Saad Rafique asks Bilawal to show 'courage'

LAHORE: Lashing back at a series of fervent criticisms from PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, PML-N leader Khawaja Saad Rafique attributed the former’s discontent to his dim prospects of becoming the prime minister.

“Bilawal’s frustration stems from the increasing distance he faces from the prime minister's seat. He should stay resilient and contest elections based on the Sindh government's performance and the election manifesto," the PML-N leader wrote on ‘X’ on Saturday.

His remarks come amid the PPP's accusations of PML-N's foray into Sindh, traditionally a stronghold of the PPP, and their alignment with MQM-P. The rift between the two parties widened as the PPP censured the Nawaz Sharif-led PML-N, a former ally, for consolidating support from electables in Balochistan.

Addressing Bilawal's criticism regarding the inclusion of ex-members and politicians into the PML-N’s fold, Khawaja Saad Rafique defended the strategy, citing the necessity for alliances and coalitions in governance,
He reminded that the practice was employed by both PPP and PTI in the past. "To form a government, the crutches of elected representatives or members are needed."

Read Bilawal warns against 'imposed PM'

Highlighting the party's intentions, Rafique expressed a vision of transforming Sindh's cities, saying that if voted to power, the party aspired to emulate the development seen in Lahore and Faisalabad.

He emphasised the urgency of reforming the existing system in Sindh for progress.

'Nawaz anxious about Bilawal's popularity'

Meanwhile, amid the escalating verbal sparring, PPP leader Nadeem Afzal Chan aimed a sharp remark at PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif, accusing him of conveniently forgetting his iconic slogan "Mujhe Kyun Nikala" (why was I removed) in London.

“Nawaz is concerned about PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari's rising popularity," the PPP leader said. He alleged Saad Rafique was aiding Nawaz Sharif's alleged intentions to seize control of PIA. Predicting PML-N's electoral fortune, he asserted, “PML-N won't even secure 25 seats from Punjab.”