Daily Times

Lahore: In response to DG ISPR’s criticism on his previous statement regarding army, Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique said that his speech was presented out of context by certain media groups, adding no one should make opinions on the basis of few sentences.

Rafique, addressing his father’s death anniversary on December 24, had said that there were some elements in the army who don’t follow the narrative of the army’s high command.

Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Major General Asif Ghafoor had termed Rafique’s statement as “irresponsible” and “unwarranted”.

The minister responded to the criticism saying: “It is not fair that out of 27-minute long speech only a few words are picked and played up,”

“While delivering the speech, my intentions were positive and I did not want to hurt anyone’s sentiments,” Rafique said.

If we have complaints, we either absorb them or discreetly inform the relevant authority, said the minister.

Rafique further said that he never passed any comment that may lead state institutions towards conflict.