Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has ruled out any change in the party’s opposition leadership, saying Imran Khan continues to have full confidence in Mahmood Khan Achakzai. Gohar also dismissed speculation that Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman could replace Achakzai as the opposition leader in the National Assembly.
Speaking to Geo News at Parliament House on Monday, Gohar said the decision regarding the opposition leadership rested with PTI founder Imran Khan. He emphasized that the party would follow its founder’s instructions rather than independently reconsidering the leadership arrangement.
According to Gohar, Imran had nominated Achakzai and Allama Raja Nasir Abbas as leaders and instructed PTI members to work under their guidance. He maintained that neither leader had been disrespected and that the party remained committed to the arrangement.
Gohar Rejects ‘Minus’ Formula
The PTI chairman also rejected suggestions that Achakzai could be removed through a political arrangement commonly described as a “minus” formula. He argued that if such a change had been intended, it would already have taken place.
Gohar said party members were free to express their views, but once a decision was made, everyone was expected to accept it. He added that PTI had no independent authority to overturn Imran Khan’s choice regarding the opposition leadership.
He further insisted that Imran himself could not be politically sidelined, claiming that the former prime minister continued to enjoy widespread public support. These remarks reflect PTI’s position that its political direction and leadership decisions remain closely tied to Imran Khan.
The issue of PTI opposition leadership has attracted attention amid political tensions between the party and the federal government. However, Gohar’s statements indicate that PTI is not considering replacing Achakzai with Fazlur Rehman at this stage.
Arrested Lawmakers and Internal Party Matters
Gohar also said he had contacted National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq regarding production orders for 10 arrested parliamentarians. He specifically mentioned Adil Bazai and Chaudhry Imtiaz, saying the speaker had been informed about their arrests.
Production orders can allow detained lawmakers to attend parliamentary proceedings, making the issue significant for the functioning of the legislature and the participation of opposition members.
The PTI chairman also confirmed that Mishal Yousafzai had received a show-cause notice. He described the matter as an internal party issue, without presenting it as a broader change in the party’s leadership structure.
PTI Links Governor’s Rule to Meeting Demand
In a separate conversation with reporters on Adiala Road in Rawalpindi, Gohar claimed that PTI’s demand for a meeting with Imran Khan had contributed to the imposition of governor’s rule. His remarks highlighted the continuing dispute over political engagement with the jailed former prime minister.
Gohar said PTI opposed terrorism in all its forms and had entered negotiations with the government without imposing preconditions. He criticized the political outcome of those discussions, arguing that the party had sought a meeting but instead faced further difficulties.
He also said PTI currently governed only one province and claimed that its provincial government had effectively been taken away. These comments reflected the party’s opposition to the measures taken by the authorities.
At the same time, Gohar maintained that the National Action Plan should be implemented to address terrorism. He warned against using security concerns to protect political interests and called on the government to reverse its decisions.
He also rejected claims that PTI’s negotiating committee had received instructions from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Regarding reports of consultations with former senator Murad Saeed, Gohar said he was unaware of any such discussion during the negotiations.
Details of Imran Khan’s Proposed Video Statement
Gohar also recounted his meetings with Imran Khan on November 25, 2024, saying he met the PTI founder three times that day. During one meeting, he spoke by telephone with former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur, who reportedly suggested that Imran record a video statement.
According to Gohar, he later received a call asking him to return to Adiala Jail because Imran wanted to record the video. He arrived around midnight.
Gohar said the proposed statement was intended to offer condolences over the deaths of Rangers personnel. He maintained that Imran had not refused to make the recording but wanted it filmed using Gohar’s mobile phone to prevent possible tampering.
However, Gohar said his phone was with jail authorities, while the available recording device belonged to them. Imran therefore asked Gandapur to remain where he was and instructed Gohar to return the following day.
The PTI chairman additionally claimed that a statement attributed to former KP chief minister Sohail Afridi concerning Pakistan’s national flag had been generated using artificial intelligence. This allegation was presented as Gohar’s claim rather than an independently verified finding.
Political Uncertainty Continues
Gohar’s remarks reinforce PTI’s stated commitment to Imran Khan’s leadership decisions and Mahmood Khan Achakzai’s position as opposition leader. With disputes over detained lawmakers, negotiations and governor’s rule continuing, the PTI opposition leadership question remains part of a wider political confrontation.
For now, Gohar has made clear that PTI does not intend to replace Achakzai with Fazlur Rehman. Whether political negotiations can ease tensions between the opposition and the government remains uncertain.
