Islamabad, March 18, 2025: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan faced tough questioning from journalists on Tuesday after his party abruptly withdrew from the National Security Committee (NSC) meeting, despite his earlier calls for political unity against terrorism.
Speaking to the media outside Adiala Jail, Gohar reaffirmed that national security should not be politicized, emphasizing the need for all political forces to take a unified stance against terrorism. However, when pressed on why PTI decided at the last minute to boycott the crucial security huddle, he distanced himself from the decision, stating that it was a collective party stance rather than his personal choice.
A journalist confronted him, asking, “Is the party more important than Pakistan? The country needs you right now.” Gohar responded, “There is no doubt that Pakistan comes first, but our party had set certain conditions, including meeting our founder [Imran Khan] first.”
When asked about the perception that PTI frequently avoids critical national security discussions, Gohar rejected the accusation, saying, “That should not be the case, and we will never make excuses.” However, he refused to comment on whether skipping the meeting was a timely and appropriate decision, stating that, as PTI chairman, he could not offer personal judgments on the party’s choices.
The PTI’s sudden reversal has fueled further political debate, raising questions about the party’s commitment to national security discussions and whether its internal priorities are overshadowing broader national interests.
