Islamabad, Pakistan — PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali has appealed to pro-democracy forces to help ease political tensions, expressing disappointment over a briefing by the military spokesperson that targeted the party and former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
The appeal came in response to a blistering press conference held earlier today by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry. During the 90-minute briefing, the military spokesperson criticised Imran Khan for allegedly creating and spreading “anti-army” rhetoric, warning that such narratives had moved beyond politics and posed a “national security threat.” Much of the press conference focused on criticising the PTI and its governance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
In a post on X, Barrister Gohar Ali called for unity, stating: “This is the time for everyone to acknowledge one another, make space for each other and eliminate the lack of trust. I appeal to all pro-democracy forces to play their role in reducing tensions.”
Expressing disappointment over the ISPR briefing, Gohar reiterated that PTI has never held an anti-state stance. “The defence of the country is paramount. PTI’s narrative has never been, nor will it ever be, anti-state. It is regrettable when state institutions and political figures label each other as mentally ill or perceive each other as threats. Pakistan belongs to us, and so does the army; we have demonstrated this in practice and will continue to do so,” he said.
He further urged that the actions of “certain non-stakeholders” — without specifying individuals — should not escalate tensions between PTI and state institutions. Gohar also highlighted that the situation could improve if permission were granted for meetings with Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, who are currently incarcerated. “The country cannot afford tension and chaos,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja commented, “A troubled response is not a political strategy.” Shahid Khattak, Imran’s nominee for parliamentary leader in the National Assembly, also condemned remarks against KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, calling them “an insult to the entire Pakhtun nation and the tribal people.”
The feature image is AI-generated.