Gohar voices disappointment over DG ISPR’s presser, urges for dialogue

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has appealed to pro-democracy forces to play their role in reducing tensions, as he expressed his disappointment over the Director General ISPR’s press conference, wherein he termed the former prime minister Imran Khan a ‘threat to national security’.

In a post on X, Gohar responded to the DG ISPR’s remarks, saying he had always hoped for reduced tensions and improved relations between state institutions. He stressed that the defence of the country was paramount and asserted that PTI’s narrative ‘had never been, and would never be, against the state’.

He added that it was deeply unfortunate for state institutions and political leaders to label one another as ‘mentally unstable’ or portray each other as threats. “Pakistan is ours, and the army is also ours. We have demonstrated this in practice and will continue to do so,” he said.

Calling for restraint, he said this was a moment for all sides to acknowledge one another, create space for engagement and work to overcome the prevailing trust deficit while appealing to all democratic forces to play their part in reducing tensions.

Gohar also cautioned that the conduct of ‘certain non-stakeholders’ should not worsen relations between PTI and state institutions. Referring to the incarceration of the PTI founder and Bushra Bibi, he said allowing meetings with them could help ‘move matters towards improvement’.

“The country cannot afford any more tension and chaos,” he warned, urging all political actors to act responsibly for national stability.

His statement followed DG ISPR Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry’s hard-hitting press conference earlier in the day, during which he criticised the incarcerated former premier and his party, warning that no one would be allowed to incite the public against the armed forces. Staff Report