Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar has categorically stated that there is no forward bloc within the party and that no political forum or apex committee has the authority to alter the decisions made by PTI founder Imran Khan.
Speaking to the media outside the Speaker’s Office of the National Assembly, Barrister Gohar said that there is no alternative candidate for the position of Opposition Leader, as nomination papers were submitted only by Mahmood Khan Achakzai.
He explained that the meeting with the Speaker of the National Assembly was held in a positive and cordial atmosphere, during which all objections related to the appointment of the Opposition Leader were addressed and resolved, leaving no reservations regarding the submitted documents.
Barrister Gohar further stated that verification of signatures would be completed by Wednesday, after which the Opposition Leader would be formally announced on Thursday. He added that by Friday’s parliamentary session, PTI would have its officially notified opposition leader present in the House.
He also clarified that no discussion regarding negotiations took place during the meeting with the Speaker’s Office.
PTI leader Iqbal Afridi, while speaking to the media, said that a party delegation led by Barrister Gohar met Speaker of the National Assembly Ayaz Sadiq in a constructive environment, adding that the Speaker’s attitude was appropriate and professional.
Iqbal Afridi stated that an updated list bearing the signatures of all party members had been submitted to the Speaker’s Office. He added that concerns regarding unfair treatment of the opposition were conveyed, and the Speaker assured that the submitted list would be reviewed.
Meanwhile, PTI leader Aamir Dogar said that all requirements as per National Assembly rules had been fulfilled and that there was no grouping within the party. He reiterated that Mahmood Khan Achakzai remains PTI’s nominee for Opposition Leader.
Former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser also commented that issuing the notification of the Opposition Leader falls within the Speaker’s discretion. He noted that, having served as Speaker himself, he could confirm that PTI had completed all necessary parliamentary requirements and that there should be no further delay in the process.
It is pertinent to note that the PTI delegation, led by Chairman Barrister Gohar, met Speaker of the National Assembly Ayaz Sadiq to discuss the appointment of the Opposition Leader.
