- Khawaja Saad of PML-N declines to talk with PTI
LAHORE: Saad Rafique, a prominent minister from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party, has unequivocally stated that there can be no possibility of talks with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), particularly in light of the recent attack on military installations.
Saad Rafique criticized Imran Khan, the former prime minister and leader of the PTI, for establishing a committee and attempting to initiate talks. He asserted that under the current circumstances, it is inconceivable to engage in dialogue.
The railway minister revealed that Imran Khan had instructed his team to terminate the talks with the government, which were mandated by the Supreme Court several months ago. He called on journalists to question the PTI politicians who represented their party during these negotiations.
Rafique emphasized that talks require a conducive environment and a genuine agenda. He expressed disappointment that despite constructive discussions and agreements reached in the past, no progress has been made.
In another statement, Saad Rafique urged Imran Khan and the entire PTI leadership to publicly acknowledge their mistake and issue an apology to the nation for the riots that occurred on May 9. He emphasized that the actions of the PTI cannot be justified as mere political tactics and called for accountability.
Furthermore, Rafique condemned the perpetrators responsible for setting fire to Jinnah House in Lahore, describing their actions as shameless. He alleged that leaders and ticket holders from the PTI were involved in the arson, despite being fully aware of the significance of the historic building. Rafique claimed that the fire was not started with conventional means but with the use of chemicals. He also accused Imran Khan of indoctrinating and manipulating the youth, fostering hatred in their minds over the years.
Saad Rafique visited Jinnah House in Lahore and expressed his dismay at the vandalism that occurred on May 9. He described the events as disheartening, particularly the damage inflicted on valuable items preserved at Jinnah House, including Quaid-e-Azam’s room, his writing table, and handwritten notes.
As tensions between the PML-N and PTI escalate due to recent events, Saad Rafique remains firm in his stance that talks with the PTI are currently out of the question. He called for accountability and urged the PTI leadership to take responsibility for their actions. The future of dialogue between the two parties appears uncertain, as the nation grapples with the aftermath of these incidents.
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