In a statement reacting to the briefing, Barrister Gohar said he had consistently believed that tensions should ease and that ties between institutions and political leadership should strengthen.

“Today’s ISPR press conference was disappointing,” he remarked.

He said the defence of the country was paramount and insisted that PTI’s narrative had never been anti-state and never would be.

He lamented that it was “regrettable” for state institutions and political figures to label each other as “mentally unstable”.

Gohar added that Pakistan belonged to everyone, as did its armed forces.

He stressed the need for all sides to recognise each other’s space and work jointly to bridge the prevailing trust deficit.

The PTI chairman appealed to “pro-democracy forces” to play a role in reducing tensions, cautioning that non-stakeholders should not act in ways that fuel discord between PTI and state institutions.

He also called for permission to meet PTI’s founder and Bushra Bibi, saying that if such meetings were allowed, the situation could improve.

“The country cannot afford further tension or instability,” he warned.

In a message shared on social media, Barrister Gohar reiterated his disappointment over the ISPR briefing, stating that allowing meetings with the PTI founder and Bushra Bibi could help move matters in a positive direction.

He said it was unfortunate if political leaders and state institutions viewed one another as mentally unwell or as threats.

He reaffirmed that national defence was crucial and that PTI’s stance had never been anti-state.

He again emphasised the need for mutual recognition and space, urging all democratic forces to help defuse tensions.