Attorney Gohar Expresses Concern About 27th Constitutional Amendment, Urges Need for Consensus
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan has stated that there will be no negotiations with the government or the establishment, stressing that any discussions will be held only through Mahmood Khan Achakzai, the leader of the opposition alliance.
Following a meeting of the party founder with Dr Uzma Khan and Aleema Khan on Tuesday, Dr Uzma spoke to the media and revealed that she had provided Imran with the latest updates. It quoted him as saying that talks with the government were not possible.
“What negotiations can there be when the prime minister tells the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa chief minister that he will ‘inquire and inform’ and then the prime minister will inform me?” he quoted Imran as saying. He added that Imran had expressed frustration over the difficulties he was facing and noted that after three years of intense pressure, discussing matters with the establishment had only worsened the PTI’s situation. “It makes no sense to talk to them,” he said.
Dr. Uzma also mentioned that the treatment Khan is enduring, the imprisonment of Dr. Yasmin Rashid, who is battling cancer, and the solitary confinement of Bushra Bibi, do not show any example in Pakistan’s political history. “No political prisoner has been treated this way in the history of the country,” Khan was quoted as saying. He further said that Imran had full confidence in Salman Akram Raja and said that all communication with PTI would be handled exclusively through him.
Meanwhile, Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ain Pakistan has said that Imran has formally restricted party leaders from engaging in talks with the government or the establishment. The party spokesperson, in a statement, said Imran has instructed all party leaders to refrain from contacting the government or the establishment.
Instead, Imran has delegated authority for any negotiations or dialogue to Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Allama Raja Nasser Abbas. “If the government or the establishment wants to engage in talks or negotiations, they should do so with Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Allama Raja Nasser Abbas,” the spokesperson said, conveying Imran’s directive.
Gohar urges need for consensus on constitutional amendments
PTI Chairman Advocate Gohar Ali Khan has expressed concerns regarding the proposed 27th Amendment, stating that his party will respond after consulting with its political committee and meeting the party founder. He emphasized the need to achieve consensus on constitutional amendments, citing that such changes have historically been made with the agreement of all political parties.
Speaking to the media near Adiala Jail, Gohar criticized the 26th Amendment, calling it a divisive measure that created a rift within the country. He further noted: “The judiciary has always been controversial, but the 26th Amendment has made the situation worse.”
Gohar also discussed the pending 27th Amendment, revealing that while earlier versions included extensive amendments to several articles, the final draft saw modifications to only 25 articles. Among them, the changes to articles 175-A, 191, 179 and 209 generated an important debate, with amendments relating to judicial commissions, the establishment of constitutional courts and the appointment of judges. He noted that most of these changes were considered “cosmetic” by his party.
He stressed that the PTI’s position was clear: “Any modification made must have the consent of all provinces,” particularly on controversial issues such as the NFC Award and provincial autonomy. He further argued that reversing the 18th Amendment, which delegated powers of education and welfare of the population to the provinces, would harm the democratic processes and governance of the nation.
Gohar ruled out the possibility of reviewing the National Finance Commission (NFC) award, calling it unnecessary and harmful. “The issue of education and well-being of the population is crucial for the future of Pakistan. If the provinces want to retain these powers, the NFC Award must be respected,” he stressed.
Addressing internal party issues, Khan also responded to PTI member Mishal Yousafzai’s recent tweet about the party leadership. He advised that such internal issues should remain within the party and not fuel public discord. Gohar stated: “All patriotic Pakistanis are calling for a de-escalation of tension and for all stakeholders to step back.”
Despite the controversies surrounding the judicial reforms, Gohar made it clear that the PTI remains committed to working for the release of the party’s founder and the strengthening of democracy. “We will continue our efforts for his release,” he concluded.
