran Khan.
“Who are you? What message do you want to give? Who do you think you are?” he remarked.
Also Read: Tarar says PTI has blocked its all homes, no negotiations possible now
Highlighting what he described as the growing influence of one individual, the DG ISPR added: “One person’s ambitions are greater than the state itself. The armed forces serve as a shield between the public and extremist ideologies. That individual’s political relevance has ended; he should focus on his own politics and keep the military out of it.”
He underscored the strategic role of Pakistan’s armed forces in safeguarding the country against internal and external threats, saying attacks on the military only weakened national security. “It is the armed forces that are standing between the Hindutva mindset in India and their hegemonic design, and the people of Pakistan. It is these armed forces that are standing between the khawarij, terrorists, Fitna al-Khawarij, Fitna al-Hindustan operating from Afghanistan,” he said.