Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Gohar Khan says masked men attacked his family members

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Gohar Ali Khan reported a disturbing incident during a Supreme Court hearing on his party’s electoral symbol, the cricket “bat.” Khan informed Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa that masked men had forcibly entered his residence, assaulting his family members and confiscating a computer and documents. The incident occurred while Khan was away attending the court hearing.

Detailing the attack, Khan mentioned that four pickup trucks with masked individuals had targeted his home. He requested the court’s understanding and briefly left the hearing. In his absence, Chief Justice Isa expressed concern, instructing Additional Attorney General Chaudhry Amir Rehman to address the situation promptly.

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Upon Khan’s return, the chief justice sought assurance that everything was in order. Khan, describing the situation as “very serious,” expressed a desire to share more details but was not permitted by the chief justice. Chief Justice Isa directed the Inspector General of Police to assess the situation and personally visit the police station where the case was registered. He emphasized that if Barrister Khan remained dissatisfied, the court should be informed.

The incident occurred in the context of the Pakistan Election Commission challenging the Peshawar High Court’s decision to declare unconstitutional the organizational polls in Imran Khan’s party and revoke the cricket ‘bat’ electoral symbol. The Election Commission had barred the PTI from using the ‘bat’ symbol for the upcoming February 8 election, citing irregularities in their internal polls that did not comply with the party’s constitution and election laws.

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In response to the Election Commission’s decision, the PTI challenged it in the Peshawar High Court. A single-member judge temporarily reinstated the bat symbol and referred the case to a larger bench for a hearing scheduled on January 9. The Chief Justice urged swift resolution and action to ensure such incidents did not recur, highlighting the sensitivity of the matter.