Imran should give assurance of 'security' during march: Rafique

Published
9

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique on Friday said that if Imran Khan is not willing to halt his long march, he should give assurance to the government that there will be no harm to the property and lives of the people during the event.

Rafique said Imran should consider the country’s security situation before deciding on or taking any drastic steps.

He said the country was in a state of war and going through a host of challenges, adding that those displaced as a result of the ongoing military operation in North Waziristan were homeless.

In this situation, it is odd that Imran should ramp up about his march, the minister said, adding that instead of demonstrating on the streets the PTI chief should offer to extend some assistance to help the IDPs resettle.

He emphasised that to win the war against terrorism, it was imperative that political parties should form a united front.

Rafique said showing some maturity and patience for the country’s sake and for democracy Imran should postpone the march.

Moreover, he said that the demands placed by Imran are unconstitutional but the government will still consider them in order to retain peace in the country.

PTI chairman Imran Khan has announced that his supporters will hold a sit-in in the federal capital on August 14.

The PTI says the march is to protest alleged rigging in the 2013 general elections and to press for electoral reforms. However, Imran wants Nawaz Sharif's government to resign and new elections to be held.

Opinion

Editorial

Kashmir unresolved
Updated 30 Sep, 2026

Kashmir unresolved

The just solution lies in India addressing the issue through a trilateral dialogue involving the legitimate representatives of the Kashmiri people and Pakistan.
Water shortage
30 Sep, 2026

Water shortage

THAT the country is entering the Rabi season with an anticipated water shortage of nearly 25pc, the lowest carryover...
Young hearts
30 Sep, 2026

Young hearts

THE observance may have passed, but the message of World Heart Day should not fade with it. The occasion is a useful...
Terror and politics
Updated 29 Sep, 2026

Terror and politics

There is an urgent need to tone down the rhetoric and tackle terrorism as a collective challenge for both the affected provinces and the federation.
Watching the glaciers
29 Sep, 2026

Watching the glaciers

THE latest signs from Pakistan’s mountains are worrying. Suparco says the number of unfrozen glacial lakes it...
Dangerous agenda
29 Sep, 2026

Dangerous agenda

AS the world remains fixated on the US-Iran conflict, elsewhere in the Middle East, Israel is consolidating its grip...