ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership moved to clarify its position on the armed forces following remarks by Leader of the Opposition Mahmood Khan Achakzai during a recent National Assembly session, party sources said on Thursday.
The development came after Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, while addressing the House, referred to a past statement attributed to Achakzai in which he allegedly described the army as being “from four districts of Punjab.” The minister termed the remark inappropriate and cautioned against making such statements about a national institution.
Responding in the House, Achakzai said he stood by the position he had maintained since the 1990s and did not withdraw the statement cited by the defence minister.
According to PTI sources, the remarks caused unease within the party, which had supported Achakzai for the position of Leader of the Opposition. Immediately after Achakzai’s speech, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan sought permission from the Speaker to address the House, an intervention described by party insiders as unusual.
In his address, Barrister Gohar emphasised that terrorism should not be politicised and called for a unified national stance against militancy and hostile elements. He underscored the need for cohesion, referring to threats emanating from India and elements operating from Afghan territory.
Clarifying the party’s position on the armed forces, he stated that the army and the country belonged to all citizens and paid tribute to the sacrifices of military martyrs. He said PTI’s stance regarding national institutions was clear and on record.
Party sources said Barrister Gohar later discussed the matter with lawmakers and expressed the view that such sensitive remarks should be avoided. A senior PTI source said the chairman stressed that while differences could exist within the opposition alliance, the party’s position on national institutions must remain consistent with national interest.
The episode highlights the complexities of maintaining unity within a broad opposition alliance, particularly on matters relating to national security. PTI leadership, however, appears to have acted promptly to ensure that Achakzai’s remarks are not interpreted as reflecting the party’s official position.
When contacted for comment, Barrister Gohar said the party’s position had been clearly articulated and was part of the National Assembly record.