ISLAMABAD – Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique said on Monday that the workers of ruling Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz did not accept the verdict handed out by the Supreme Court of Pakistan that led to the disqualification of premier Nawaz Sharif.
Talking to newsmen in Gujranwala, the minister stated that ruling party was not pressurising the state institutions through its GT road power show, however, justice was denied in the Panama case verdict by the top court.
The minister said that Nawaz Sharif was made premier of the country thrice by the masses and their mandate needs to be honoured.
He maintained that no decision whatsoever can eliminate Nawaz Sharif’s love from people of Pakistan.
He criticised Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf saying that the party hurled allegations about rigging in General Elections 2013 and moved the court to investigate the matter, however, as per the agreement the party did not withdraw its allegations despite findings of the judicial commission.
He fired broadside at Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chief Imran Khan and termed him a ‘pawn’, saying he will face defeat soon. He also accused him of doing propaganda against the incumbent government by hurling baseless allegations and using abusive language so that he can become prime minister.
“PTI is frightened when we (PML-N) are going home,” noted Rafique and questioned whether lockdown and storming Parliament was in favour of democracy.
The lawmaker noted that the ruling party respected the court but the Constitution allowed them to express their grievances and welcome their party chief.
“PML-N believes that the criteria of Sadiq and Ameen should be applied to everyone,” added Saad Rafique.
In the backdrop of premier Nawaz Sharif’s disqualification, the lawmaker advised political parties to strengthen and organise themselves.
‘To those celebrating ouster of Nawaz, remember we would not celebrate your disqualification because there’s a vacant seat lying for you in our container,” said Rafique.
Regarding the tirade of allegations hurled by Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf’s disgruntled member Ayesha Gulalai against Imran Khan, the minister observed that it was Imran Khan’s own matter.
“Neither we are behind this controversy, nor we do such type of politics,” said Saad Rafique.