Senior PML-N leader Khawaja Saad Rafique has urged political parties to end confrontation and begin meaningful dialogue to address Pakistan’s growing political and security challenges.
Speaking at an event in Lahore, the former federal minister stressed the need for a new Charter of Democracy and Charter of Economy. He said the country was passing through a difficult period and political forces must work together instead of deepening divisions.
Saad Rafique said the political temperature in Pakistan needed to come down immediately. He warned that increasing terrorism, violence and economic uncertainty were creating serious concerns for the country.
He said daily incidents of terrorism required a broader national consensus. According to him, both the government and opposition should sit together to find solutions to key national problems, especially issues linked to security and the economy.
The PML-N leader emphasized that all political parties accepting the Constitution should be engaged through democratic dialogue. He said political reconciliation was necessary for national stability.
Without directly naming Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leadership in detail, Saad Rafique remarked that no political party could avoid negotiations forever. He said if hostile countries across the world could resolve differences through talks, then political rivals inside Pakistan could also move toward dialogue.
He also raised concerns about the local government system in the country. Saad Rafique said repeated dissolution of local bodies had weakened governance and increased frustrations in smaller provinces. He called for constitutional protection for local governments to ensure stability and continuity.
Discussing provincial matters, the senior politician opposed proposals focusing only on the division of Punjab. He said all provinces should be treated equally and reforms should not target a single province alone.
Saad Rafique also defended Nawaz Sharif against criticism over his silence in recent political developments. He said Nawaz Sharif had already paid a heavy political price in the past and questioned how much more he was expected to say publicly.
“Our party members usually remain quiet, but I speak openly,” Saad Rafique said during his address, adding that he had kept himself politically independent within party affairs.
Toward the end of his speech, the PML-N leader praised Pakistan’s 1998 nuclear tests. He credited the country’s armed forces, scientists and political leadership for protecting the nuclear programme despite international pressure and economic difficulties faced at that time.
