Barrister Gohar calls for national dialogue, backs Pakistan’s role in Iran-US talks

Barrister Gohar Ali Khan on Tuesday called for a broad-based national dialogue among key state institutions and political stakeholders, while expressing support for Pakistan’s diplomatic role in facilitating Iran-US talks.

Speaking to the media at Dahgal checkpoint on Adiala Road in Rawalpindi, Gohar appreciated the efforts of all parties involved in the negotiations and said Pakistan’s role at the international level had been widely acknowledged.

He said he would urge the Prime Minister, Chief of Army Staff, and Chief Justice to sit together with political leadership, stressing that national progress depends on unity among key stakeholders.

“We are citizens of this country and reconciliation is essential. Improvement will only come when important people stand together,” he said, adding that stability also requires strong leadership outside prison.

The PTI leader dismissed reports questioning his position within the party, stating that he enjoys the confidence of the party leadership and would step down only if asked.

“The rumours being spread against me are baseless, and I will not change my stance because of them,” he added.

On political engagement, Gohar said there has been no formal dialogue with the government so far, although he expressed hope that talks could take place. He clarified that the authority to negotiate rests with Mahmood Khan Achakzai.

Reiterating the party’s position, he said PTI remains a political force guided by democratic principles and stands with the country whenever Pakistan’s interests are involved. He also questioned restrictions on meetings with the party’s founder, Imran Khan, particularly in light of his reported health concerns, including an eye procedure earlier this year.

Gohar said doctors should be allowed access to assess the situation fully, warning that attempts to create divisions between the party leadership and supporters could harm the country.

Commenting on the Iran-US talks, he said there had been no breakthrough but welcomed the absence of any breakdown in negotiations. He expressed hope that future rounds could lead to a temporary ceasefire, eventually becoming permanent.

He added that Pakistan is playing a constructive role in promoting global peace, noting that ongoing conflicts are impacting both Pakistan’s economy and the global situation.

He emphasised the need for internal stability alongside international peace efforts, criticising political divisions within the country. “If ceasefires are being pursued globally, there should also be reconciliation at home,” he said.

Highlighting judicial delays, Gohar noted that cases meant to be decided within 35 days were taking up to 15 months, urging timely dispensation of justice.

He called for unity among political forces, stating that the public expects leaders to reduce tensions and work collectively for national stability. He also said that individual opinions expressed on social media should not be attributed to the party, reaffirming PTI’s support for Pakistan’s diplomatic stance.