ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s opposition political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Chairman Barrister Gohar and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur have confirmed meeting with the country’s Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir in Peshawar, fueling speculation of backdoor negotiations to address the political crisis.
In an informal conversation with journalists at Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi, where the country’s former prime minister Imran Khan is imprisoned, Barrister Gohar revealed that the meeting took place in Peshawar and was also attended by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.
The PTI chairman stated, “We presented our entire case to the COAS Asim Munir, and the response from the other side was encouraging.”
This confirmation follows earlier claims by Awami National Party (ANP) President Aimal Wali Khan, who claimed Barrister Gohar was present during the meeting with the army chief in Peshawar and appeared to be “behaving very obediently.”
Aimal Wali further claimed that during the meeting, Ali Amin Gandapur momentarily left in frustration but returned after a brief absence.
The PTI chairman stated, “We presented our entire case to the COAS Asim Munir, and the response from the other side was encouraging.”
ALSO READ: Pakistan’s Opposition Party Seeks Judicial Probe into May 9, Nov 26 Events
On the other hand, Ali Amin Gandapur claimed that it was not a one-on-one interaction, but also said details of one-on-one meetings are not disclosed.
“Barrister Gohar and I met together. [The army chief] also invited other political parties. One-on-one means the details cannot be disclosed,” Gandapur said, acknowledging that there was another meeting where Barrister Gohar was also present. However, he refused to disclose what was discussed in that meeting.
The meeting was reportedly held in Peshawar during a discussion on law and order, but it has sparked speculation about potential backdoor negotiations. Opposition committee spokesperson Sahibzada Hamid Raza termed the meeting formal, dismissing claims of individual discussions.
