Islamabad: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan revealed on Monday that party founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan has written a letter to Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir, emphasizing the need to reconsider current policies. The letter, which addresses key political and legal concerns, will be made public today, Gohar added.
The development comes amid ongoing speculation regarding PTI’s interactions with the military leadership. Last month, reports surfaced about a meeting between Gen Munir and PTI leaders Ali Amin Gandapur and Barrister Gohar, though its agenda remained unclear. While Gohar initially denied any contact, he later confirmed the meeting, claiming a “positive response” from the army chief. However, security sources refuted any political discussion in the meeting.
Key Concerns Highlighted in the Letter
Addressing the media, Gohar stated that Imran Khan’s letter points out growing public mistrust towards the establishment, citing multiple reasons. “This [mistrust] should not take place, but there are factors widening the gap,” he quoted Imran as saying.
The letter highlights:
- Alleged Election Rigging: Imran claims that the February 8 elections were manipulated, resulting in a “minority government imposed over the majority’s wishes.”
- Judicial Control Through the 26th Amendment: The letter criticizes the amendment for allegedly undermining judicial independence and facilitating election fraud cover-ups.
- Delays in Al-Qadir Trust Case: PTI alleges that court-packing has delayed Imran Khan’s legal appeals.
- Crackdown on Social Media: Changes to the Peca Act are condemned for restricting free speech and stifling dissent.
Legal and Political Ramifications
PTI lawyer Faisal Chaudhry elaborated on the letter’s implications, stating that Imran Khan has urged security institutions to recognize the urgency of policy changes. He argued that controlling the judiciary, suppressing digital platforms, and curbing freedoms threaten democracy and Pakistan’s international standing.
Chaudhry warned that the new regulations could harm Pakistan’s GSP+ trade status, which is tied to human rights protections. “If we do not uphold international laws, our difficulties will only increase,” he cautioned.
The letter underscores PTI’s continuing challenge to the ruling government and the judiciary. As the text is expected to be made public later today, political observers anticipate further debate on its impact on civil-military relations.
