RAWALPINDI, November 10, 2026: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has dismissed reports suggesting a significant meeting with former army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, saying the two merely exchanged greetings at a wedding ceremony.
Speaking to reporters on Adiala Road in Rawalpindi on Tuesday, Gohar said his brief interaction with the former army chief had been misrepresented and described reports suggesting otherwise as propaganda.
He said political differences should not turn into permanent hostility, adding that relationships could change over time and efforts should be made to end bitterness.
The PTI chairman also ruled out boycotting upcoming local government elections, confirming that his party would participate alongside other political parties.
He said PTI had instructed prospective candidates in Islamabad’s three constituencies to prepare their nomination papers.
PTI seeks political dialogue
Addressing relations with state institutions, Gohar said PTI did not want confrontation with any institution and believed institutional heads should operate within their constitutional boundaries.
He welcomed an Islamabad High Court order concerning meetings with imprisoned PTI founder Imran Khan, expressing hope that the authorities would implement the ruling.
Gohar alleged that court orders regarding meetings had not been implemented for two years.
He said restrictions on access to Imran Khan had contributed to political tensions and expressed concern over information about the former prime minister’s health conveyed by Barrister Salman Safdar following a meeting.
The PTI chairman also called for implementation of a Supreme Court order dated August 18.
Asked about possible negotiations with the government, Gohar said contacts with government representatives, including the interior minister, continued.
However, he clarified that no formal negotiations or backchannel discussions were currently underway.
He maintained that dialogue remained necessary to reduce political tensions.
Gohar comments on Fazlur Rehman talks, KP situation
Regarding meetings with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Gohar said the discussions concerned arrangements for an all-parties conference.
He said the two parties could cooperate on shared political concerns but considered speculation about a joint protest movement premature.
Commenting on the political situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gohar opposed governor’s rule and emergency measures, arguing that neither could replace an elected democratic government.
He demanded an end to governor’s rule and cautioned against interpreting the absence of street protests as evidence that public dissatisfaction had disappeared.