LAHORE: Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique has said the PML-N government has no intention to use force to stop Imran Khan’s long march.

But, he urged the opposition not to indulge in politics of agitation and instead support the government because it was at war with militants.

Talking to reporters here on Saturday, the minister said the government would announce the schedule of Independence Day ceremonies in two days.

Earlier, another minister had spelled out the PML-N’s strategy to deal with the PTI’s march scheduled for the same day in Islamabad.

PML-N to let PTI go ahead with march

Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid had said that the government would adopt ‘aggressive attitude’ to tackle the situation, saying it would hold Independence Day rally at the same place and warning that the PML-N workers could deal with the PTI’s activists

In a recent public meeting in Bahawalpur, Imran Khan had warned the government against using force to stop his party’s supporters from reaching Islamabad.

PTI circles still fear that the government would use coercive methods to deal with the march.

Meanwhile, reacting to a challenge thrown by Pakistan Awami Tehreek chief Dr Tahirul Qadri, Pervaiz Rashid said on Saturday that from the PML-N’s side Allama Tahir Ashrafi was ready to hold a Munazra (debate) with the PAT leader on PTV.

Dr Qadri had challenged Prime Minister Sharif to hold a debate on national issues with him on TV.

Published in Dawn, July 20th, 2014