ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan Friday reacted sharply, following a press conference by Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, Director-General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), in which he had harshly criticised the PTI founder and imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Barrister Gohar, a vocal proponent of reconciliation and national unity, responded swiftly on social media, expressing his frustration with the DG ISPR’s remarks. “I had hoped for an easing of tensions, but today I am deeply disappointed by the DG ISPR press conference,” he posted on X.
While affirming that PTI remains unwavering in its commitment to defending Pakistan’s interests, he criticised the toxic environment of growing political polarisation. “If we start labelling each other mentally ill or a threat, that is a sad day for this nation,” he wrote
One individual believes his desires greater than state of Pakistan: DG ISPR
He urged political forces across Pakistan to step up and defuse the growing tensions, appealing for mutual respect and cooperation. “Now is the time for all political players to respect each other and rebuild trust,” he implored.
Gohar also addressed the ongoing incarceration of his party founder and his wife, Bushra Bibi. He argued their release was crucial for the country’s political stability, suggesting that engaging with them would help heal the nation’s divisions. “If we are allowed to meet with them, we can begin the process of healing and moving toward stability,” he stated, emphasising that their continued detention was fuelling political unrest.
However, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja also sharply criticised the military’s stance, tweeting, “an anxious reaction is not a political strategy.”
Newly appointed PTI parliamentary leader in National Assembly Shahid Khattak also joined the fray, sarcastically remarking, “We have no connection to politics!” a reference to the growing influence of the military over civilian governance.
Khattak accused the establishment of disrespecting the Pashtun community. “Insulting Afridi is an insult to the entire Pashtun nation,” he said.
While PTI has not yet issued an official statement on the military’s remarks, party officials have been active on social media, resurrecting past statements from Imran Khan.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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