PTI distances itself from the US Congress bill aimed at imposing sanctions on Pakistani officials.
Chairman of the party founded by Imran Khan stated that they are working on finalizing their future strategy in collaboration with the opposition alliance. He also mentioned that the PTI has had no communication with the US delegation currently visiting Pakistan. Gohar expressed optimism about the formation of a significant opposition alliance in the near future. Additionally, Maulana Fazl of JUI-F is expected to announce his decision on April 15.
In response to a bipartisan bill recently proposed in the US House of Representatives, which seeks to impose sanctions on Pakistani officials due to alleged human rights violations, including the “persecution” of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan clarified on Monday that his party is not connected to any legislative actions in the US Congress.
The proposed legislation seeks to activate the US Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, which allows the US to block visas and entry for individuals accused of human rights abuses. During a press conference at the Parliament House, Gohar highlighted that while numerous pieces of legislation and resolutions are passed in the US Congress, the previous ruling party is not affiliated with this particular bill.
He also noted that his party has not been in contact with the US delegation currently visiting Pakistan. In response to what was perceived as an anti-Pakistan bill introduced in the US House of Representatives, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its hopes that the US would maintain its supportive role in enhancing Pak-US relations. Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan emphasized, “We acknowledge the introduction of this bill in the House of Representatives.
It stems from a single individual legislator. We feel that the timing and context of the bill do not correspond with the positive dynamics currently characterizing Pakistan-US bilateral relations, which are built on mutual respect, understanding, and non-interference in each other’s affairs.” He further reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to constitutionalism, the rule of law, the protection of human rights, and freedom of expression, viewing democracy as essential for national prosperity and progress.
When asked about contacts between the PTI and the establishment, Gohar provided a vague answer, stating he was as informed about the situation as the media. Reporters inquired about PTI’s next political steps, to which Gohar replied that the party would formulate its future strategy after uniting with opposition parties.
He mentioned that Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman is expected to announce a decision on April 15 after consulting with his party’s executive committee. The joint opposition will establish the terms for the upcoming anti-government movement. It’s important to note that Imran Khan’s party has accelerated its efforts to create a large opposition alliance to initiate an anti-government movement following Eid ul Fitr.
Acting on Khan’s instructions, PTI leaders reached out to various political groups to form this alliance. In April 2024, PTI established the Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP), a coalition that includes 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). After negotiations between the government and opposition broke down in January, PTI escalated its efforts to create a united front against the ruling coalition, recently bringing in former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi to join their movement.
Regarding the internal divisions among PTI leadership, Gohar stated in the recent press briefing that all party members are part of a democratic organization that encourages the expression of differing opinions. However, he advised that party matters should be resolved internally.
