No country can dictate to Pakistan, says Rafique

Says Pakistan not ready to listen to any ‘do more’ calls

LAHORE: Federal Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique has said no foreign country has the right to dictate to Pakistan on any matter, including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

“The CPEC is a long-term project which will pay dividends for the next four to five decades,” he said on Saturday while addressing a ceremony to distribute prizes among high achievers of Pakistan Railways Schools organised by the PR Directorate of Education at Al-Hamra Hall. PR Chairperson Parveen Agha and CEO Javaid Anwar were also present.

Rafique said Pakistan was no more ready to listen to the "do more" calls, adding that the country had done a great job and its armed forces, police and civilians had sacrificed thousands of lives in the war on terror.

"China does not interfere in the matters of its friends and it only focuses on economic matters. When Pakistan gets closer to China, its enemies feel pain and they try to destabilise the country through their operatives. However, it is our job to make progress by tackling all obstacles," he said.



The minister said it was unfortunate that there were a few negative things in the country, but since great blessings and positive things were also there, there was no need to be disappointed.

"Pakistan is a nuclear power, it has one of the best forces in the world… there is a strong judiciary, a vibrant media, people have the right to vote and political parties are working for the welfare of the people," he said.

Rafique said that Pakistan came into being to remain intact, and whosoever tried to damage it would have to face consequences.

"No one will come from outside to bring progress and prosperity, only we can change our country and we can do it very well," he added.

The minister urged the students to work hard and with dedication as there was no other way to success. He said the PR was still facing deficit but it had been reduced with the efforts of the PR administration, adding that a prosperous and functional railways would be transferred to successors.

The minister congratulated the students, parents, teachers and the administration for what he called remarkable results in the secondary school examinations. Earlier, the minister distributed prizes and shields among the students and teachers.