Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Barrister Gauhar, has expressed his disagreement with the Supreme Court’s decision regarding reserved seats. He emphasised that he will continue the party’s struggle under the guidance of the founder.
Following a parliamentary party meeting, Barrister Gauhar addressed a joint press conference alongside Ali Amin Gandapur and other party leaders. He mentioned that the issues of reserved seats and prisoner letters were discussed during the meeting. The party is committed to working towards the release of its founder and remains united in its leadership. He reiterated that they will implement any decisions made by the founder concerning their movement, highlighting that dialogue is essential.
Barrister Gauhar also pointed out that a reference has been sent against three of their members in the National Assembly. He stated that the founder believes negotiations must be meaningful and that there has been no delay on their side. If the government were sincere, it would not have postponed the meeting with the founder. He emphasised the need for consultations among assembly members and Senate committees regarding the budget, assuring that they will defend the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government at all costs. Any attempts to bring a no-confidence motion will be met with resistance, as this government represents the mandate given by the founder.
He affirmed that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s government is a trust from the founder, and they will protect this trust regardless of the circumstances. Barrister Gauhar reiterated their disagreement with the Supreme Court’s ruling on specific seats and confirmed their determination to continue the struggle under the founder’s leadership, rejecting any governmental pressure on the judiciary.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur stated that the parliamentary party meeting sends a strong message of unity. He declared their collective commitment to striving for true freedom. He shared his experience of being arrested prior to May 9, claiming that it was part of a conspiracy against the PTI and asserted that he was pressured to speak against the founder. He regarded the events surrounding May 9 as an attack on the party itself and deemed the decision on reserved seats a blemish against justice.
Moreover, the Chief Minister explained that although their mandate was stolen in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, they have managed to protect it. He urged a meeting with the founder regarding the budget, which has been delayed, and noted that after the meeting with the founder, post-budget discussions, it became clear that there was no intention of letting the government go. Gandapur posed a challenge to those trying to dismantle the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, asserting that he would exit politics if they succeeded.
He highlighted the accomplishments of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, including a surplus of Rs 250 billion over 15 months, with an income of Rs 60 million daily. He also pointed out that the health card program had been reinstated. Expressing concerns over the situation in the region, he called for negotiations, noting that the current issues of law and order have been persistent, citing past drone attacks during the founder’s administration.
Gandapur pointed to ongoing fascism in the country, with people being displaced from their homes, and challenged the political opposition regarding their intentions. He reiterated that the founder has always advocated for negotiations, urging the current government to take negotiations seriously and engage in dialogue.
Sheikh Waqas Akram mentioned that ten prisoners are also part of the ongoing discussions regarding the situation.
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