Pakistan, Dec 09 : Amid escalating political tensions following a press conference by the Pakistan Army’s spokesperson criticising former prime minister Imran Khan, the PTI parliamentary party has warned that the PTI Imran Khan exclusion from national politics would severely weaken the country’s political system, Dawn reported.
After a joint parliamentary party meeting in Islamabad, PTI leaders reviewed recent developments concerning the former ruling party and the reported restrictions on meeting Imran Khan. Lawmakers from both houses attended, including party chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Barrister Ali Zafar, Ali Muhammad Khan, and MNA Shahid Kattak. Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party chief Mehmood Khan Achakzai, PTI’s nominee for Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, was also present.
Barrister Syed Ali Zafar told Dawn that participants rejected the narrative that Imran Khan posed a security threat and discussed what he described as an “unannounced” prohibition on meeting the detained former premier.
“Khan Sahab is essential for Pakistan’s stability, democracy, and future. His continued exclusion only weakens the political system and deepens national uncertainty,” Zafar said, stressing that opposition lawmakers were united in their stance. He added that the parliamentary party intended to use all constitutional, legal, and parliamentary avenues to push for Imran’s release.
According to Dawn, Zafar said members demanded unrestricted access to meet the PTI founder, calling the prevention of such meetings “unconstitutional, undemocratic, and unacceptable.”
He also voiced concerns about the treatment of Bushra Bibi.
“The solitary confinement and isolation of Bushra Bibi is a grave injustice. Subjecting a woman with no political role to mental torture violates fundamental human rights and our cultural values. Such treatment is unprecedented and deeply disturbing,” he said.
Zafar maintained that the PTI parliamentary party would stay central to the movement for justice.
“The party will continue leading the democratic and constitutional struggle for political freedom and the restoration of the people’s mandate,” he said.
Tensions have intensified since ISPR Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry accused Imran Khan of promoting a narrative against the armed forces. The press conference also included remarks about Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, prompting PTI to demand an apology.
Meanwhile, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar ruled out talks with PTI outside parliament, saying any dialogue would occur within the parliamentary framework and without Imran Khan’s involvement. Last week, Barrister Gohar had indicated openness to dialogue, emphasising the need to reduce tensions amid the ongoing political deadlock.
The PTI Imran Khan exclusion debate continues to deepen divisions as the party prepares a multipronged legal and parliamentary challenge.