Gohar says PTI forced to 'beg for meetings', stresses negotiations remain only option

Those in power should show flexibility as political system has become ‘stagnant’ for party, says chairman

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has said that the political system has become 'stagnant' for his party and warned that 2026 might also turn into a 'year of punishments' unless those in power show flexibility and initiate dialogue.

Speaking to reporters at the Dahgal checkpoint near Adiala Jail on Tuesday, Gohar said PTI leaders visit the site every Tuesday but return after waiting for hours without being allowed to meet the party leadership. “We come here every Tuesday and leave after waiting for hours despite being allotted time,” he said.

Gohar said the party was being forced to 'beg for meetings', adding that the responsibility did not lie only with the political opponents. “In begging for meetings, not only others but our own people are also involved,” he said. “No matter how intense the movement becomes, negotiations have no alternative.”

He said talks were not progressing in line with the demands of the situation. “I request those in power to show some compassion for this country,” he said, adding, “Find a way so that the situation can improve.”

Gohar said that the PTI founder, Imran Khan, his wife Bushra Bibi, and 16 party parliamentarians had already been sentenced. “Despite a ceasefire with the enemy, our internal tensions are not ending,” he said. He questioned why meetings that had previously been allowed were suddenly being obstructed. “At the very least, permission should be granted for Bushra Bibi to meet,” he said.

He added that PTI had never called off negotiations and that he had received no instructions from the party founder to stop talks altogether. “I have received no direction that there will be no talks from now on,” he said. “However, the founder has issued instructions regarding a street movement. Protest is our constitutional right.”

Commenting on internal party matters, Gohar said the Lahore visit of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi was carried out on the instructions of the PTI founder and not through party consultation. He said the authority to negotiate on behalf of PTI rested with Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Allama Nasir Abbas.

PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja said there was no environment for negotiations in Pakistan, accusing the authorities of violating basic human rights by denying meetings between the jailed PTI founder and his family. “The PTI founder and his sisters have the right to meet. No one can decide to keep him in solitary confinement,” Raja said. “This behaviour is against fundamental human rights.”

He said party leaders would continue to come to the site despite knowing that permission for meetings would not be granted. “We know we will not be allowed to meet, but we will keep coming here and keep shaking the conscience of the state,” he said.

Referring to negotiations, Raja said he saw no conducive atmosphere for talks at present. “I do not see an environment for negotiations,” he said. “Negotiations only take place when basic principles are accepted.”

He criticised what he described as superficial engagement. “What kind of negotiations are these — come, go, have biscuits, and something will come out of it?” he said. Raja said PTI and its leadership wanted meaningful dialogue, not talks held 'in the air'. “The people of Pakistan and the PTI founder deserve sincere and substantive discussion,” he said. “Talking about negotiations without substance is meaningless.”

He alleged that the constitution had been undermined and stressed that democracy was the only way forward. “Accept that the constitution of this country has been attacked,” he said. “Democracy is the only path ahead.”

Referring to the political system established after the February 8, 2024 elections, Raja said it would not last for long, adding, “We must move forward.” He further said PTI was not setting harsh conditions for talks but insisted on adherence to basic principles. “We are not here to sit and drink tea or eat biscuits,” he reiterated.

Noreen, sister of PTI founder launched a sharp criticism of the Punjab government, accusing it of attempting to suppress public mobilisation by blocking roads and targeting party workers.

Speaking to reporters in Rawalpindi, she said the Punjab administration was fearful of people taking to the streets, prompting authorities in Lahore to shut down roads and markets. “The Punjab government was afraid that people would come out,” she said. “Routes were blocked in Lahore, and workers, MPAs and MNAs were beaten.”

Noreen also referred to the security situation in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, alleging that violence in the province was part of an effort to weaken the PTI-led provincial government. “Everyone knows who is behind the killings, taking place in K-P,” she said. “This is being done to weaken the K-P government.”

She said PTI’s protest movement was ongoing and would continue to grow. “Our movement has already begun, and you will see it expand,” she said. Referring to party leader Sohail Afridi, she said the entire party leadership stood with him and praised his handling of the situation during the protests.

Police disperse PTI sit-in near Adiala Jail

Meanwhile, Police used water cannons and began arrests as they dispersed the protestors, including the three sisters of Imran Khan, who had staged a sit-in outside Adiala Jail. The protest was held in demand for a meeting with their brother, who has been imprisoned at the facility.

Aleema Khan, along with her sisters Uzma and Noreen Khan, led the protest at the Factory Checkpoint near Adiala Jail. Police initially blocked their access to the area and prevented the protesters from moving forward, resulting in the sit-in. PTI leaders and supporters, including Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and Salman Akram Raja, joined the protest to show solidarity with the Khan sisters.

However, tensions escalated as police began using water cannons and made arrests, including that of more than 15 PTI workers. According to reports, the police called in female officers for assistance. The remaining protestors included three women activists and the Khan sisters, while the other protesters dispersed.

Aleema Khan expressed her dissatisfaction with the absence of other party leaders, stating, "It's not that difficult to spare half an hour to show solidarity. Everyone should have been at Adiala Jail." The situation remains tense as negotiations between Rawalpindi police and the Khan sisters continue.