Islamabad: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has clarified that no formal negotiations are currently underway between the government and the PTI, while after the party offered negotiations, it is now the responsibility of the government to come forward with its position in this regard.
Talking to the media outside the Peshawar High Court, Barrister Gohar said that Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai shook hands with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif with the intention of improving the political environment and suggested negotiations, which should not be considered as weakness but as political maturity.
He said that if anyone considers the offer of negotiations as a weakness of the PTI, it is a misunderstanding. According to him, a lasting solution to the current political problems is possible only through talks and political understanding.
Talking about the Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections, the PTI chairman said that the party has not yet taken any decision to boycott the elections. He termed the boycott notification circulating on social media as fake and said that the party will take a final decision in this regard in the next two days.
Speaking about the political situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Barrister Gauhar expressed full confidence in Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and said that no plan to replace him is under consideration. According to him, some members of the party definitely have reservations, however, the leadership is trying to resolve the differences through talks.
He said that the disgruntled members of the assembly will be summoned soon for consultation so that all issues can be resolved amicably. He said that differences of opinion within political parties are a natural process, but the party is united and all decisions will be taken through collective consultation.
Barrister Gauhar also expressed concern over the restrictions imposed on meetings with PTI founder Imran Khan and demanded that meetings with family and party leaders be immediately restored. He also said that Imran Khan should be provided with medical facilities in a hospital of his family’s choice.
He also objected to the federal government’s decision to impose taxes in the former FATA districts and said that relief should be given instead of burdening the people of areas affected by natural disasters and economic difficulties.
Commenting on the provincial budget, Barrister Gauhar appreciated the performance of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government and said that despite not receiving the full share of NFC from the federation, the provincial government has adopted a responsible fiscal strategy.
