PML-N leader says no one ready to become Imran Khan’s guarantor, urges new ‘charter of democracy’
PML-N leader Khawaja Saad Rafique. Photo: Express
LAHORE:
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz senior leader Khawaja Saad Rafique has urged his party chief and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif to play a decisive role in easing political tensions in the country, saying that currently no one is willing to give any guarantee for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan.
Addressing a meeting held at Aiwan-e-Iqbal on the occasion of the death anniversary of Khawaja Rafiq Shaheed, Saad Rafique said that Nawaz Sharif, being the senior political leader, should come forward and start a dialogue to reduce pressure on political opponents.
He noted that Pakistan urgently needed a new political settlement and a new “charter of democracy.” “If politicians engage in dialogue, there is hope that the establishment will also support the process. The issue must be taken seriously at all levels,” he added.
He thanked all the political leaders and workers who attended the event and noted that the ceremony has become one of the oldest political gatherings in Lahore, where the participants listened to different points of view with patience and maturity.
Recalling the life of Khawaja Rafiq Shaheed, Saad Rafique said his struggle remained a guiding light and emphasized that the use of force could never advance the State. He lamented that soon after the creation of Pakistan, an alliance emerged between military generals and feudal elites, while those who fought for the country were branded as traitors and those who violated the Constitution were hailed.
Questioning the country’s political narrative, he asked whether all prime ministers of Pakistan were traitors and whether all judges and chiefs were truly patriotic. “Democracy is ingrained in our national character. This nation has not lost hope in democracy and I remain a member of the Muslim League through and through,” he said.
Saad Rafique said he had promised on the day of his release from prison that he would not seek revenge, despite alleged political victimization, including the division of his electorate. He claimed that certain actions were facilitated by former ISI chief general (retd) Faiz Hameed, adding that he himself was reluctant to return to parliament after witnessing the prevailing circumstances. He stressed that the sanctity of the vote must be protected.
Criticizing the PTI, he said the party had taken action against the entire PML-N leadership, but added that he was never happy when anyone was sentenced. “We put our politics at stake to save the State,” he remarked.
Praising the Punjab government, Saad Rafique said that it was carrying out historic work, although the fruits of these efforts were not yet fully visible. He expressed concern that Punjab had become a target of abuses and urged political forces to learn lessons from the past. “We must unite in the name of Pakistan. How long will the nation be lost in endless political battles?” he questioned.
The PML-N leader said it was the responsibility of politicians to prove their credibility, adding that his party had tolerated the Pakistan People’s Party in the interest of the country. He stressed the need for dialogue and said the PTI founder had made several mistakes. “We contacted him twice, but he refused to listen. If he had chosen to sit in the opposition, May 9 would not have happened nor would he be in jail today,” he said.
Reiterating his earlier comments, Saad Rafique said that no one was willing to give any guarantee to the PTI founder, so it was imperative for Nawaz Sharif to intervene and initiate talks to reduce political pressure.
