Political differences must not affect war against terror: Gohar

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has expressed regret over the conclusion of negotiations with the government. He said the ongoing struggle against terrorism must not be hindered by political disputes.

Talking to journalists at Dahgal Checkpoint on Adiala Road in Rawalpindi, Barrister Gohar said PTI was against all kinds of terrorism and committed to implementation of the National Action Plan (NAP).

He said the party had gone into negotiations with the administration unreservedly and wondered why the talks were launched if the government had no mandate to deal with the problems being discussed. He said the process of negotiations should have proceeded instead of being abandoned.

Barrister Gohar claimed PTI’s primary requests included access to the party founder, medical treatment of him and permission to talk to his children over the phone.

“The government had been ready to talk to me about terrorism and provincial issues,” he said, adding discussion should not have been stopped.

He also dismissed the perception that the party’s negotiating committee was taking directions from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, calling the claim incorrect.

Regarding the status of opposition leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai, Barrister Gohar remarked that PTI had never questioned the position of opposition leader.

About Mashal Yousafzai, he said that she had crossed the line and a notice will be given to her. He said her statements were without basis and there was no truth to them.

Barrister Gohar emphasised that PTI was still standing for the implementation of National Action Plan and advised that differences between political parties should not get in the way of combating terrorism.