Rawalpindi, January 29, 2025: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan has accused the government of deliberately avoiding negotiations and disregarding the party’s demand for a judicial commission.
Speaking to the media outside Rawalpindi Kacheri on Wednesday, Gohar stated that PTI had formally requested a judicial commission to investigate key concerns but received no response. “The government never intended for talks to succeed or lead to a resolution,” he claimed.
Gohar further alleged that authorities intentionally delayed engagement. “We presented our demands, yet no serious steps were taken. If they were sincere, they would have responded on time,” he said, adding that officials had promised an answer by January 28 in a committee meeting, but PTI was left uninformed.
Despite political pressure, he maintained that PTI initiated the dialogue in good faith. “Our leader, Imran Khan, remains our chairman today and will continue in the future,” he asserted. He also clarified that PTI’s only point of contact in the talks was the Army Chief, dismissing speculation of other negotiations.
Gohar revealed that PTI’s case was heard by Acting Judge Zeba Chaudhry, with the next hearing scheduled soon. He expressed hope for the appointment of a permanent judge to ensure progress.
PTI’s legal team, led by Latif Khosa, had prepared a strong defense, he claimed, while reaffirming that no individual, regardless of status, could influence judicial decisions. “No one is above the law. The court will decide on legal merit,” he stated.
Despite PTI’s claims of an impasse, the government signaled willingness to resume negotiations. National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, who facilitated previous rounds of talks, invited both sides for a fourth meeting on Tuesday. However, PTI boycotted the session, leading the government to extend its offer until January 31 in hopes of reviving discussions.
The government-opposition dialogue, launched on December 23, 2024, aimed to resolve political and economic challenges while addressing longstanding disputes. However, the process stalled after three rounds, with PTI presenting a charter of demands in the third session.
PTI called off negotiations seven days later, citing the government’s failure to meet its one-week deadline for the judicial commission. However, a day later, Barrister Gohar softened the stance, clarifying that talks were “on hold” rather than completely abandoned.
With the January 31 deadline approaching, the political deadlock persists, leaving uncertainty over whether dialogue will resume or further tensions will escalate.
