PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan clarified on Monday that his party has no connection with legislation in the US Congress, reacting to a bipartisan bill introduced in the US House of Representatives seeking sanctions against Pakistan.
His comment followed the introduction of a bill by two US lawmakers in the House of Representatives last month, titled “Pakistan Democracy Act,” which sought sanctions against Pakistani state officials over alleged human rights violations, including the “persecution” of former prime minister Imran Khan.
The bill aims to invoke the US Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, which allows the US to deny visas and entry to individuals accused of committing human rights violations.
Speaking to reporters at the Parliament House, Gohar stated that while numerous legislations and resolutions are passed in the US Congress, the former ruling party has no association with the said bill.
He also clarified that his party is not in contact with the US delegation that arrived in Pakistan.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had dismissed the bill, which was perceived as anti-Pakistan, and expressed hope that the US would continue its supportive role in strengthening Pak-US ties.
“We are aware of the bill being introduced in the House of Representatives. This is an initiative of a single individual legislator. We believe the timing and context of the bill do not align well with the current positive dynamics of Pakistan-US bilateral relations based on mutual respect, understanding and non-interference in each other’s affairs,” said Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan during a press briefing.
He added that Pakistan remains committed to constitutionalism, the rule of law, the protection of human rights, and freedom of expression because it views democracy as a vehicle for national prosperity and progress.
Regarding inquiries about PTI-establishment contacts, Gohar gave a vague response, stating that he is as informed as the media.
Reporters also questioned Gohar about the PTI’s next political move. He responded that the PTI would finalize its future strategy after forming an alliance with opposition parties.
He elaborated that Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman will announce his decision on April 15 after consulting his party’s executive committee. The joint opposition will then decide on the terms of reference for the upcoming anti-government movement.
It is worth noting that the Imran Khan-founded party has accelerated efforts to form a grand opposition alliance to launch an anti-government movement after Eid ul Fitr.
Following Khan’s directives, PTI leaders have approached various political parties to establish a grand opposition alliance and initiate an anti-government movement.
In April 2024, the PTI formed the Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP), a multi-party opposition alliance comprising the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP), Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M), Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), and Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM).
Furthermore, after talks between the government and the opposition collapsed in January, the PTI made another push to establish a joint front against the ruling coalition by enlisting former premier Shahid Khaqan Abbasi to join its movement last month.
Commenting on internal rifts within the PTI leadership, Gohar stated during today’s media talk that they are all part of a democratic party that does not prevent anyone from expressing their opinions.
However, he advised PTI leaders to discuss party affairs within the party.
