RAWALPINDI: In a significant turn of events, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar confirmed on Thursday that he, along with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, met with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir.
Speaking to journalists at the Adiala Jail courtroom, Barrister Gohar acknowledged the meeting, which he had previously denied, stating that all party matters and demands were directly presented to the Army chief.
Describing the interaction as constructive, Gohar termed the direct engagement with the establishment as a positive step toward addressing ongoing issues. He elaborated: “Ali Amin Gandapur and I had a meeting with COAS Munir, during which we conveyed PTI’s concerns and priorities.”
Former Prime Minister and PTI founder Imran Khan also confirmed the meeting, revealing that Gohar had met the COAS in Peshawar. Khan mentioned that the party had consistently sought dialogue with the establishment.
Sources indicated that Barrister Gohar was flown to Peshawar via helicopter for the meeting, which took place during COAS Munir’s visit to the city. During his trip, the Army chief also met with key provincial political leaders, emphasizing: “If there is a state, there is politics. Without a state, there is nothing.”
Gohar corroborated Imran Khan’s statement, stating: “What Imran Khan said about my meeting with the COAS is accurate.”
Sources revealed that Barrister Gohar and CM Gandapur recently held an exclusive meeting with three significant individuals, with the venue being neither Islamabad nor Rawalpindi.
A subsequent meeting is reportedly planned, involving a federal minister and two key figures from the establishment. However, the outcome of these engagements depends on PTI’s future policies and its approach to distancing itself from confrontational politics.
This development coincides with the third round of formal talks between PTI and the government, during which PTI submitted its written demands. Among these demands are the formation of two commissions, led by the Chief Justice or three senior Supreme Court judges, to investigate incidents related to the May 9, 2023, and November 26, 2024, protests. PTI also urged both federal and provincial governments to honor court orders granting bail or suspending convictions of political prisoners.
