PML-N leader says no one ready to be guarantor of Imran Khan, calls for new ‘charter of democracy’
PML-N leader Khawaja Saad Rafique. Photo: Express
LAHORE:
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz senior leader Khawaja Saad Rafique has called on his party chief and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif to play a decisive role in easing political tensions in the country, saying that no one is currently willing to give any guarantee for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan.
Addressing a gathering at Aiwan-e-Iqbal on the occasion of the death anniversary of Khawaja Rafiq Shaheed, Saad Rafique said that Nawaz Sharif, who is the supreme political leader, should come forward and initiate dialogue to reduce pressure on political opponents.
He noted that Pakistan was in urgent need of a new political settlement and a new “charter of democracy”. “If the politicians engage in dialogue, there is hope that the establishment will also support the process. The matter must be taken seriously at all levels,” he added.
He thanked all the political leaders and workers who participated in the event and noted that the ceremony has evolved into one of Lahore’s oldest political gatherings where the participants listened to different views with patience and maturity.
Recalling the life of Khawaja Rafiq Shaheed, Saad Rafique said his struggle remained a guiding light and stressed that use of force could never move the state forward. He lamented that soon after Pakistan’s creation, an alliance emerged between military generals and feudal elites, while those who fought for the country were labeled traitors and those who violated the constitution were celebrated.
He questioned the country’s political narrative, asking whether all Pakistan’s prime ministers 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 Muslim Leaguer from start to finish,” he said.
Saad Rafique said that on the day of his release from prison, he had promised that he would not seek revenge, despite alleged political victimization, including the division of his constituency. He alleged that certain acts 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 emphasized 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 never felt happiness when anyone was convicted. “We are putting our politics on the line to save the state,” he noted.
Saad Rafique praised the Punjab government and said it was doing historic work, although the rewards of these efforts were not fully visible yet. He expressed concern that Punjab had been turned into a target for abuses and urged political forces to learn from the past. “We must unite in the name of Pakistan. How much nation’s time will be wasted in endless political battles?” he asked.
The PML-N leader said it was the responsibility of politicians to prove their credibility, adding that his party had tolerated Pakistan Peoples Party in the interest of the country. Stressing the need for dialogue, he said the PTI founder had committed several mistakes. “We reached out twice, but he refused to listen. Had he chosen to sit in opposition, neither May 9 would have happened, nor would he be in jail today,” he claimed.
Reiterating his earlier remarks, Saad Rafique said that no one was ready to give any guarantee to the PTI founder, making it imperative for Nawaz Sharif to intervene and initiate talks to reduce political pressure.
