PESHAWAR: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has ruled out any ongoing negotiations with the federal government, clarifying that recent contacts have not progressed beyond an offer for dialogue while rejecting reports that the party plans to boycott the upcoming Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections.
Speaking to reporters outside the Peshawar High Court, Barrister Gohar said the government’s response would determine whether any meaningful political dialogue could take place. He emphasized that PTI remains committed to resolving political disputes through negotiations rather than confrontation.
The PTI chairman dismissed social media reports claiming that the party had decided to boycott the AJK elections, calling the circulating notification fake. He stated that the party would finalize its election strategy within the next few days.
Addressing speculation about internal differences in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gohar firmly rejected reports that Chief Minister Sohail Afridi would be replaced. He stressed that the provincial leadership remained stable and that no such proposal was under consideration.
He also announced that party leadership would soon meet lawmakers who had expressed reservations over internal matters, adding that reconciliation should be given an opportunity and emphasizing the importance of maintaining party unity.
Commenting on the political situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gohar said public protests should remain peaceful while highlighting concerns over PTI losing its election symbol in several regions, including AJK, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Haripur. He argued that these developments created significant electoral challenges for the party.
The PTI chairman also raised concerns over the treatment of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, demanding that meetings with his family members and party leaders be restored immediately. He further called for medical treatment for the PTI founder at a hospital chosen by his family.
Discussing Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s annual budget, Gohar described it as a strong financial plan despite fiscal challenges. He criticized the federal government over the National Finance Commission (NFC) share and opposed the imposition of taxes in the merged districts, arguing that the region required relief due to natural disasters and economic hardships.
Reaffirming PTI’s unity, Gohar said the party remained strong despite differences of opinion among some lawmakers, adding that all members respected the decisions of the party founder. He also described former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur as an important asset to the party.
