ISLAMABAD: PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar revealed details of his recent meeting with party founder Imran Khan at Adiala Jail, stating that the meeting took place in connection with the Toshakhana-2 case.
Speaking to media representatives afterward, Gohar quoted Imran Khan as saying that all avenues for him have been closed, leaving no option but to launch a protest movement.
According to Gohar, Imran Khan announced that instead of calling for protests in Islamabad alone, demonstrations would take place across the country and that he himself would lead the movement. Khan has directed that all protest-related instructions be issued to Omar Ayub.
Barrister Gohar added that while no specific timeframe for the protests has been set, Imran Khan would announce it himself. He also stated that Khan declared himself as the “Patron-in-Chief” of PTI from now on and will continue to make all party decisions as he did before.
Responding to rumors about changes in party leadership, Gohar said such speculation is being spread deliberately. He confirmed that he remains the party chairman and warned of consequences if this position is compromised.
Regarding protest responsibilities, Gohar stated that, unlike in the past, these would not be handled solely by Ali Amin Gandapur; instead, different individuals would be assigned different roles. He said that Imran Khan had not shown mistrust in party leadership and was aware of the sacrifices made by members.
Gohar reiterated his own preference for resolving issues through dialogue, a path he believes should still be pursued. However, he said Khan feels that all options have been blocked, pointing to alleged rigging in the Sambrial elections as an example. Despite spending two years in prison, Khan has consistently favoured dialogue and peaceful solutions, Gohar said.
He concluded by stating that the PTI will not harm Pakistan under any circumstances and will exercise its right to peaceful protest.
Gohar criticised the judicial system, claiming that Khan’s cases are not being heard and courts are not ruling on reserved seats. He stressed the need for common sense to prevail and said that while no current dialogue is underway, Imran Khan has kept the door open for negotiations with the establishment.
Imran Khan declares himself PTI patron-in-chief amid infighting
Incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has declared himself the patron-in-chief of the former ruling party amid internal infighting, while Barrister Gohar Ali Khan will continue to serve as party chairman, it emerged on Tuesday.
The move followed the party’s announcement of a nationwide protest drive to topple the PML-N-led coalition government and reclaim what it called its “stolen mandate”. PTI has yet to announce the date for its proposed protest.
Talking to journalists after his meeting with Khan at Central Jail Adiala in Rawalpindi today, PTI Chairman Gohar said: “PTI founder says he himself will lead the protest movement.”
Quoting Khan, Gohar said that all the instructions regarding the protest movement will be given to Omar Ayub. He said that the PTI founder had not yet provided any time frame for the protest.
“PTI founder says he will be the patron-in-chief of the PTI from today onwards,” the PTI chairman said, adding that all decisions would be made by the PTI founder, just as they were before.
Responding to a question, Gohar rejected the rumours about his removal as the PTI chairman. “Everyone knows what the consequences will be if the party does not have a chairman,” he added.
CM Gandapur won’t lead upcoming protest
Talking to the media, the PTI chairman said that the responsibility for the protests had always been assigned to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, but this time would be different.
“Different individuals will be assigned different responsibilities regarding the protest movement,” he added.
To another question, he said that the PTI founder did not express any lack of confidence in the party leadership.
Gohar said that he still wanted the issues to be resolved through dialogue, adding that the PTI founder has kept the option of negotiations with the establishment open.
