Imran directs Khattak to visit IDP camps on Nawaz’s invitation

Dawn.com Published June 26, 2014

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan on Thursday declined Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s invitation to visit camps of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from North Waziristan, DawnNews reported.

Imran cited the party’s upcoming Bahawlpur rally as the reason for why he will not be able to visit the camps personally despite the prime minister’s invitation. Imran is expected to make the announcement regarding the PTI’s future course of action on its key demand for recounting of votes in four constituencies tomorrow (Friday).

Khan instead instructed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Pervez Khattak to visit the IDP camps Bannu in his place.

The prime minister had earlier extended an invitation to Imran. “Let us listen to their problems together,” DawnNews quoted the premier as saying.

The Army Chief General Raheel Sharif will also reportedly visit the camps.

“If we go together, it will raise the hopes of IDPs, promote national unity and raise morale of armed forces,” Nawaz was quoted as saying.

The prime minister also reiterated his recent statement that the entire country stands with its soldiers.

Over 450,000 people have been displaced as a direct result of the ongoing Zarb-i-Azb operation in North Waziristan. Most of the displaced people have gathered in Bannu, with some in DI Khan.

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mansoor

Jun 26, 2014 06:33pm

He has already visited the refugee camp before Nawaz. Nawaz is only using the refugees for politics.

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Itsqashi

Jun 26, 2014 06:40pm

IK you are no more hero for me.

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S.hussain

Jun 26, 2014 06:41pm

Do it for the nation and harmony...IK should have visited !!

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Ali

Jun 26, 2014 06:45pm

I think Imran Khan should at least make sure, IDP's get the best care in KPK, even if he is sending Khattak will join the group in place of IK. Now, Khattak should be the one to ensure the IDP crowd, they will be taken care of in KPK, & they have the budget to help them settle down, ensure them their children will get special care, & the women delivering babies, would also be given the required care.

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msa

Jun 26, 2014 06:47pm

It's all politics, but Imran is making a political mistake not to attend the camps, but going to protest rally in Bahawalpur.

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Basit

Jun 26, 2014 06:50pm

clearly Nawaz is playing better politics.

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Junaid

Jun 26, 2014 07:09pm

In word. This is "shameful". This guy puts his Anti Government agenda in priority to IDP issue. Please be mature.

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Salim A

Jun 26, 2014 07:16pm

IK is a simpleton and a street agitator who prefers street protests in favor of reaching out to those who elected his government - the IDPs. Mot serious politicians in his party will be taking a leave if he continues with his political blunders.

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nabidad

Jun 26, 2014 07:23pm

Despite ill minded offer by the Head of The State, Imran Khan made a political mistake again by refusing to go with Prime Minister.

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pakone

Jun 26, 2014 07:24pm

uhh - helllooo - Imran Khan already went to the IDP camps in Bannu earlier this week while dear PM was busy diverting flights (again)! So did Fauzia Kasuri and CM Khattak! PM koh ab yaad aya keh wahan bhee jaana chaiye?

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Israr Khan Ismailzai

Jun 26, 2014 07:29pm

Imran has already visited the camps, that was when Mr. Sharif was otherwise occupied. IDPs r taken care of by the provincial govt, uncovering a rigged election definitely more important.

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Sajjad

Jun 26, 2014 07:34pm

Strange how the invitation coincides with the rally. Why no one can see this is beyond me. While the world was engulfed in Gullu mode and Mian Sahab touring the world, Imran was visiting the IDP's. Very conniving but intelligent move by the not so intelligent PM.

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Concerned

Jun 26, 2014 07:41pm

@ Basit -Imran has already visited IDP camps 4 days ago and our premier is now calling media before going to camps. Mian sahb stop publicity stunts.

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nak

Jun 26, 2014 08:01pm

Imran did the right thing. PML-N is desperately trying to save face but enough is enough. Majority of Pakistanis have now seen the true face of this bunch called PML-N.

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Nomi

Jun 26, 2014 08:07pm

So Punjab Politics is more important than Internally Displaced people of NWA it is going to be a POLITICAL BLUNDER .....

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NASAH (USA)

Jun 26, 2014 08:20pm

Imran Khan will visit the IDPs with Nawaz Sharif on ONE condition -- if Nawaz Sharif makes Imran Khan the prime minister of Pakistan. Imran is so full of it -- it is unbelievable.

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I. Ahmed

Jun 26, 2014 08:35pm

What a pity, PM is showing his immaturity as a politician by inviting IK on the day of rally. Now the PML-N loud mouths will fill up the airwaves not knowing that people are already sick of their concocted views about their opposition.

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Adnan

Jun 26, 2014 08:39pm

Imran needs to stop playing games and support the government for a while .. I was a big imran khan fan but hes not much different from the rest .. he and his party workers should concentrate on highlighting the changes they have made in khyber pakhtunkhuwa .. if you are working, please show us what you have done and how it has effected peoples' lives so we can vote for you again ..

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tiku

Jun 26, 2014 08:47pm

@S.hussain IK was the first who visited the IDPs few days ago.

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Masood

Jun 26, 2014 08:56pm

@pakone Exactly! How quickly people forget.

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Salman

Jun 26, 2014 09:10pm

IK has already visited camps on the first few days. Nawaz has finally realized that there are IDPs in this country. It's time Nawaz release funds for the IDPs now. How much photographs are we going to take? Noora wants to stage another drama.

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Mariya K

Jun 26, 2014 09:59pm

IK: Been there, done that Mr. Prime Minister. Time to show up and DO some constructive work for the displaced. enough with the photo sessions. If he does, I am sure the rest of the nation will support his efforts and put their due share in it.

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Bilal

Jun 26, 2014 10:40pm

May we get strength to put aside all our political differences and work together for National unity. Amen!

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Rashid Ishaq

Jun 26, 2014 11:11pm

understood that IK has visited the camps already but the situation is worst and these politicians need to visit them again and again; secondly, if PM is diverting Bhawalpur Jalsa by taking IK to Bannu, he still should not have refused; because don't be bad if other one is bad; show the big heart and it will make you more popular that you postponed your street power for IDPS

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Fareed (usa)

Jun 26, 2014 11:32pm

Why should he accompany Nawaz Sharif, he is not Nawaz Sharif's crony . IK can visit refugee camps any time, probably he has already done it.

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Masoud

Jun 26, 2014 11:36pm

Our prayers & hearts are with IDP May Allah make their lives easy. The government should do all to help them & make their camp life easy. Once the criminals are decimated these IDPs will return back home in a free atmosphere, free from TTP threat & brutality.

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K Alam

Jun 26, 2014 11:44pm

NS should aske Mr. Zardari, his friend in difficult times to accompany him, after all he is the chairman of second largest party in the country.

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Armughan

Jun 26, 2014 11:52pm

the point that matters is that people who have been displaced get some reassurance. Imran has been there which is excellent. Nawaz Sharif should have gone there when he visited Peshawer, totally agreed. However, it would not have been a bad thing that to party heads went to visit the people together. this would have sent a great message to the people as well as those harboring ill intentions that the nation stands united. if it was not possible right away, it could have been done on a later date. for once we can go above and beyond the political outcome and care for those that matter, the people.

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imrsn

Jun 27, 2014 01:06am

IMRAN ALREADY WENT!!! Pm is playing politics.

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ashfaq1

Jun 27, 2014 01:56am

If IK announces stop rallies for 30 days to support operation I'll respect him

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A. Mirza

Jun 27, 2014 02:01am

Why are the Tehreek-Insaaf leaders always late in visiting victims of their own province? Same was the case with the young school boy who was martyred saving his school from a bomber in KPK...no one from TI went until it was too late.

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ashfaq1

Jun 27, 2014 02:25am

This is about showing to enemy a united front with PM COAS and IK but alas we don't have the maturity

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Rahela

Jun 27, 2014 02:35am

IK is a coward big talks on street rallies but has not guts to confront the PM for the better of Pakistan and its problems. Nawaz Sharif is clearly playing better politics.

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qasim

Jun 27, 2014 03:18am

I am a big fan of IK. But I am getting sick of IK protests. Please stop these protests. God gave you a golden opportunity and prove that you can manage a province and put her on a path of progression. Next time the whole Pakistan will come around. The way things are going I feel we wouldnt be able to retain Govt even in KPK in next election.

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Hasan

Jun 27, 2014 04:06am

@Ali What budget you are talking about ? I am pretty sure PM and CM of Punjab have more and unnecessary budget. PM should be the one visiting IDP instead of IMRAN KHAN. Because it was his (PM) idea to do this operation. If he have inform Imran khan about this operation. I am pretty sure he would have arrange everything for these people. I am really sad that you are pointing fingers at him shame on you.

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Hasan

Jun 27, 2014 04:13am

@ashfaq1 So nawaz sharif can get 30 more days to clear his rigging act. We all know he did it and INSHALLAH in future the truth will be in front of Pakistan citizen.

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sardar

Jun 27, 2014 04:54am

Will IMRAN KHAN should forget the politics in this difficult time and stand hand by hand with Pm in IDP camps. There is no excuse for that. The election been rigged or not this is not important in circumstances like current. These type of issue can be raise when all the Northwaziristan dust settle down

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AAK

Jun 27, 2014 05:05am

Now people can recognise Doghlas Status Quo Vs Non Status co Jiyeey Zardari+Nawaz+Imran+Altaf

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The Reluctant Fundamentalist

Jun 27, 2014 09:11am

Dear Mr.PM (and his supporters), While you were busy cleaning your brother's mess in Punjab, IK already visited IDP camp in Bannu, 4 days ago. And yes you are right about "priorities". IK and PTI (and the whole KPK in general) have already shown you their priority. While you were chanting "operation, operation", we were chanting "IDPs, IDPs". Read the facts and wake up from your slumber. Speaking of political immaturity, why did Nawaz chose 27th of June to visit the IDPs? Something tells me he is afraid (as usual). But not for long now, Inshallah. Keep up the good work IK. We will prove the rigging.

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The Reluctant Fundamentalist

Jun 27, 2014 09:15am

@Junaid he has been mature already...4 days ago . I think its the PML-N that needs maturity more than anyone else. They have turned the province into a circus. And now they are so afraid of the consequences that they are resorting to cheap tactics. Get your facts right brother.

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Salma

Jun 27, 2014 09:52am

He already visited them. His foundation, which isn't even linked to the government, a private charity, is also already giving care packages to the IDPs. The prime minister did this with only political interest, I severely doubt he would have had any interest in visiting the IDPs at all, if Imran Khan hadn't done so already. Maybe he ask should ask his brother to open up some of the borders up for them too, they're your people as well Punjab...Sindh... Just saying..

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shahzeb

Jun 27, 2014 11:41am

IK has already visited the camps and has deployed PTI volunteers for idp assistance.. Besides the kpk cm is working tirelessly for the idps as it his administrative and moral duty...

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K Alam

Jun 27, 2014 02:30pm

if NS really wants to create harmony and unanimity he should take on board heads of major political parties instead of doing politics with IK. Moreover, he should stop doing blunders of bad governance,confrontational politics,behave like a democratic party, and strengthen organizations instead of strengthening family members.

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