MARDAN: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has condemned the arrest of party MPA Abdul Salam Afridi, calling for political dialogue and the observance of legal and constitutional procedures.
Gohar visited Afridi’s residence in Mardan on Thursday and met members of his family. Speaking to the media, he said the arrest of political workers would not resolve the country’s political problems and could further intensify tensions.
He also asserted that PTI founder Imran Khan remained highly popular among the public, adding that such actions would not weaken the determination of party workers.
Gohar calls for a conducive environment for talks
Gohar questioned the continuation of arrests while political negotiations were being discussed, arguing that meaningful dialogue required an environment conducive to reaching an agreement.
“Arrests of political workers are no solution to the problems. Such steps only escalate political tension,” he said.
He urged political stakeholders to move the negotiation process forward constructively and work towards resolving the country’s ongoing political crisis.
The PTI chairman also thanked leaders of political parties participating in the talks, emphasising that political differences should be addressed through dialogue, reconciliation and democratic means rather than confrontation.
Driver describes alleged circumstances of arrest
Meanwhile, the detained MPA’s driver described how Afridi was allegedly taken away.
According to the driver, they were travelling a short distance from their residence to attend a fateha when three vehicles carrying masked men intercepted their car.
The driver alleged that the men transferred Afridi into one of their vehicles before leaving the scene.
The circumstances surrounding the arrest, including the identity of those involved and the legal basis for the action, were not detailed in the supplied report.
PTI demands legal and constitutional safeguards
Gohar called for all legal requirements concerning the arrest and detention of political leaders and workers to be observed.
He reiterated that political disputes should be resolved through negotiations and constitutional mechanisms, warning that arrests during discussions about dialogue risk undermining efforts to reduce political tensions.
His remarks come amid continued calls from PTI for negotiations with political opponents and the government. Whether the latest developments will affect those discussions remains unclear.
