PTI open to dialogue but seeks unconditional talks, says Barrister Gohar

Gohar opposed the imposition of governor’s rule or an emergency, saying the province was already facing a serious terrorism situation. He also called for meetings with PTI founder Imran Khan and the release of arrested party leaders.

He said a doctor based in Lahore, rather than one from London, could also provide treatment to Imran Khan. Referring to the government’s offer of talks, Gohar said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had proposed negotiations subject to certain conditions, while restrictions were being imposed on PTI.“We are political people, and political people sit down for talks unconditionally,” he said.

Gohar said the party had not rejected negotiations and maintained contacts with government representatives in an effort to find solutions through dialogue. He also criticised the government for discussing internal matters at press conferences instead of focusing on negotiations.

“If as much time had been spent on negotiations as was spent on press conferences, the issue would have been resolved,” he remarked. Gohar also denied reports of a meeting with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi the previous night, saying he had visited Senator Allama Raja Nasir Abbas for consultations regarding an All Parties Conference.

He endorsed Abbas’s position that negotiations could not be conditional and reiterated that dialogue was necessary to resolve the ongoing political disputes.