PTI chief Gohar warns of 'new direction' after by-poll setback

RAWALPINDI (Web Desk) - Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan expressed disappointment over the party’s defeat in the by-elections, stating that their mandate was still not being accepted.

He warned that if the situation continued, the party would consider taking “another path.”

Speaking to the media near Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, the PTI chairman said that had they known their mandate would once again be rejected, the party would not have participated in the by-polls. He added that PTI failed to retain its Haripur seat in the by-elections.

Gohar said that in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and elsewhere, “someone else’s control is prevailing,” calling it injustice. He said the party endured immense hardships believing their mandate would finally be honoured, but they were again “viewed with suspicion” and denied recognition.

He warned that public frustration would rise and tolerance would diminish. “If this continues, we will think about taking another line. Not giving us even a won seat is a bad omen for democracy,” he maintained, claiming PTI had won every polling station in Haripur with a lead of 27,000 votes.

Gohar added that the “won” Haripur seat was withheld from them and alleged deliberate provocation, though he stressed PTI would not be provoked. He said they arrive each time with the hope of a meeting, but patience is wearing thin as meetings are not allowed despite court orders.

He stated the last meeting took place on November 4. “We will meet the PTI founder, and whatever he instructs will be followed precisely. The behaviour toward us is unlawful and unconstitutional,” he said.

The PTI chairman said the party did not rely on videos but on public mandate. “This setup will not survive. It is operating on the strength of an amendment,” he remarked, adding that democracy must prevail in Pakistan.

He further informed that a prayer gathering will be held in Peshawar on November 26.