Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan on Tuesday distanced the party from controversial remarks attributed to PTI founder Imran Khan’s sister Noreen Niazi, saying they reflected her personal views and were not part of the party’s policy.
Speaking to reporters at the Dahgal checkpoint near Adiala Jail, Gohar said his information suggested that Noreen’s interview was about three months old and questioned why the remarks had resurfaced after such a long period.
“Whatever Noreen Niazi said is her personal view. It is not part of the party policy,” he said.
Gohar said Imran Khan’s sisters did not hold any political or organisational position in PTI and their personal statements should not be presented as official party positions.
He urged the media and political actors to avoid repeatedly highlighting controversial remarks at a time when the country was already deeply divided.
“We should leave this issue here and move forward,” he said, adding that old disputes should not be revived when efforts were needed to reduce political tensions.
Gohar said Pakistan’s success in the recent “Maarka-e-Haq” was a blessing and a source of pride for the entire nation. He said the country’s defence was strong and any renewed aggression by an enemy would receive an even stronger response.
He urged the authorities not to harass Noreen or issue notices to her, arguing that one personal statement could not weaken Pakistan’s defence.
The PTI chairman also appealed for restraint in discussions concerning the armed forces and martyrs, saying their sacrifices should not become the subject of political controversy.
He said statements made during emotional speeches could sometimes go beyond intended limits, but maintained that remarks considered wrong should still be acknowledged as such.
Gohar said institutional interference in political affairs had long been debated, but the country had reached a point where all sides needed to set personal interests aside and work towards national stability.
On terrorism, he said PTI’s position was clear and described militancy as a serious threat to the country.
He called for the use of all available resources against terrorists, saying Pakistan could achieve development and stability only after eliminating terrorism.
Discussing PTI’s political strategy, Gohar said the party’s boycott of parliamentary standing committees and the Judicial Commission remained in force.
He said PTI had consistently supported dialogue, but no formal negotiations had begun and contacts had so far remained limited to offers of talks.
“We have always said there should be dialogue,” he said, expressing hope that a long-term political solution would be found to help the country emerge from its continuing crises.
Gohar also said PTI had considered reviewing its decision to boycott the Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections but had failed to reach a consensus.
He said the boycott decision remained in place for now, although it could be reviewed if political and electoral conditions improved.
