Look at Karachi, Peshawar and Lahore and Decide for Yourselves: Saad Rafique

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Khawaja Saad Rafique, while addressing a public rally in Skardu, said that people should look at Karachi, Peshawar, and Lahore and make their own judgment about development.

Speaking at a rally in Gamba Skardu, Saad Rafique said that Punjab Chief Minister Nawaz Sharif laid the foundation of modern infrastructure in Pakistan. He added that if Nawaz Sharif’s governments had not been dismissed, the country would have progressed much further.

He said that the party acknowledges its shortcomings and believes that Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir should also receive a share in the National Finance Commission (NFC) award. He added that once their due share is included in the NFC, there would be no need to request funds from elsewhere.

Saad Rafique said that people should visit Karachi, Peshawar, and Lahore to see development for themselves, adding that even cities in Punjab reflect visible progress. He, however, criticized Karachi, calling it neglected and lacking proper governance.

He further stated that after the 18th Amendment, provinces have more financial resources than the federal government. He expressed concern over the worsening situation in Karachi and said that no one is effectively addressing public issues there.

The PML-N leader said that all political parties should be allowed to hold public rallies freely. He also expressed concern over reports of 22-hour load shedding, adding that he felt deeply disturbed by the situation. He mentioned that Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif has initiated a 100-megawatt solar energy project.

Saad Rafique further stated that Pakistan does not accept any Abraham Accords-style agreement.