Barrister Gohar Accuses Govt of Lacking Sincerity, Cites Arrests and Blocked Access to Khan

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan on Wednesday accused the government of lacking sincerity in its offers for dialogue, citing the continued arrests of party members and the blocking of access to founder Imran Khan in jail.

In a media talk, Barrister Gohar stated it has been nearly a year since party leadership was able to formally meet with Imran Khan. He condemned the arrests of Khan's non-political sisters and claimed that the nephew of another party member had recently been abducted.

"What steps are you taking that would make people believe you are ready for a political solution?" he asked, questioning how dialogue could proceed when lawyers, workers, and family were being prevented from meeting the party founder.

While stating the door for talks remains open, he argued that the long march is necessary to press for the party's demands. He recounted that PTI had previously entered negotiations without preconditions, but felt the government did not show the required seriousness.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan has demanded unconditional talks with the government, stating that "political people talk without conditions."

Speaking to the media, he revealed that the party had formed a committee and decided to pursue unconditional negotiations even before the prime minister's recent conditional offer was made public. He argued that setting preconditions, such as demanding an end to the party's long march, was not a productive way forward.

Barrister Gohar also reaffirmed that the party's long march to Islamabad would proceed as planned.

Amidst ongoing discussions about negotiations with the government, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan has reaffirmed the party's intention to continue its long march to the capital. "Our long march will come to Islamabad, God willing," he stated, reinforcing the party's resolve.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has extended a conditional offer for negotiations to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), stating the government is ready for talks if the party ends its long march and sit-ins.

"I request you to... end your long march and sit-ins. If you end it, then we will definitely sit and talk," the prime minister was quoted as saying.

In response, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan reiterated that while offers for talks are made, they are not being followed by any "positive steps." He described the government's approach as "non-serious," noting that the last formal meeting took place on October 16 of the previous year. He added that if the government is serious, it can engage with Allama Nasir Abbas, who has been authorized by the PTI for negotiations.