Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Barrister Gohar, has strongly criticised the government’s stance on negotiations, saying political issues can only be resolved through sincere dialogue and not contradictory actions.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Barrister Gohar said the government was trying to “shake hands with one hand and punch with the other.”

He remarked that a policy of “a knife in the armpit and Ram Ram in the mouth” could never succeed, stressing that trust is essential for meaningful talks.

Dialogue key to resolving political conflicts

The PTI chairman said major wars across the world have only ended through dialogue, not confrontation. “Political people seek political solutions, and those solutions are found by sitting at the table and talking,” he added.

Gohar urged that no conditions should be imposed during talks between political parties.

“If you want to shake hands, then shake both hands,” he said, adding that half-hearted gestures would not work.

Authority to negotiate

Clarifying his role, Barrister Gohar said he does not hold the authority to negotiate on behalf of the PTI. He stated that the mandate for talks rests with Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Allama Raja Nasir Abbas.

The PTI chairman said differences of opinion are natural in a democratic system.

“I do not consider a parliament where everyone speaks the same language to be a democracy,” he said, calling for sincere discussion despite political disagreements.

Raising concerns, he questioned why meetings with the PTI founder and Bushra Bibi’s family had been stopped. He said there should be no politics over family meetings and stressed that lawyers should have access to the PTI founder given the number of cases against him.

Gohar said the PTI delegation met the speaker of the National Assembly regarding the issue. According to him, the speaker assured the delegation that he would seek further clarification and respond.

He added that the PTI founder had earlier expressed concerns about possible audio leaks and hidden cameras in his cell. Barrister Gohar said he himself has not heard any such audio but acknowledged the founder’s past concerns.

‘Talks need action, not speeches’

Meanwhile, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, speaking exclusively to Samaa TV, said negotiations cannot move forward through speeches in parliament alone.

“Practical steps are necessary. The government is fully prepared for talks, and the negotiation committee and Speaker’s Office are also present,” he said.

Chaudhry said that when the PTI comes to the table, discussions should begin with counter-terrorism. He added that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister should first focus on his province and use political and public influence against terrorism.

The minister reiterated that the government is open to dialogue but expects seriousness from the opposition. He said addressing security challenges alongside political issues is essential for any meaningful negotiation process.