PML-N chief says no one is ready to become Imran Khan’s guarantor, calls for new ‘charter of democracy’
The leader of the PML-N, 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 no one is currently ready to give any guarantee for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan.
Addressing a rally organized at Aiwan-e-Iqbal on the death anniversary of Khawaja Rafiq Shaheed, Saad Rafique said that Nawaz Sharif, as the highest political leader, should come forward and start a dialogue to reduce pressure on political opponents.
He stressed that Pakistan urgently needed a new political agreement and a new “charter of democracy”. “If politicians engage in dialogue, we can hope that the establishment will also support the process. This issue must be taken seriously at all levels,” he added.
He thanked all political leaders and workers who attended the event, noting that the ceremony has become one of the oldest political gatherings in Lahore, where participants listened to different views with patience and maturity.
Recalling the life of Khawaja Rafiq Shaheed, Saad Rafique said his struggle remained a common thread, emphasizing that the use of force could never move the state forward. He lamented that soon after the creation of Pakistan, an alliance between military generals and feudal elites emerged, while those who fought for the country were branded traitors and those who violated the Constitution were praised.
Questioning the country’s political narrative, he asked whether all Pakistani prime ministers were traitors and whether all judges and leaders were truly patriotic. “Democracy is embedded in our national character. This nation has not lost hope in democracy, and I remain a member of the Muslim League from start to finish,” he said.
Saad Rafique said he swore on the day he was released from prison that he would not seek revenge, despite allegations of political victimization, including the division of his constituency. He claimed that some 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 it was never happy when someone was convicted. “We are putting our politics on the line to save the state,” he remarked.
Praising the Punjab government, Saad Rafique said it was doing historic work, although the rewards of these efforts are 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 opposition, neither May 9 would have happened and he would not be in prison today,” he said.
Reiterating his earlier remarks, Saad Rafique said no one was ready to give any guarantees for the PTI founder, making it imperative that Nawaz Sharif intervene and start talks to reduce political pressure.
