Leaders must act responsibly to ease political tension, says Barrister Gohar

ISLAMABAD: PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has said that political tension in the country has risen sharply. In such circumstances, a heavy responsibility lies on all political leaders to play their part in reducing tension and improving the atmosphere.

Speaking to the media at Parliament House, Barrister Gohar said it would have been better if Maulana Fazlur Rehman had not used certain words in his speech. However, he said the harsh language and attacks made in response to the speech could not be called right.

He said that, instead of creating more tension in the political atmosphere, controversial matters should be avoided. He made it clear that “we will not cross the red line; the state comes first.”

He said those who claim to champion democracy must end their double policy. When double standards in political matters end, the way will be paved for conditions to improve.

Electoral reforms

Speaking on electoral reforms, Barrister Gohar said there was no point in sitting on a reforms committee if it had only five members from the opposition and ten from the government.

He said all sides should be given equal representation in electoral reforms so that the reforms are neutral and acceptable. He suggested to the government that, if it truly wanted neutral electoral reforms, a commission should be formed on the lines of 2017.

He said that including representation on an equal basis in the reform process could produce positive results.

Barrister Gohar said the agenda of the All Parties Conference (APC) was also discussed in his meeting with Maulana Fazlur Rehman. He said every political party has its own politics and its own position, and “we do not act on anyone’s say”.

He added that the whole nation faces external turmoil and challenges together. He said national unity should therefore be given importance instead of raising political tension within the country.