Islamabad — PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan warmly congratulated Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir on his recent promotion to the prestigious rank of field marshal, emphasizing the heightened responsibility that now rests on his shoulders to improve the nation’s situation.
The historic promotion, the first in over six decades since General Mohammad Ayub Khan in 1959, was granted in recognition of Gen Munir’s strategic leadership during the recent military confrontation with India, which ended with a US-mediated ceasefire.
Speaking to reporters outside Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail after visiting former Prime Minister Imran Khan, Gohar expressed hope for an end to ongoing political difficulties. “The PTI is a major party and Khan Sahib is the most popular leader. We want these difficulties to end now,” he said.
Gohar reiterated that PTI holds no conflict with the military and stressed their support for the armed forces. He noted, “Khan Sahib also said yesterday that we stand with our armed forces, and whoever is related to the armed forces will be uncontroversial.”
While contacts between PTI and the establishment have yet to be restored, Gohar expressed a clear desire to reopen dialogue, reflecting sentiments recently shared by Imran Khan.
Addressing concerns about military involvement in politics, Gohar underscored the importance of keeping the military above political disputes while recognizing its influential role in the country’s stability. “Whoever can play their role in making the situation better should do so,” he said.
In addition to Gen Munir’s promotion, the government approved a second extension for Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu, marking a first in Pakistan Air Force history.
On the regional front, Gohar warned that the threat of war with India still looms, praising the Pakistani military’s recent victory as unprecedented and more significant than previous conflicts in 1965 or 1971, given the nuclear capabilities of both nations.
He concluded with a call for national unity and vigilance against any future hostile intentions from India.