Arrest warrant won't force a compromise with Nawaz: Imran

Imran says he would not want to hold talks with someone who is a criminal or a suspect

SAHIWAL: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan said on Saturday that arrest warrant issued against him cannot scare him into holding negotiations with the government.

An anti terrorism court (ATC) on November 12 had issued non- bailable arrest warrants of Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) chief Dr Tahirul Qadri, PTI chairman Imran Khan, PTI vice-chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi and others for attacking Pakistan Television (PTV) building and Parliament during their sit-ins.

Addressing a rally in Sahiwal, the PTI chief asked, "Why would Nawaz Sharif want to have talks with someone who has been declared a wanted man?"

"I would not want to negotiate with someone who is a criminal or a suspect, or someone who is complicit in rigging," Imran said while taking a swipe at the prime minister for allegedly rigging the May 2013 elections.

Regarding Imran's arrest warrant, Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid said on Friday that he was hopeful of Imran appearing before the court given how he had breached the rule of law.

Rashid also said that if Imran realises his mistakes, he would be welcomed back into Parliament.