ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan on Thursday declined Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s invitation to visit camps of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from North Waziristan, DawnNews reported.

Imran cited the party’s upcoming Bahawlpur rally as the reason for why he will not be able to visit the camps personally despite the prime minister’s invitation. Imran is expected to make the announcement regarding the PTI’s future course of action on its key demand for recounting of votes in four constituencies tomorrow (Friday).

Khan instead instructed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Pervez Khattak to visit the IDP camps Bannu in his place.

The prime minister had earlier extended an invitation to Imran. “Let us listen to their problems together,” DawnNews quoted the premier as saying.

The Army Chief General Raheel Sharif will also reportedly visit the camps.

“If we go together, it will raise the hopes of IDPs, promote national unity and raise morale of armed forces,” Nawaz was quoted as saying.

The prime minister also reiterated his recent statement that the entire country stands with its soldiers.

Over 450,000 people have been displaced as a direct result of the ongoing Zarb-i-Azb operation in North Waziristan. Most of the displaced people have gathered in Bannu, with some in DI Khan.