Barrister Gohar Ali Khan on Tuesday warned that continued restrictions on meetings with incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi could worsen political tensions and push the situation towards confrontation.
Speaking to reporters on Adiala Road, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman said red zones could not stop the public.
He said PTI had hoped both sides would step back to improve the political atmosphere, but restrictions on meetings and continued tensions were creating further mistrust.
“Political issues need to be resolved, not made more complicated,” Gohar said, adding that a tough approach would be harmful for democracy.
He expressed concern over the health of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, saying their families and personal doctors should be allowed to access them.
“The family and party still do not know the exact condition of their health,” he said, adding that the PTI founder had reportedly been taken to the hospital four times and Bushra Bibi three times.
Gohar urged the government to avoid measures that could increase political confrontation and called for the restoration of family meetings at Adiala Jail.
Commenting on constitutional matters, he said the government should clearly explain any proposed constitutional amendments before the public, expressing concern that the 18th Amendment could be rolled back.
“Strong provinces are the sign of a strong federation,” he said.
The PTI chairman also appealed to the judiciary to avoid discrimination in hearing cases, saying public confidence in the courts was weakening.
On security issues, Gohar said terrorism remained a major concern in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and stressed that militants and their facilitators had no place in Pakistan.
“Terrorists should be dealt with an iron hand,” he said.
Referring to ongoing political contacts, Gohar said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had possibly contacted Mahmood Khan Achakzai, while the law minister had also approached opposition leaders regarding the minority commission and appointments of the chief election commissioner and election commission members.
He stressed the need for practical steps to reduce mistrust between political parties and said negotiations should continue, adding that Achakzai had the mandate to hold talks.
Gohar said PTI workers’ anger toward the party leadership was understandable, admitting that the leadership had not fully met supporters’ expectations.
“We have always complied with court orders,” he added, warning that continued hardline policies could eventually push matters beyond control.”
