PTI alleges political suppression, says democracy being pushed toward crisis

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has said that the party does not intend to retaliate in the same harsh manner, but it is important to inform the public about the accusations being levelled against them and what they have gone through.

He was responding Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Director General Lt-Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry who earlier launched a strong rebuke against incarcerated PTI founder and former prime minister Imran Khan, accusing him of promoting an “anti-army narrative” that had crossed into the domain of national security.

Addressing a press conference alongside other party leaders, Barrister Gohar said this would be an “extraordinary” PTI press conference. “We are not going to respond with hostility. There are certain things the public must know because allegations are being levelled against us,” he said.

He said that it was necessary for the public to be informed about what had happened to PTI. “With 180 seats, we were made to sit on 91. We even lost our home seat. The founding chairman has always said that this country is ours and so is the army. We have always stood with the army during times of war. After everything that happened, we thought perhaps matters would begin to improve.”

Gohar said he was deeply saddened by the previous day’s press conference of the ISPR director-general. “The language used was inappropriate. We want to clarify that perhaps some people want to pit us against each other. We all must let go of our egos and give space to one another. Meetings are not happening, and cases are not being registered.”

Quaid-e-Azam always told military leadership to stay out of politics’

PTI leaders Salman Akram Raja said Pakistan has witnessed dark moments in its history and has been pushed into oppression.

“We were always told this country needs force, then it will progress and prosper. But we know what happened afterwards — Karachi saw bodies stuffed in gunny bags.”

He said the region is marred by bloodshed, explosives and weapons, but lacks welfare. “Time and again, it has been claimed that democracy does not suit this country. Every authoritarian ruler has left Pakistan weaker than before. Where does Pakistan stand today?”

Raja said the world is undergoing critical dialogue, and the global order is breaking down. “Countries are being told to choose sides — China on one side and the United States on the other.”

He said Pakistan has gained nothing from decades of conflict between larger powers. “Has oppression ever taken this country forward? The elite have only become richer.”

He added that an attack has taken place that has no precedent in the Constitution or law. “Pakistan is the only country where we have a constitution, yet we lag behind the rest of the world. How can an officer be a substitute for an independent judiciary?”

He said the Supreme Court gave PTI its reserved seats, “but then it was turned into a district court.”

“Look at what is happening with lawyers like Imaan Mazari and Hadi. Was Pakistan created for this?”

Raja reiterated that Quaid-e-Azam always instructed the military to stay away from politics.

“We were advocating for Imran Khan’s release — now we demand a meeting. At this rate, democracy will be seriously damaged.”

He said Pakistanis are aware and always will be. “We know who has been in control of this country. What is the point of development when your youth cannot find employment? We need people-centric politics.”

Raja questioned how exports could grow when no neighbouring trade exists. “You have issues with Afghanistan, no trade with Iran, and strained relations with India.”

He said Pakistan cannot progress without the people’s voice resonating in parliament. “We are not here to respond to yesterday’s press conference. We will not answer it.”

“Imran Khan is not a national security threat,” he said. “If you attack Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and remove the government, then you alone will be responsible. If something has upset you, we are ready to talk.”

He added that PTI is the largest political force capable of leading the country toward welfare. “No war can be won without us. State institutions and the public must move forward together. We do not want chaos.”

‘If anyone calls Imran Khan a security risk, I condemn it’

PTI leader Asad Qaiser said he has been with Imran Khan for 30 years, witnessing many challenges. “We used to collect donations for Shaukat Khanum. We supported him because he gave us a vision.”

“Imran Khan was a star — he gave this country dignity and recognition. If anyone says he is a security risk, I condemn it.”

He said Imran Khan is struggling for the people’s true freedom. “There is anger in our province. We will demand that offensive remarks be withdrawn. The entire province feels insulted.”

As a teacher with many students in the military and government institutions, Qaiser said PTI wants a strong armed forces. “Our soldiers and police officers are martyred daily.”

He said Pakistan is surrounded by tense relations with India and Afghanistan. “Do you want to turn the country into a political turbine? This is leading the country toward anarchy. We do not want unrest — we want democracy.”

During the press conference, Qaiser said senior PTI leaders are jailed in Kot Lakhpat, and “64,000 FIRs have been filed against our people, with 34,000 arrests — yet we still say this country is ours.”

“Our seats were distributed to another party. I am shocked — Nawaz Sharif used to say ‘respect the vote.’ Is this respecting the vote? The people’s mandate has been stolen. Two ministers say there will be no meeting — who are you? The people have rejected you.”

He said Imran Khan and all PTI leadership should be released immediately. “After constitutional amendments, the judiciary has been paralysed. We want democracy and rule of law.”

Asad Qaiser said that the opposition alliance has also decided to convene a national conference.