RAWALPINDI: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan claimed that Pakistan has experienced a “complete transformation” in its international standing since 2025, crediting national unity, public resilience, and armed forces’ sacrifices for the shift.
Speaking outside Adiala Jail, he highlighted a perceived change in the diplomatic stance of Western powers, particularly the United States and Europe, towards Islamabad. He welcomed this improvement and urged the government to prioritise regional stability while making details of ongoing diplomatic negotiations, including a reported strategic arrangement with Saudi Arabia, publicly available. Criticising the secrecy around the “Saudi Pact,” he called for transparency regarding its terms.
On domestic politics, Gohar reaffirmed PTI’s commitment to a multi-pronged strategy of political mobilisation, public protests, and legal challenges. He criticised restrictions on meetings with party founder Imran Khan, describing denial of family and legal visits as “fascism,” and praised the Islamabad High Court for intervening to restore access.
Addressing party unity, he dismissed rumours of internal friction over Senate and National Assembly leadership nominations, emphasising the party remains united behind Imran Khan. He also highlighted allies Mehmood Khan Achakzai and Raja Nasir Abbas leading the Tehreek Tahafuz Aain-e-Pakistan movement. On security, he reiterated PTI’s opposition to terrorism and support for decisive action against extremists, linking current protests to what the party sees as denial of Imran Khan’s rights. He confirmed PTI’s support for the peaceful public gathering on April 9 organised by Chief Minister Sohail Afridi.
Meanwhile, Shafi Jan, adviser to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister on Information, directed all PTI office-bearers to visit Adiala Jail, warning those unwilling to comply to resign. He defended the gathering as legal and constitutionally sanctioned, emphasising the Islamabad High Court’s order permitting lawyer Salman Safdar to meet Imran Khan. Jan criticised police conduct and urged authorities to comply with judicial directives, stressing no protest will occur if sanctioned visits are allowed. He described continued restrictions as extra-constitutional and called on state institutions to respect the legal rights of the incarcerated party leader.
