PTI Warns Imran Khan’s Exclusion Undermines Pakistan’s System, Vows Legal and Parliamentary Fight as Tensions Rise
In the face of mounting political strain, PTI asserts that barring party founder Imran Khan from national politics would damage the country’s democratic framework. This stance came as tensions grew following a press briefing by the Pakistan Army’s spokesperson that targeted Imran Khan, according to Dawn’s coverage.
Following a joint meeting of PTI’s parliamentary group in Islamabad, party leaders reviewed recent developments, including reports of restrictions on meetings with Imran. Attendees included party chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Barrister Ali Zafar, Ali Muhammad Khan, MNA Shahid Kattak, and Mehmood Khan Achakzai, the chief of the Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party and PTI’s candidate for opposition leader in the National Assembly.
Barrister Ali Zafar told Dawn that participants discussed the current situation and the new restrictions, including what he described as an unannounced ban on meetings with Imran Khan. He rejected the claim that Imran poses a security threat, emphasizing that Khan is crucial for Pakistan’s stability, democracy, and future. He noted that ongoing exclusion weakens the political system and fuels national uncertainty, while opposition lawmakers remain united.
Zafar said the PTI parliamentary group intends to pursue the matter through constitutional, legal, and parliamentary channels to secure Imran Khan’s release. “We will use every constitutional, legal, and parliamentary forum to press for the release of our leader. The entire parliamentary party stands firmly behind Imran Khan,” he stated. He also asserted that members seek unfettered access to meet Imran in custody, arguing that restricting elected representatives from meeting their leader is unconstitutional, undemocratic, and unacceptable.
The lawmaker also condemned the conditions faced by Bushra Bibi, describing reports of solitary confinement and isolation as a grave injustice. He argued that subjecting a woman not holding a political office to mental distress violates basic human rights and conflicts with cultural and moral values.
Ali Zafar reiterated that the PTI parliamentary party will remain central to the movement, continuing to lead the democratic and constitutional effort for justice, political freedom, and the restoration of the people’s mandate.
The political climate has intensified after ISPR Director General Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry accused Imran Khan of promoting a narrative against the armed forces, a claim reported by Dawn. The press briefing also criticized Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, triggering PTI demands for an apology.
Separately, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said talks with PTI would not occur, stating that any potential discussions would take place in Parliament and without Imran Khan. Earlier, Barrister Gohar had suggested a willingness to dialogue, highlighting the need to ease tensions and break the political deadlock.
Disclaimer: This summary distills the original agency report while maintaining its key facts and context.
