Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has indicated that the party’s future involvement in meetings of the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) is contingent on the ability to consult with imprisoned party founder Imran Khan.
PTI’s Stance on JCP Participation
Neither Barrister Gohar nor Barrister Syed Ali Zafar, PTI’s representatives in JCP meetings, have attended recent sessions. Last week, the commission recommended confirming 31 additional judges as permanent members of the superior judiciary.
Speaking at the Supreme Court, Barrister Gohar said, “The party will decide on attending future JCP meetings after consulting with the PTI founder.”
Concerns Over Constitutional Amendments
When questioned about PTI’s absence, Gohar explained that the status of the JCP changed following the 27th Constitutional Amendment and the establishment of new courts like the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC). He also expressed serious reservations about the 26th Constitutional Amendment enacted in 2024.
Despite these concerns, Gohar emphasized that PTI intended to contribute its perspective on judicial appointments but has been unable to do so due to severed contact with Imran Khan.
“Without communication with Imran Khan, we cannot consult him,” he stated. He added that similar to boycotting other committees, PTI has decided to refrain from JCP meetings until further notice.
Meetings with Imran Khan have been suspended until February 8, according to Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry.
Background on Imran Khan’s Imprisonment
Imran Khan has been incarcerated since August 2023 at Adiala Jail, serving a sentence related to a £190 million corruption case. He also faces ongoing trials under the Anti-Terrorism Act linked to protests held on May 9, 2023.
Opposition Leadership Appointments
Addressing reports about the appointment of Mehmood Khan Achakzai as the opposition leader in the National Assembly, Barrister Gohar dismissed claims that this was influenced by PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif. Achakzai was appointed on January 16 by the National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq.
Gohar expressed gratitude for the speaker’s decision and noted that the appointment of the opposition leader in the Senate is expected soon. PTI has submitted nomination papers for the Senate opposition leader position, with hopes for completion shortly.
He highlighted that the PTI founder had already nominated leaders for opposition roles in both houses back in October 2025, naming Achakzai for the National Assembly and Allama Raja Nasir Abbas for the Senate.
