Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has strongly criticised recent political and judicial developments, stating that the erosion of the opposition’s role in a democracy amounts to monarchy.
Speaking to the media, he expressed concern over the disqualification of PTI leaders, claiming it was a foreseeable move and “written on the wall.”
Barrister Gohar said courts are denying PTI the right to legal representation of their choice, adding that fair trial standards are being ignored. Referring to a specific incident in Faisalabad, he stated that their request to appoint a lawyer was overruled by the court, which assigned a state counsel instead.
He also accused the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) of rushing disqualification cases without giving parties a fair hearing, in violation of Article 63 of the Constitution.
Gohar reminded that the ECP has 90 days to decide such matters and must hear the parties, even in cases involving severe punishments. He urged authorities to avoid further political polarization, stressing that even those convicted are not seeking chaos. He concluded by calling the situation “deeply unfortunate,” noting that PTI has no direct contact with the founder’s children but would warmly welcome them if they chose to visit.
