PTI's Gohar terms TTP a terrorist outfit, calls for action under NAP

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan described terrorism as a “cancer,” saying that his party unequivocally considers the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) a terrorist organisation and must be dealt with under the National Action Plan (NAP).

Speaking to the media near Adiala Jail on Tuesday, he stressed there should be no sympathy for terrorists and that counterterrorism efforts must be carried out in consultation with elected representatives.

“Any group considered terrorist by the government and institutions is also terrorist in our view,” he said, adding that organisations acting against Pakistan’s interests fall within the ambit of terrorism. He also underlined the need to involve the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly and maintain constitutional balance, warning against politicising the issue.

Addressing restrictions on meetings with the PTI founder, Barrister Gohar said it was unfortunate that no meetings had taken place despite repeated attempts by the party. “Every week we come, wait, and then return without meeting. I do not know who has advised that preventing meetings is good practice,” he said, adding that engagement would help normalise conditions.

He noted that no meeting between the PTI leadership and the founder had occurred since February 2025 and stressed that restricting access only strengthened public sympathy for the founder.

Moreover, Gohar welcomed the notification of the Leader of the Opposition as a positive development. “The seat had remained vacant since August, and all opposition parties had agreed on a single candidate, Mahmood Khan Achakzai. The process is complete, and we hope the notification will be issued by Thursday,” he said, describing it as an important confidence-building step.

Commenting on PTI parliamentary party meetings, he clarified that neither the party founder nor Bushra Bibi’s family was discussed, as the agenda focused solely on parliamentary matters, particularly the opposition leader’s notification.

Referring to PTI leader Sohail Afridi’s recent visit to Karachi, he said Afridi had initially thanked the Sindh government but alleged the government’s attitude changed on the final day. He claimed Afridi’s route was blocked while returning from Hyderabad despite prior permission for a public gathering.

He added that no property was damaged during the visit and Afridi received a peaceful public welcome. He also clarified that Afridi was not nominated in any May 9 case and that circulating forensic video evidence did not clearly establish its location.

Announcing PTI’s protest plans, Gohar said the party would observe a shutter-down and wheel-jam strike on February 8. “Our protest will be peaceful and civilised,” he said, adding that all stakeholders must be involved in counterterrorism efforts. He emphasised the importance of political dialogue to resolve issues. “If meetings are not allowed and PTI is not given space, what option do we have other than protest?” he asked.

On internal party matters, he said Salman Akram Raja had clarified his statement regarding him. He stated that controversial content often spreads on social and mainstream media but internal party issues should not be made public. “If the founder asks me to resign, I will step down immediately,” he said, noting that he held the PTI chairmanship as a trust from the party founder.

He reiterated that the party symbol and authority ultimately rest with the founder and that his struggle is for the founder, the country, and democracy. He also apologised if anyone in Karachi felt hurt by PTI’s actions and stressed that dissenting voices should be tolerated.

Calling the media the “fourth pillar of the state,” Barrister Gohar said PTI had always supported journalists. He clarified that the founder’s family is only seeking justice for their brother and has never engaged in politics.