Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan confirmed on Saturday that the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP), Yahya Afridi, had advised the party to remain engaged within the political system rather than opting for a boycott.
Speaking to the media at the district courts, Barrister Gohar stated that he had appeared before the court in relation to a complaint concerning events on November 26. He shared that the court had set March 15 as the next date for the case due to the ongoing election cycle.
When asked about the CJP’s advice for PTI to avoid a boycott, Gohar affirmed, “You are absolutely right.” He elaborated that during a meeting with the Chief Justice the previous day, PTI expressed its concerns regarding the judiciary’s role in the political process. Gohar pointed out that the party’s grievances were extensive, adding, “Our charge sheet against the government is long, and we are also not pleased with the judiciary’s role in this matter.”
The PTI chairman stressed that the treatment PTI was receiving was detrimental to both democracy and the rule of law, and that the party was determined to hold the government and the judiciary accountable.
Meeting with the CJP
In a separate development, the Supreme Court issued a statement detailing the PTI delegation’s meeting with CJP Yahya Afridi. The delegation, led by Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Omar Ayub, raised significant concerns regarding the treatment of PTI founder Imran Khan, who is currently in jail, and the ongoing legal challenges faced by PTI leaders and workers. The delegation highlighted the issue of multiple cases being filed against party leaders in different jurisdictions simultaneously.
Additionally, the PTI delegation presented suggestions for reforms in the criminal justice system. Advocate Ali Zafar also requested time to present policy proposals to the Law and Justice Commission. CJP Afridi responded by informing the delegation of his recent meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during which the premier raised concerns about the growing backlog of tax-related cases. The Chief Justice also proposed that judicial reforms should become a “consensus national agenda,” an idea that PTI members acknowledged as vital for the country’s future.
Political Strategy and Alliances
On the political front, Barrister Gohar discussed PTI’s ongoing efforts to unite opposition parties. He mentioned that PTI’s alliance delegation had traveled to Karachi as part of the broader movement to uphold the Constitution and prevent the stealing of votes. He emphasized the importance of preserving democracy and the integrity of the electoral process.
He also addressed the internal workings of political parties, stating that each party has its own manifesto and internal processes, which can take time to develop. Regarding PTI’s internal matters, he clarified that discussions with Sher Afzal Marwat were an internal party issue, and PTI had established mechanisms in place to address any disciplinary violations.
When asked about the status of individuals who had left PTI following the events of May 9, Gohar stated that decisions regarding those members would be taken by Imran Khan. He further dismissed rumors of internal rifts within the party, asserting that PTI’s internal affairs were stable and that there was no forward bloc.
Court Hearing Adjourned
In a separate legal matter, a District and Sessions Court in Islamabad adjourned the hearing of a criminal complaint against Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and others over alleged violence against PTI protesters on November 26. Sessions Judge Nasir Javed Rana heard the case, with Barrister Gohar appearing on behalf of PTI. Gohar informed the judge that the party’s legal team was unable to attend the hearing due to election-related obligations. As a result, the court adjourned the case until March 15.
The legal proceedings and ongoing political challenges continue to shape PTI’s strategy moving forward, with the party committed to addressing both its internal and external concerns while remaining engaged in the political system.
