Kasim made no anti-Pakistan remarks and pledged to make all efforts to secure Imran’s release in accordance with the Constitution
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan on Thursday defended a speech by party founder Imran Khan’s son Kasim Khan at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), criticizing the government’s uproar over the issue as “unwarranted”.
A day ago, Kasim urged the UNHRC to intervene and put pressure on the government for the immediate release of his father. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar today accused the PTI and Imran’s sons of acting against Pakistan’s national and economic interests, alleging efforts to harm the country’s global standing and stability after the UNHRC speech.
Responding to Tarar, Gohar told private media that Imran’s sons’ efforts in support of their father were “apolitical” and should not be controversial.
“Ata Tarar tried to create controversy around Kasim’s speech and adopted an inappropriate tone against the PTI and children, which I strongly condemn,” he said.
Gohar added that it was already on record that the PTI and Imran’s family had clearly stated that all efforts for his release would be carried out within the framework of the Constitution and law. “The PTI is not waiting for any external force to release Imran,” he said.
He noted that Imran had been imprisoned for three years and faced restrictions including limited access to family and medical facilities. “In such a situation, it is the duty of his children to raise their voice for the release of their father. What his children said is not wrong,” Gohar said.
Citing international concerns, Gohar said reports by UN human rights bodies and other independent actors in Pakistan had already shed light on Imran’s detention conditions.
He further clarified that the speech in question was broadcast live and did not contain any remarks against Pakistan’s status under the European Union’s Generalized Trading System of Preferences Plus (GSP Plus). “Not a single word has been spoken against Pakistan and its GSP Plus,” he said.
Gohar also questioned the government, urging the information minister to provide details of its past engagements. “I would request the federal minister to explain the contents of volume 10 and share the details of the meetings held in Murree, which have not been disclosed so far,” he said.
He alleged that the statements of government officials had already been used against Pakistan in international forums, including the International Court of Justice, but the government had so far failed to provide any clarification on them.
“At a time when Pakistan is facing a war situation and regional tensions are high, we are trying to put aside our differences and think about the country,” Gohar said. “In such a situation, making these issues controversial reflects a series of actions that have not served Pakistan’s interests,” he added.
