Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has called on parliament to facilitate a path for negotiations, emphasizing that the narrative around May 9 should be brought to a close. Speaking in the National Assembly, Gohar urged that a dialogue be initiated to address the injustices faced by PTI, asserting that the committee formed for talks should not be seen as a sign of weakness.
He added, “If we are not given a way through negotiations, we will be forced to take to the streets again. Do not push us to return to the streets.” Gohar proposed convening a parliamentary committee meeting to resolve the issues related to May 9.
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Referring to global protests, Gohar highlighted the difference in responses to demonstrators, citing examples like Brazil, where protesters entered legislative buildings peacefully. He criticized the government’s reaction to PTI’s constitutional protest, accusing them of firing bullets in response. Gohar dismissed accusations that PTI had played the Pashtun card during protests, reiterating that their protests were peaceful and unarmed.
Gohar also criticized the government’s narrative on the violence, particularly the defence minister’s claim that PTI’s Ali Amin Gandapur’s guards had fired bullets. He stressed that the government refused to acknowledge that bullets were fired during the protests.
This statement came amid a heated exchange in the National Assembly following the November 26 standoff between PTI protesters and security forces. Opposition Leader Omar Ayub accused Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of ordering the firing on PTI protesters, while the defence minister denied the claim, questioning PTI’s contradictory statements regarding casualties in Islamabad’s Blue Area.
The debate intensified as both sides clashed over the number of casualties, with PTI claims ranging from 12 to over 250 deaths, and the government demanding proof to verify these assertions. The session highlighted ongoing tensions between the government and opposition over the November 26 clashes and their aftermath.
