PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar, along with other party leaders, held a press conference on Tuesday, emphasizing the urgent need for free and fair elections in Pakistan.
The leaders criticized the government’s lack of seriousness in resolving political and judicial matters, calling for open negotiations and judicial accountability.
PTI senior leader Salman Akram Raja voiced concerns over delays in hearing their election-related cases. “Our cases are not being heard, and matters are not progressing,” he said, adding that the party has no backdoor contacts with the government but is committed to transparent dialogue.
Barrister Gohar highlighted that PTI Founder Imran Khan had initiated efforts for negotiations and formed a committee to ensure open communication. “Negotiations should not be halted due to written or verbal demands,” he stressed, calling for the government to engage in talks sincerely.
The PTI chairman clarified that allegations of a deal causing delays in the PTI founder’s case were baseless. “Neither will the PTI founder’s release from jail depend on any deal, nor should these cases face unnecessary delays,” he said.
Gohar also complained that the party's negotiation committee was not being allowed to meet party Founder Imran Khan, adding that their civil disobedience movement was still going on. "We have a long charge sheet against the government. The PTI founder said there should be negotiations on two points only," he stated.
Omar Ayub criticised interference in the bail proceedings of PTI leaders, including the party’s founder. He demanded the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the incidents of May 9, 2023 and November 26, 2024. “Prosecutors should not interfere in bail matters, and the judiciary must act independently,” Ayub stated.
Omar Ayub also shed light on Pakistan’s worsening economic situation, stating that unemployment was rising while the government struggled to meet revenue collection targets, with a shortfall of Rs450 billion. He highlighted alarming statistics, including the outflow of $14 billion and the migration of two million people over the past two years.
“The government is running around with a begging bowl for $1 billion, while the public suffers,” Ayub said, urging immediate reforms to stabilize the economy. "Transparent elections should be held in the country at this time."
The leaders concluded by reiterating their demands for transparent elections, open dialogue, and judicial accountability. They criticized the government’s approach and called for serious efforts to resolve political and judicial issues.
“The seriousness of the government will be evident only when they let us meet party founder,” said Ayub, stressing that PTI remains committed to peaceful solutions.
Meanwhile, on the scheduled day for meetings with Imran Khan in Adiala Jail, no PTI member of the negotiation committee or lawyer showed up, despite submitting an application the previous day for a meeting.
