ISLAMABAD: PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has appealed to pro-democratic forces to help reduce political tensions, expressing “disappointment” over a briefing by the military spokesperson targeting the party and its founder.
“This is the time for everyone to acknowledge one another, make space for each other and eliminate the lack of trust. I appeal to all pro-democracy forces to play their role in reducing tensions,” said PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar in a post on X, reacting to the military spokesperson’s remarks.
Barrister Gohar said he had always held hope that tensions would ease and relations would improve, but expressed that he was “disappointed” by the press conference held by DG ISPR.
“The defence of the country is paramount. PTI’s narrative has never been, nor will it ever be, anti-state. It is regrettable when state institutions and political figures label each other as mentally ill or perceive each other as threats. Pakistan belongs to us, and so does the army; we have demonstrated this in practice and will continue to do so.”
Attaullah Tarar warns against further protests at Adiala jail
He further urged that the conduct of “certain non-stakeholders”, without specifying who he was referring to, should not become a cause of tension between PTI and the institutions.
Barrister Gohar said Imran and his wife, Bushra Bibi, were incarcerated and the overall situation would improve if permission were granted for meetings with them.
“The gloves are off”
Meanwhile, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said that “the gloves are off” and that anyone protesting outside Adiala jail, where PTI founder Imran Khan is currently incarcerated, will be dealt with harshly.
His remarks followed a blistering press conference earlier in the day by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, who assailed Mr Khan for creating and spreading “anti-army” rhetoric.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi had staged a sit-in outside the prison after he was barred from meeting Imran for the eighth time, while Imran’s sisters also staged sit-ins on multiple occasions after they were barred from meeting the former premier.
Speaking to Geo News on Friday, the minister said that strict action would be taken against any individual who creates a law and order situation outside the prison, including arrests and the registration of legal cases.
“If anyone tries to create a law and order situation outside the jail, they will be dealt with very harshly. The gloves are off,” Mr Tarar emphasised.
He added that during her recent visit, Uzma violated jail rules and the law when she discussed politics with Imran, thus she would not be allowed any more meetings with the ex-premier.
“Meetings happen in accordance with the law and jail rules,” he said, adding that the jail superintendent reported this. “It is written in the jail manual that well-being and legal matters can be discussed, but not politics. She violated these rules, and she has been barred from meetings.”
He said that when Uzma emerged from the meeting, she said Imran “was angry and frustrated”.
“It means that he cannot find a way out of the punishment for the mega corruption £190 million case and sees no political future for himself,” Mr Tarar said.
“We truly believe he is a mentally ill man,” he added.
When asked about the ISPR presser earlier in the day, Mr Tarar said he endorsed every word on behalf of the civilian government and stated that Imran is a threat to the country.
Published in Dawn, December 6th, 2025
