Daily Times

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar has reiterated that dialogue is essential for resolving political disputes in Pakistan, a stance previously taken by the party’s faounding chairman Imran Khan as well. Speaking to the media at the District Courts, Gohar said, “Imran Khan has called for negotiations before, and dialogue should definitely take place.”

He emphasised that political issues could only be resolved through political engagement, without setting conditions during talks. Gohar also clarified that PTI had previously attempted negotiations, but contacts were severed before reaching an agreement. He noted, “There were previous negotiations, but the contact broke down before reaching a stage of resolution.”

In response to questions about ongoing legal matters, Gohar confirmed that a request for discharge had been filed in the May 9 case, calling the charges “entirely false.” He stated, “All the cases are fabricated, and we will be acquitted in all of them.” Addressing the political climate in Pakistan, Gohar said PTI had filed a petition against Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and others. “There have been several incidents where, during protests, no one was shot. But, protesters were not even seated when shelling began,” he added.

He further urged that the country must move forward and shift its focus towards improvement, stating, “Enough is enough; it’s time for the country to move towards progress.” Gohar also stressed that PTI was not setting preconditions for dialogue but was firm in placing demands on the table during talks. Separately, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has vowed that the sacrifices of PTI workers who were martyred during the 26 November protests at D-Chowk will not be forgotten, pledging to seek justice for their deaths. Speaking at the foundation stone-laying ceremony for the Havelian Water Supply Scheme, Gandapur stated, “We will definitely take account of the blood of our martyrs.

I salute those who sacrificed their lives for true democracy.” He added that the struggle for a self-reliant and independent nation will continue. The project, with an estimated cost of PKR 4.64 billion, is expected to be completed in two years. Once finished, it will provide 250,000 gallons of water per day to both urban and rural areas of the Havelian Tehsil, benefitting nearly 94,000 people. Alongside the water supply scheme, Gandapur announced several other multi-billion rupee development projects for Havelian, including the purchase of land for a cemetery, construction of the Havelian City Bypass, and other infrastructure upgrades. He committed to making Havelian a model developed area.