ISLAMABAD: As political tensions simmer both at home and abroad, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan made it clear on Monday that his party has “nothing to do” with a controversial US bill seeking sanctions against Pakistani officials for alleged human rights violations.
The bill in question — dubbed the ‘Pakistan Democracy Act’ — was introduced last month by two lawmakers in the US House of Representatives. It invokes the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, which allows Washington to impose travel bans and other penalties on individuals accused of rights abuses. The move stirred a flurry of speculation about PTI’s alleged involvement — speculation Gohar was quick to reject.
“Countless resolutions and bills are passed in the US Congress. PTI has no link whatsoever to this legislation,” Gohar told reporters outside Parliament House.
He also denied any ongoing engagement with the US delegation currently visiting Pakistan, adding that the party’s focus remains on domestic political realignment rather than foreign affairs.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Foreign Office dismissed the bill as an “individual initiative” lacking broader political weight in Washington. Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan emphasized that the bill’s “timing and context” are misaligned with the current trajectory of Pak-US ties, which he described as rooted in “mutual respect and non-interference.”
“Pakistan remains committed to constitutionalism, rule of law, and freedom of expression,” he added, asserting Islamabad’s democratic principles.
Opposition Alliance Taking Shape
Turning attention to local politics, Gohar hinted at a possible realignment of anti-government forces in the days following Eid. He confirmed that PTI is finalizing talks with various opposition groups and is waiting for JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman to announce his stance on April 15.
According to Gohar, a multi-party alliance — Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) — has already been formed and includes parties like:
- Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC)
- Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP)
- Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M)
- Jamaat-e-Islami (JI)
- Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM)
The effort follows Imran Khan’s call for unity across the political spectrum to mount pressure on the ruling coalition post-Eid.
Sources say PTI has also been in talks with former PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi in an attempt to bring him on board with the movement, signaling an aggressive push to build a broader front.
Amid reports of growing internal disagreements within PTI, Gohar struck a reconciliatory tone.
“PTI is a democratic party. Everyone has a right to express their opinion,” he said, but added that internal matters should be handled within party forums.
