PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar reacts to ISPR DG's press conference

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan on Friday issued an important policy statement in response to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) director general’s latest press conference, urging all national stakeholders to decrease tensions and restore trust for the sake of the country.

Barrister Gohar said he has “always hoped that tensions would decrease and relations would improve”, but expressed disappointment over the tone and content of the ISPR director general's briefing. Emphasizing that PTI has never considered itself an adversary of the state, he said, “Defence of the country is important. PTI’s stance is clear that it is never an enemy of Pakistan, and it will never be.”

He lamented the rising hostility between institutions and political actors, stating, “It is sad when state institutions and political people call each other mentally ill or consider each other a threat. Pakistan is ours, and the army is also ours.” He added that PTI had demonstrated its commitment to national unity in practice and would continue to do so.

Calling for a reset in political and institutional relations, the PTI chairman stressed the need for mutual acknowledgment and space. “It is time for everyone to accept each other, give space and end the lack of trust,” he said, while appealing to all democratic forces to play their part in easing tensions.

Gohar also urged certain “non-stakeholders” not to create rifts, adding that PTI should not become a source of conflict between the country’s intelligence and state institutions.

Referring to the jailed PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi, he said that allowing meetings with them would help reduce mistrust and pave the way for improvement. “The country cannot afford tension and chaos,” Barrister Gohar warned, calling for collective responsibility to safeguard national stability.