Khawaja Saad Rafique Defends Punjab’s Role, Calls for End to Blame Game

Lahore:Senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader **Khawaja Saad Rafique** has strongly defended Punjab’s contributions to the country, stating that the province has always played the role of an “elder brother” and never deprived other provinces of their rights.

While addressing a gathering in his constituency, Rafique said that **Punjab has consistently sacrificed for the nation**, helping other provinces by cutting down its own share of resources, yet continues to face baseless allegations. “Punjab has always stepped forward during times of national need. We never complained, never said ‘ouch’,” he remarked.

He further stated that **Punjab bore the brunt of the violence during the Partition**, and it was Punjabi leader **Malik Feroz Khan Noon** who played a crucial role in the acquisition of **Gwadar** for Pakistan.

Saad Rafique expressed frustration that despite **contributing 58% to the national revenue**, Punjab receives only **51% in return** from the federal government. He emphasized that the deterioration of Pakistan cannot be blamed solely on Punjab, but is rather the result of poor leadership across all provinces.

Highlighting development disparities, Rafique claimed that **Punjab is focused on progress**, while in **Balochistan**, he alleged, “corruption continues unchecked.”

He concluded by saying it was time to **put an end to the constant finger-pointing at Punjab** and urged for discussions to be based on **facts rather than political narratives**. “If Punjab is still to be blamed despite everything, then I have nothing more to say,” he stated.

The speech has sparked debate within political and public circles, drawing both support and criticism over the tone and timing of his remarks.