PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan issued a stark warning outside Parliament House on Wednesday, claiming the government is attempting to ban Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and cautioning that if the current situation persists, the country could become “uncontrollable within a month.”
Addressing journalists, he said that if PTI is pushed out of the political arena, “these people will also not remain,” stressing that such attempts threaten democratic stability.
‘Answering bricks with stones must end’
Barrister Gohar said the PTI is ready to take “responsible steps” to normalize the situation in the country, but “powerful circles must also move forward". He urged all sides to abandon the practice of retaliation, saying, “The practice of answering bricks with stones will have to be abandoned. This country has had enough now.”
He added that some “out-of-the-way requests” have been made to PTI but refused to disclose details at this stage.
Pressure, restrictions, attempts to silence PTI
The PTI chairman said that ever since the elections, “atrocities have been inflicted on PTI”, and stressed that nothing will be achieved through force or suppression. He accused authorities of blocking meetings with the party founder and noted that even “Bushra Bibi’s meetings are also closed, and no tweets are coming from her.”
He questioned the government’s reasoning: “If the meetings are banned because of tweeting, then why is Bushra Bibi not allowed to meet anyone?”
Gohar insisted that lawyers and family members must be allowed to meet the PTI founder, as per court orders.
‘People will not tolerate separation from founder’
Barrister Gohar reiterated that 70% of the people stand with the PTI founder, warning the government “not to anger the public.”
“You want the founder to be away from the people — this is not possible,” he said.
He also stated that the PTI attended parliament “even after mandate theft,” believing the system would address public issues, but lamented that members had been denied the chance to speak inside the House.
Opposition leaders condemn govt actions
At a joint press conference, PTI leaders Mahmood Khan Achakzai, Asad Qaiser, Barrister Gohar, and others condemned the government for denying parliamentary speech rights and suppressing peaceful political activity.
Asad Qaiser said the government is being run through force and coercion. He said a national conference has been called on the 20th and 21st, with all parties invited. “The only way for the country to develop is democracy.”
He further said the right to vote has been taken away from the people, adding that continued restrictions will only push the country toward anarchy.
Qaiser also condemned the previous day’s incident, where cold water was sprayed on PTI members and Shahid Khattak’s legs were fractured, saying such tactics are meant to instill fear.
Warnings of third-force involvement
Barrister Gohar cautioned that the government’s actions may benefit a “third force,” posing a threat to democracy. “This is not our weakness; it is the system’s fault. It is a very sad day,” he said.
He reiterated that meetings with the PTI founder should be allowed, and urged all political actors to exercise “common sense” before the situation spirals further.
