Sept 27 protest call irrevocable: Gohar
Says political tensions must ease, but protest plan stands
On Tuesday, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan declared that the party’s call for a September 27 protest was irrevocable. He warned that if the judiciary did not provide justice and parliament failed to hear their grievances, the party would have no choice but to take their concerns to the streets. Khan also emphasized the importance of implementing the National Action Plan (NAP), stating that any appointment within the National Counter Terrorism Authority (Nacta) was an internal military matter.
During a media briefing at the Dahgal checkpoint on Adiala Road, Khan expressed concern over the lack of meetings with PTI founder Imran Khan, claiming the situation had reached its current state due to this absence. He argued that meetings could have facilitated message exchange and improved the situation. Khan highlighted that the treatment of Imran Khan was unprecedented for any political prisoner in the country's history, asserting that had meetings occurred, messages could have been conveyed, leading to a better outcome.
The PTI chief lamented that the judiciary, both before and after the 26th Amendment, had failed to ensure elections and grant him even a single meeting with Imran Khan. Khan accused the judiciary of pushing the party against a wall, forcing them into a corner. He questioned citizens' right to peaceful protest and stated that if the judiciary did not grant justice and parliament did not listen, they would resort to taking to the streets for justice.
Khan noted that the public was weary of political tensions and friction and suggested that everyone must step back for the situation to improve. Regarding the creation of new provinces, Khan emphasized the seriousness and public implications, urging caution against hasty decisions. He also noted that the existing parliament had passed controversial constitutional amendments, warning that further amendments would weaken the federation.
Khan refrained from issuing a statement on Imran Khan’s sons, citing a high court order allowing Imran Khan to communicate with his children. The family would be informed about any information the founder’s children might possess. Khan further clarified that PTI had neither utilized provincial resources for political gain nor would do so in the future.
He criticized Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for an "irresponsible statement" regarding Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and terrorism, accusing her of making such a statement without expectation.
Written by urgent.news from The Express Tribune - Pakistan's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
