PTI Chairman Gohar Khan Details Imran Khan’s Adiala Jail Meeting: Key Messages on Talks, Governance & Party Unity
ISLAMABAD:Â Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan recently spoke to the media after meeting with party founder Imran Khan at Adiala Jail. He shared crucial messages from the former Prime Minister regarding the current political climate, internal party matters, and ongoing concerns about meeting protocols at the jail facility.
Issues and Cooperation Regarding Jail Visits
PTI Chairman Gohar Khan highlighted the protocols surrounding meetings with Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi. “Whenever we meet Khan Sahab, they accommodate one thing: if Khan Sahab and Bibi are together, our meeting is with Bibi; otherwise, the order (to meet) is from Khan Sahab,” he explained.
He noted a level of cooperation regarding family visits. “When Bibi’s family comes, they meet with both Bibi and Khan Sahab. We cooperate greatly (with this).” However, he expressed strong disapproval regarding the treatment of Imran Khan’s own sisters.
“We take exception to not allowing Khan Sahab‘s sisters to meet him,” PTI Chairman Gohar Khan stated firmly. “Yesterday, I requested the administration – the SP, the SHO, the jail administration – repeatedly, asking them to grant permission for a meeting, especially since they weren’t allowed on Eid.”
He pointed out a specific incident: “One thing I will state categorically and specifically: on the 25th (likely of a previous month), when all three sisters were kept waiting at the gate, why did the lawyers go ahead? Why did they hold the meeting?
Imran Khan’s Stance on Negotiations and Governance
PTI Chairman Gohar Khan relayed key messages directly from Imran Khan:
Anniversary of Government Change: Khan condemned the ousting of his government, marking the anniversary (likely referencing the date of the No-Confidence Motion success). Gohar stated, “(Khan believes) the government was changed through wrong means, unconstitutionally, and people were planted (into power).”
Talks with the Establishment: “Khan Sahab said, ‘I have never closed the door for negotiations with the establishment’,” Gohar reported. “He said, ‘I am still ready for dialogue today, and I never closed that door.’ (Gohar clarified Khan distinguished this from) the committee talks with the government, which were called off because they weren’t even issuing notifications.” Khan emphasized that any talks are “for the sake of democracy, for the supremacy of the country, for the rule of law,” and not for any personal “deal.”
“Hard State” vs. “Soft State”: Gohar explained Khan’s perspective: “Khan Sahab says he supports a ‘Hard State,’ arguing Pakistan is becoming softer (weaker). He defined a ‘Hard State’ as one with rule of law, where court orders (High Court, Supreme Court) are implemented, elections aren’t stolen, and no one, however powerful, is above the law – fearing the grasp of the law. Not a state with one law for the powerful and another for the weak.”
US Legislation:Â Regarding reports of potential US legislation concerning Pakistan, Khan’s message was clear: “Whatever lawmaking is happening in America, we have no connection or concern with it. That’s their affair, involving American citizens or perhaps overseas Pakistanis there; it’s their matter, not ours.”
Party Unity, Internal Dynamics, and Leadership
Addressing internal party matters and criticism, Barrister Gohar emphasized unity. “I am the elected Chairman of Pakistan’s largest political party. This is a trust (amanat) from Khan. I want to unite Khan’s party; I will never let it break, even if I have to leave my post.”
He cautioned against seeking “cheap popularity” through internal point-scoring or soundbites. He mentioned that the PTI political committee has not yet formalized decisions on potential boycotts if lawyers or family members are denied meetings, despite the principle being discussed.
“The party has not decided on two things: If Khan’s sisters are denied permission, the lawyers won’t go. (And) if one lawyer is dropped from the list, the rest won’t go,” he stated, indicating these are potential stances yet to be formally adopted as policy by the committee. He again referenced the inconsistency on the 25th.
Defending Roles and Rejecting Protocol
PTI Chairman Gohar Khan strongly defended Barrister Ali Zafar against suggestions he was becoming a “Manzoor-e-Nazar” (favored one). “Never say that about Ali Zafar… He is a great man who has done immense work for PTI, handling the most cases pro-bono, without taking a single penny, across Peshawar, Lahore, Islamabad High Courts, the Supreme Court, and the Election Commission.”
He noted Zafar’s acceptance when Khan appointed Shibli Faraz as Leader of the Opposition in the Senate due to Faraz’s experience.
