Imran can negotiate with TTP but not government: Saad Rafique

E-Paper | March 04, 2026

LAHORE: Federal Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique questioned on Friday that if Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan was ready for negotiations with the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), then why wasn’t he prepared to hold talks with the government, DawnNews reported.

Speaking to media representatives in Lahore, Rafique said decisions concerning the destiny of nations were not made through street protests.

Also read: PTI threatens Independence Day march on capital

He said the doors of negotiation were always open in politics, adding that issues can only be resolved through a careful understanding of problems.

The minister said the present situation called for unity and not division.

Rafique's statement comes as momentum has picked up over the PTI's million man long march call scheduled for August 14. The party has said that it would march on Islamabad if the government fails to accept within a month its demands relating to fairness of elections.

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Israr Khan Ismailzai

Aug 01, 2014 12:36pm

Clear signs of panic.

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Independent Observer

Aug 01, 2014 12:42pm

That's because TTP aren't liars. They do what they say, however bad it is. But it is very hard to get a grip on the Government, especially one that came to power by stealing people's mandate, Mr. Rafiq included. Do we need to remind Mr. Rafiq of the video evidence where he forced himself into a women's police station on election day thereby tainting the entire process of free and fair elections?

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kaka

Aug 01, 2014 12:51pm

I am surprised, but the minister for Railways has spoken the truth.

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Khwaja

Aug 01, 2014 01:01pm

Could be true, when the government decides to behave like a stubborn mule

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Aug 01, 2014 01:10pm

Every time Saad Rafique speaks, IK and his march makes sense.

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imran ali

Aug 01, 2014 01:21pm

suddenly Saad Rafiq changed his tone...reason?

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azam qadeer

Aug 01, 2014 01:33pm

Dear PML,N. Why u guys are worried work show. People pml N can. Deliver stop. Making people fool. No need to worryy

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Imran Siddiqui

Aug 01, 2014 01:58pm

Shut up Khawaja sahib. We all know the performance of Pakistan Railways. First focus on your own portfolio and then talk about matters of national importance.

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tab

Aug 01, 2014 02:09pm

Nawaz Sharif cannot live by his word...remember how he backed out of deal over Musharraf leaving the country incensing the army. What NS has forgotten that he is the Prime Minister of the country and not a shopkeeper. When he says or commit something, it has the backing of the highest executive office of the country.

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Zain

Aug 01, 2014 02:10pm

Mr Rafiq is very aggressive gentleman.The language used for his opponents is not the one which can be expected from a descent respected educated politician.Personal attacks on old politicians calling them old mummies etc.just to mention one.

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Alam

Aug 01, 2014 02:18pm

Would you be ready for an 'Operation' if talks fail :)

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Harmony

Aug 01, 2014 02:28pm

Does N-league not have any better spokesperson? Even Lucky Star can do a better job!

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truth hurts

Aug 01, 2014 02:29pm

The same applies on you guys too. N-league was in favour in negotiation with TTP but they took severe action against PAT rally and gunned down 15 innocent people

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Aug 01, 2014 02:30pm

Go fix a train

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Zain

Aug 01, 2014 02:31pm

@Imran Siddiqui Totally agreed.

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Muhammed Ali

Aug 01, 2014 02:34pm

Another arrogant prat from the govt.....just who do they think they are?? Mind your own business and do the job you are supposed to be doing.....the railways are in a total mess yet here he is poking his nose in everything that is not his business.

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asim

Aug 01, 2014 02:36pm

This is such propaganda and disinformation by PML-Nawaz(slaves). PTI has been trying for a year running from one tribunal to tribunal, while PML-N members HAVE BEEN GETTING STAY ORDER TO PREVENT AUDIT. Its very clear they came through cheating and now they are scared the teachers and other students will find out that the grade A was through cheating :D

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san

Aug 01, 2014 02:43pm

There is nothing to negotiate anymore . Whatrever the consequences will be when the azadi march begins ,government and judiciary will be responsible of it

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Taimoor Khan

Aug 01, 2014 02:51pm

IK negotiated with TTP for few months till all options were exhausted, with the ones who were willing to talk separated from the ones who didnt, eventually Zarb-e-Azb was launched. For last fourteen month or so, IK has been crying out loud on all forums for audit on four constituencies in vain. Now 14 August may well be another Zarb-e-Azb against this corrupt foreign sponsored government of Pakistan.

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Abid

Aug 01, 2014 03:05pm

correct,, this shows his love for democracy...

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Shah geez

Aug 01, 2014 03:07pm

Saad Rafique himself did cheating in election. And he also believes in dynastic politics. Brother minister, wife member parliament . Kids are too small. He is a land grabber. Shame on you you were joining PTI at one time. You also know the reality of corrupt brothers you treat as god.

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Toronto

Aug 01, 2014 03:08pm

Look who is talking...PMLN is a bunch of FOOLS and thugs. Let a free and fair election and they will come to know what is their value is in Pakistan. He is infact right, no one can negotiate with insane.

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Zackariya

Aug 01, 2014 03:37pm

Finally after 14 months, the government wants to talk and negotiate. Even if they agree to the verification of the 4 constituencies IK has proposed, I want to see this corrupt, self serving, incompetent and selfish Government go on August 14th! I support Azadi March 100%.

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Rakaposhi

Aug 01, 2014 03:50pm

Dear PML-N and Particularly Saad Rafique: Stop the absurd character assassination tactics and talk on real issues that country is facing including electoral reforms. Your one minister says yes, the other says No. Imran Khan has given you a signed letter to verify their constituencies you identified for verification but you backed off. You have not left him any other option for him but to do long march.

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Rakaposhi

Aug 01, 2014 03:56pm

Saad Rafique is the minister of character assassination. Many people don't realise he had won elections by nearly 50,000 votes margin! If I had won elections by this margin and anyone had doubt, I would say please recount and verify 1000 times but Saad Rafique is not letting it happen. This shows how big rigging has he done, forget the smaller margins.

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Sea View

Aug 01, 2014 04:20pm

Sad, but true! No wonder Imran Khan is called Taliban Khan.

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Syed Raza Abbas Shah

Aug 01, 2014 04:26pm

@ Imran Siddike . If you really had any clues about railway's performance , you have never made that comment :)

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zak

Aug 01, 2014 04:29pm

@Independent Observer BTW it was Nawaz government who was speaking to TTP not Imrans PTI in KPK. PML-N bothched that talk and now this one as well.

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Muhammed Ali

Aug 01, 2014 04:33pm

Mr Saad, IK has been trying to talk to you for 14 months, you did not want to know, now its too late and YOU want to talk, talk to the new govt from behind bars because that is where most of you crooks will end up...Inshallah

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Sab Se Pehle Pakistan

Aug 01, 2014 04:48pm

Here we go again. The minister for railways always has to say something. Is everything ok in your ministry? on your comments. Thay are so not true IK tried to negotiate with the government but the government was not showing seriousness. If you really have people's mandate then why are you panicking? Azadi March wiil be Pakistan's azadi again. IK this time finish the job. Pakistan is with you. Pakistan Zindabad

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Parvez

Aug 02, 2014 12:32am

When will PML.N stop point scoring and get serious about issues.

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Mir Zahir

Aug 02, 2014 04:22am

Saad Rafique is very often poisonous in his comments, makes fund, ridicule, belittle, this kind of attitude does not take anyone far enough. ,

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NINO

Aug 02, 2014 05:36am

@Zain And yer far better than Imran Khan, who thrives on invective and unfounded criticizm. It is possible that up there ,he is short of grey matter!!

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