Lawyer Gohar expresses concerns over 27th Constitutional Amendment, stresses need for consensus
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan said there would be no negotiations with the government or the establishment, stressing that any discussions would be conducted only through Mahmood Khan Achakzai, the leader of the opposition alliance.
Following a meeting of the party founder with Dr Uzma Khan and Aleema Khan on Tuesday, Dr Uzma spoke to the media and revealed that she had provided Imran with the latest updates. She quoted him as saying that talks with the government were not possible.
“What negotiations can take place when the Prime Minister tells the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister that he will ‘ask and inform’ and then the Chief Minister will inform me?” she quoted Imran as saying. She added that Imran expressed frustration over the continued difficulties he faced, noting that after three years of intense pressure, discussing the issues with the establishment had only made the PTI’s situation worse. “There’s no point in talking to them,” she argued.
Dr. Uzma also mentioned that the treatment Khan is undergoing, the imprisonment of Dr. Yasmin Rashid, who is battling cancer, and the solitary confinement of Bushra Bibi, show no example in Pakistan’s political history. “No political prisoner has ever been treated this way in the history of the country,” she said, quoting Khan. She further said that Imran had full confidence in Salman Akram Raja, saying all communications with the PTI would be handled exclusively through him.
Meanwhile, Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ain Pakistan said that Imran had strictly barred party leaders from engaging in negotiations with the government or the establishment. The party spokesperson, in a statement, said Imran had given instructions to all party leaders to refrain from contacting the government or the establishment.
Instead, Imran delegated authority for any negotiations or dialogue to Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Allama Raja Nasser Abbas. “If the government or the establishment wants to engage in talks or negotiations, it must do so with Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Allama Raja Nasser Abbas,” the spokesperson said, relaying Imran’s directive.
Gohar stresses need for consensus on constitutional amendments
Lawyer Gohar Ali Khan, president of PTI, expressed concerns over the proposed 27th amendment, saying his party would respond after consulting its political committee and meeting the party’s founder. He stressed the need for consensus on constitutional amendments, stressing that these changes have always been made with the agreement of all political parties.
Speaking to media near Adiala jail, Gohar criticized the 26th Amendment, terming it a divisive measure that has created a divide within the country. He added: “The justice system has always been controversial, but the 26th Amendment has made it worse. »
Gohar also discussed the pending 27th Amendment, revealing that while earlier versions included significant changes to several articles, the final draft only included changes to 25 articles. Among these, amendments to Articles 175-A, 191, 179 and 209 sparked significant debate, with amendments relating to judicial commissions, creation of constitutional chambers and appointment of judges. He stressed that the majority of these changes were deemed “cosmetic” by his party.
He stressed that the PTI’s position was clear: “Any changes made must have the consent of all provinces”, especially regarding controversial issues such as the NFC award and provincial autonomy. He further argued that overturning the 18th Amendment, which transferred powers over education and public welfare to the provinces, would harm the country’s democratic processes and governance.
Gohar dismissed the possibility of reviewing the National Finance Commission (NFC) award, calling it unnecessary and harmful. “The issue of education and welfare of the people is crucial for the future of Pakistan. If the provinces want to retain these powers, the NFC award must be respected,” he stressed.
Addressing internal party issues, Khan also responded to PTI member Mishal Yousafzai’s recent tweet regarding the party leadership. He advised that these internal issues should remain within the party and not fuel public discord. Gohar said: “All patriotic Pakistanis call for de-escalation and all stakeholders to step back. »
Despite the controversies surrounding the judicial reforms, Gohar made it clear that the PTI remained committed to working towards the release of the party founder and strengthening democracy. “We will continue our efforts for his release,” he concluded.
