'Open to all kinds of talks with govt,' says chairman of Khan-led party

The chairman of Pakistan's largest opposition party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, stated on Wednesday that the party is open to all kinds of talks with the government, emphasizing that dialogue is essential for progress.

"PTI founder Imran Khan has formed a negotiation committee, but talks with the government have not yet begun," Gohar said during an exclusive interview with Nukta on Wednesday.

“Talks should take place, and there should be no restrictions in this regard.”

His statement comes weeks after violent protests broke out in Islamabad, where thousands of PTI supporters rallied in response to the jailed party founder Imran Khan’s call for demonstrations, demanding his release from Adiala Jail.

D-Chowk operation

On November 26, security forces clashed with PTI protesters attempting to stage a sit-in at D-Chowk near the parliament and prime minister’s residence.

Police and paramilitary forces fired tear gas and rubber bullets during a late-night operation as demonstrators, wielding sticks and slingshots, set roadblocks ablaze.

PTI claims at least 12 of its workers were killed in the operation, accusing security personnel of opening fire. The government denies the allegations, insisting forces were deployed “without live ammunition".

Barrister Gohar addressed the operation, saying the families of “martyred workers” will decide their course of action, while PTI will file a case as a political party.

Army matters

On the charge sheet against former DG ISI Lt. Gen. (retd) Faiz Hameed, Gohar said the issue is an “internal matter of the army” and should not be politicized.

“The army works according to its Army Act. PTI has nothing to do with this matter,” he said.

Fake news legislation

Regarding the prevention of fake news, Gohar said the misuse of social media should be curbed, but any law must strike a balance.

“If the government wants to introduce changes to the law, then it should. We are ready to consult on fake news prevention, but we won’t support legislation aimed at hiding the truth,” he said.

The former Prime Minister, Imran Khan, has been in jail since August last year, facing multiple cases. PTI continues to claim that February’s elections were rigged to block Khan’s return to power.