Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan (centre) speaking during a press conference on October 19, 2024. — Screengrab via Geo News
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan revealed on Saturday that former prime minister Imran Khan praised Maulana Fazlur Rehman for his support in standing up for judicial independence, even in tough times.
During a press conference at K-P House in Islamabad, Gohar demanded that Imran Khan’s rights be respected. He shared that he had a 45-minute meeting with Khan and highlighted the poor conditions in which the PTI leader is being held.
“There has been no electricity in Khan’s cell for five days. Keeping him in isolation and in a small cell violates his human and constitutional rights,” Gohar stated. He also mentioned that Khan has been deprived of access to TV and newspapers for two weeks, leaving him unaware of recent constitutional developments. “We updated him on these matters,” Gohar added.
Addressing Khan’s personal situation, Gohar noted, “He expressed sorrow over the arrest of his sisters, but reaffirmed that he and his family are always ready to make sacrifices.” Gohar also conveyed Khan’s appeal for the nation to remain peaceful.
The meeting, which took place in Adiala Jail, included five PTI leaders who informed Imran Khan of the progress made on constitutional amendments. Gohar reported that Khan received the discussions with a positive attitude, particularly praising Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s commitment to judicial independence.
The PTI delegation, including Barrister Gohar, met Khan after receiving security clearance. They were delayed in entering Adiala Jail due to initial refusal from prison authorities, but permission was eventually granted following Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s intervention.
Separately, PTI spokesperson Sheikh Waqas Akram criticised the prison administration for not allowing lawyer Salman Akram Raja to meet Khan, although Gohar, Ali Zafar, and Asad Qaiser were permitted.
In other developments, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari announced after a meeting with Maulana Fazlur Rehman that PPP and JUI-F had reached full agreement on proposed constitutional amendments.
“Both parties are united on judicial reforms,” Bilawal said. He emphasised that the amendment draft was as much the work of Maulana as it was of PPP, adding, “I hope Maulana himself presents the draft in parliament.”
Bilawal urged PTI to accept Maulana’s draft if they had reservations about the PPP version, stating, “We have done all we can. Now it’s up to PTI.”
