We Are Not Supporting the 28th Constitutional Amendment in Exchange for Imran Khan’s Release; Issue of New Provinces Should Be Left to the Next Parliament: Barrister Gohar

*Islamabad: *Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has said that his party is not supporting the 28th Constitutional Amendment in exchange for the release of PTI founder Imran Khan. He said the issue of creating new provinces should be left to the next parliament, while the current legislature should avoid introducing further controversial constitutional amendments.

Speaking to the media, Barrister Gohar said Imran Khan had made it clear that he was prepared to spend even 100 years in prison but would not enter into any deal.

He categorically stated that there was no arrangement under consideration to support the 28th Constitutional Amendment in return for Imran Khan’s release.

He revealed that a joint parliamentary party meeting of PTI continued for approximately eight hours, with around 70 members of the National Assembly and Senate participating. The meeting discussed the 28th Constitutional Amendment and various political and constitutional matters, but no final decision was reached.

Barrister Gohar said that matters relating to the provinces, including the creation of new provinces, should be decided by the next parliament. He maintained that the current legislature should refrain from introducing further controversial constitutional amendments.

He added that PTI’s parliamentary party had unanimously decided to play an active role in seeking an end to the emergency and governor’s rule imposed in the country. He said these measures were damaging democracy and Pakistan’s national reputation.

Regarding political dialogue, the PTI chairman stressed that negotiations should begin as soon as possible, adding that there were no differences within the party on this issue. He confirmed that Mahmood Khan Achakzai had been formally authorised to conduct negotiations.

Defending Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, Barrister Gohar rejected negative propaganda against him and said the party was fully aware of and supported his actions. He added that all party members had been taken into confidence during the previous day’s meeting.

Barrister Gohar further said that no option other than protests and a long march had been left for the party.