Barrister Gohar’s announcement not to back down from September 27, March

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, while maintaining its announcement to hold a protest march on September 27, has demanded that the government stop actions against political workers. Party Chairman Barrister Gauhar says that PTI will not give up the right to peaceful protest.

Talking to the media in Parliament, Barrister Gauhar said that political differences are part of democracy. According to him, political parties should have the right to dissent and protest, but the method of protest should remain peaceful.

The PTI Chairman claimed that hundreds of party workers have been arrested while preparations are being made to take action against more people. He said that several families are facing difficulties regarding their close relatives.

Barrister Gohar also objected to the alleged police action against the party’s MLAs. He said that raids were conducted on the houses of some MLAs and arrest warrants were issued. He demanded that the government limit the actions against political opponents to the limits of the law.

He also expressed reservations while referring to the alleged action against the family of Mahmood Rasheed. Barrister Gohar said that political differences have their place, but legal limits and civil respect should be observed in the treatment of families.

Speaking about Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, he said that it is the right of the political party to demand treatment and hearing of the cases of the former prime minister. According to him, the PTI approached various courts, but the party did not get the desired relief on its stand.

Barrister Gohar said that in the event of limited political voice in the parliament, contacting the public is the normal democratic way for political parties. He urged the government to adopt the path of dialogue to reduce political tension in the country.

He said that there will be a march on September 27 and the PTI will continue its political activities. However, he also reiterated the stance of keeping the protest peaceful.

On the other hand, the Islamabad High Court has clarified in its decision regarding the September 27 protest that no political party or public official has the authority to block the roads of the capital.

The court has also directed the provincial governments not to use the government machinery for political protests. The decision also prohibits government employees from being forced to participate in any political protest.

Now the real challenge for both the government and the PTI is to maintain such a balance between protests, political activities and the routine of citizens that political differences do not turn into further tension.