• Barrister Gohar admits ‘backdoor contacts’ with establishment ahead of Nov protest
• Sheikh Waqqas says verdict in £190m case won’t impact talks with govt
KARACHI: PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has revealed that his party established “backdoor contacts” with the military before their November 2024 protest, but said the link had now been severed.
The only talks ongoing are with the government, Mr Gohar told DawnNewsTV’s Nadir Guramani on Friday.
PTI leaders and founder Imran Khan had repeatedly hinted at talks with the military as they are the “real decision maker and power centre”.
Days before PTI’s protest in November 2024, Mr Khan authorised his party leaders to hold talks with the army leadership.
According to Mr Gohar, the contact was established with the military, and things were heading in a “positive direction”. But the contact broke down following PTI founder Imran Khan’s arrest in a new case following bail in antoher.
Mr Khan was granted bail in the Toshakhana case — concerning the purchase of an expensive Bulgari jewellery set at a throwaway price — but was not released as Rawalpindi police arrested him on terrorism charges related to a September 2024 protest.
“Now, the PTI is not holding backdoor talks with the establishment,” Mr Gohar stated, adding that doors for talks with the military in future “haven’t been shut”.
Mr Gohar also dismissed claims of an offer by authorities to move the PTI founder from Adiala Jail to his residence in Banigala.
The PTI founder considers his incarceration illgal so there is no point in considering such an offer, Mr Gohar stated.
