He says Kasim made no anti-Pakistan comments and vows to carry out every effort to secure Imran’s release as per the Constitution.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan on Thursday defended a speech delivered by party founder Imran Khan’s son Kasim Khan at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), criticizing the government scandal as “unjustified”.
A day ago, Kasim urged the UNHRC to intervene and pressure the government for his father’s immediate release. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar accused the PTI and Imran’s sons of acting against Pakistan’s national and economic interests today, alleging efforts to harm the country’s global standing and stability after the UNHRC speech.
Responding to Tarar, Gohar told private media that Imran’s sons’ efforts for their father were “apolitical” and should not create controversy.
“Ata Tarar has tried to create controversy around Kasim’s speech and has adopted an inappropriate tone against the PTI and children, which I strongly condemn,” he said.
Gohar added that it was already on record that the PTI and Imran’s family had clearly stated that any effort for his release would be carried out within the framework of the Constitution and the law. “The PTI is not waiting for any external force for Imran’s release,” he said.
He noted that Imran had been imprisoned for three years and faced restrictions, including limited access to his family and medical facilities. “In such a situation, it is the duty of his children to raise their voice to demand the release of their father. What his children have said is not wrong,” Gohar said.
Citing international concerns, Gohar said reports from United Nations human rights bodies and other independent actors in Pakistan had already highlighted Imran’s detention conditions.
He further clarified that the speech in question was broadcast live and did not contain any comments against Pakistan’s status within the Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP Plus) of the European Union. “Not a single word was uttered against Pakistan and its GSP Plus,” he said.
Gohar also questioned the government and urged the information minister to provide details on past engagements. “I would ask the federal minister to explain what is in Volume 10 and share details of the meetings held in Murree, which have not been revealed till today,” he said.
He alleged that statements by government officials had earlier been used against Pakistan in international forums, including the International Court of Justice, but the government had not issued any clarification in this regard so far.
“At a time when Pakistan is facing a war situation and regional tensions are high, we are trying to put aside our differences and think about the country,” Gohar said. “In such a situation, making these issues contentious reflects a pattern of actions that have not served the interests of Pakistan,” he added.
