LAHORE: Federal Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafiq has said that the government is ready to hold talks with the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf for removing its reservations over polls rigging and other controversial matters.

“The government is eager to negotiate with Imran Khan and Tahirul Qadri on their respective demands,” the minister told the media here on Friday on the occasion of ‘Independence Month’ opening ceremony at the mausoleum of Allama Iqbal.

He said the government would continue its efforts for talks until the evening of Aug 13.

However, the minister criticised Imran Khan for what he said showing rigidity in his stance and attempting to divide the nation on Independence Day.

“Imran Khan is willing to hold talks with the outlawed Taliban but is not ready to negotiate with the government.”

He advised the PTI chairman to hold talks with the government to get his demands met instead of using street power for the purpose.

The PTI plans to march on Islamabad on Aug 14. On its part, the government has arranged Independence Day festivities the same day in the capital.

Mr Rafiq claimed that the PML-N was indirectly in touch with some PTI leadership and trying to convince them for calling their march off in the wake of Zarb-i-Azb operation in North Waziristan.

The government, he said, would also welcome assistance from other political leaders in this regard.

Published in Dawn, Aug 2nd , 2014