PTI’s Gohar defends Kasim’s UNHRC speech amid government uproar

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan on Thursday defended a speech delivered by party founder Imran Khan’s son, Kasim Khan, at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), criticising the government’s uproar over it as being “unwarranted”.

A day ago, Kasim urged the UNHRC to intervene and press the government for the immediate release of his father. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar accused the PTI and Imran’s sons of acting against Pakistan’s national and economic interests today, alleging efforts to damage the country’s global standing and stability after the UNHRC speech.

Responding to Tarar, Gohar told private media outlets that the efforts of Imran's sons for their father were “non-political” and should not be made controversial.

“Ata Tarar has tried to create controversy around Kasim’s speech and has adopted an inappropriate tone against PTI and the children, which I strongly condemn,” he said.

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Gohar added that it was already on record that the PTI and Imran's family had clearly stated that any efforts for his release would be carried out within the framework of the Constitution and the law. “PTI is not waiting for any external force for Imran’s release,” he said.

He noted that Imran had been imprisoned for three years and was facing restrictions, including limited access to family and medical facilities. “In such a situation, it is the duty of his children to raise their voice for their father’s release. What his children have said is not wrong,” Gohar said.

Citing international concerns, Gohar said reports by the United Nations human rights bodies and other independent actors in Pakistan had already highlighted the conditions of Imran’s detention.

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He further clarified that the speech in question was broadcast live and did not contain any remarks against Pakistan’s status for the European Union's Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP Plus) trade scheme. “Not a single word was spoken against Pakistan and its GSP Plus,” he said.

Gohar urged the information minister to provide details regarding past engagements, referring to Volume 10 of the report compiled by a six-member Joint Investigation Team constituted by the Supreme Court to investigate the Sharif family’s offshore assets revealed by the Panama Papers.

“I would ask the federal minister to explain what was in Volume 10 and to share details of the meetings held in Murree, which have not been disclosed to this day,” he said.

He alleged that statements by government officials had previously been used against Pakistan in international forums, including the International Court of Justice, but the government had not issued any clarification on them so far.

“At a time when Pakistan is facing a war-like situation and regional tensions are high, we are trying to set aside our differences and think about the country,” Gohar said. “In such a situation, making these matters controversial reflects a pattern of actions that have not served Pakistan’s interests,” he added.