Summary "If Imran Khan is willing talk to Taliban, why can’t he talk to government?" - Railways Minister
LAHORE: (Dunya News) – Federal Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique has said that Pakistan Muslim League (N) government is constantly in touch with the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leaders over long march. He said that the government has been trying to convince PTI leaders for calling their long march off.
While talking to media today (Friday) in Lahore on the occasion of ‘Independence Month’ opening ceremony, Railways Minister heavily criticized Imran Khan and PTI. He said that nobody should try to divide the nation on Independence Day.
Khawaja Saad Rafique confirmed that the government officials had been in contact with the PTI leaders for one month. “We have been in contact with PTI leadership for the last one month and will now ask other political leaders to assist us in this regard”, said PML-N stalwart from Lahore.
Criticizing Imran Khan for not talking with the government over his demands, Khawaja Saad Rafique said that Imran Khan is willing to hold talks with the outlawed Taliban but shies away from holding talks with the government.
Railways Minister said that instead of using power, Imran Khan should hold talks with the government to get his demands met. “It will be good for both of us”, said Khawaja Saad.
Earlier, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Senator Pervez Rasheed had also confirmed on July 29, 2014, while talking to Dunya News, that government was in contact with the PTI leadership over long march. “Government is ready to take Imran’s demands seriously”, Information Minister had said.
However, Vice Chairman PTI Shah Mehmood Qureshi has denied the claims made by the government officials. He said that there are no contacts at any level between the government and the PTI.
The long march, now being termed as Azadi March is scheduled to be held on August 14, 2014. Imran Khan had announced the march in his Bahawalpur speech on June 27, 2014.
