PML-N does not believe in politics of confrontation: Saad Rafique

LAHORE: Federal Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique has said that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) does not believe in politics of confrontation, and the media should stop spreading negative propaganda against his party.

The federal minister gave the message on Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah’s birthday, paying tribute to the founder of the country.

The minister stated, “The judges are the wisest amongst us, and the society that does not respect its elders cannot move forward. But elders should also behave like elders,” Saad Rafique remarked in reference to the recent statements by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Saqib Nisar.

“PML-N respects the judiciary and Pakistan has many capable judges in its midst,” Saad Rafique added.

“We reserve the right to express our personal views about certain judgments of the court. The ruling against Nawaz Sharif has shaken the foundations of democracy to its core.”

Rafique said that people brought the PML-N into power thrice, but a farce was made out of the people’s decision.

“If we (PML-N) had not travelled from Gujranwala to Gujrat at the time, our government in Punjab would probably have been restored. But everyone is witness to the fact that we have never stepped out of the bounds of the mandate given to us by the people”, the minister stated.

He further said that the day is dedicated to democracy and the PML-N will continue to strive for the supremacy of the Constitution.

The federal minister added that Pakistan will have to respect democratic principles and it is the time to solve persisting issues with harmony.

Rafique said that the country is facing financial issues as it is in ‘reverse mode’.

On Dec 16, addressing a Pakistan Bar Council seminar, Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Mian Saqib Nisar had remarked that the judiciary is akin to an elder, wise person whose advice everyone seeks. “Judiciary is your baba [old, wise man].”

“We have made all decisions independently with our conscience,” he remarked, adding that people should stop criticising the judiciary for verdicts against them.