File photo of PML-N leader Khawaja Saad Rafique.
Saad Rafique was alleged of forcibly shutting doors of a polling station in NA-125 and putting stamps on tiger, with the help of police.
He was holding a press conference in response to the protests held by the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) in Lahore and urged the PTI chairman to do mature politics.
“Please don’t be jealous of us,” Rafique further urged. “I wonder when this drama of protests will end. It is hindering daily lives of the masses.”
He expressed his fear that the hatred spread by Imran is showing in young boys and girls and this may derail democracy.
“My constituency consists of slums, middle class area and posh areas. The posh area voted for bat and I accept that,” he explained the geographic of his constituency NA-125 “While rest of the areas voted for tiger.”
“The PTI is holding media trial of PML-N,” he blamed the PTI. “Please don’t make Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf, Tehreek-i-Nainsaf.”
“I’ll leave my seat if they prove that I’ve rigged,” he said. “Why don’t they [put] on-air all these proofs.”
“I myself know witnessed that female workers of PTI had captured polling stations in DHA,” he said. “I then went inside but slogans were shouted at me”
“We congratulate you [PTI] for winning as single majority in KP because we are mature politicians” Rafique said.
“Don’t they want to accept the mandate of the masses? Do they consider them insects?” he questioned the PTI supporters.
“The ECP and other institutions helped in conducting relatively fair elections,” he praised the authorities for encouraging the voters to come out.
He allegedly rigged the elections in Lahore by getting into a ladies polling booth and forcing them to vote for PML-N.
“The policy statement of our leader is our agenda,” he said with a satisfied smile.
Nawaz had earlier pardoned everyone during his first speech.
“We know how to fight but we don’t have time to fight,” he said in the end.
COMMENTS (107)
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PTI has got second most votes in election 2013. Imran Khan should be matured now. PTI leadership should go to election tribunal or court, if they have solid proves of rigging in NA-125 Lahore. Media trial of Saad Rafique and PML-N is not appreciable.
@J: Thankx for the support. Its good to find that many ppl are with PTI n want their Quaid's Pakistan back! =)
@SAIMA: it is not decision of Pakistani public but punjabi bureaucracy.
People are emphasing to aacept the results why they need acceptance? If the election is free and fair then move on. It does not matter what IK & his party says. If there is question mark on the credibility of elections then you can not get that accepted by any sane person. To have more confidence of masses in the democratic process it needs credibility, which can only be established through fairness. Why ECP can verify thumb impression on voter list and Nadra finger prints. All will be clear like a crystal ball then IK wont have any excuse to not accept the victoreious.
Everyone knows elections have been stolen by thugs and canmen...but unfortunately, nothing will happen unless computerized polling system is implemented in Pakistan.
@Jia Fatima: and the rest are traitors? are you saying that they dont love Pakistan ....a big LOL at ur thinking and yes Grow up PTI followers... u guys are full of hate....
@Amir Iftikhar Warraich: thats what he is saying my friend ....
@Asghar: I agreed with wat u r saying. Even My family n me r with PTI. Actually, its nt the rich ppl who r supporting PTI bt the ones who r educated n love PAKISTAN>.
@Samina:
shame on you Samina, to pass a comment like this and insulting a person who are loyal with pakistanis. who have a thought like Samina will never grow up. let me say this kind of people in pakistan will never grow.
@Quaid: Quaid e Azam joined PML? PML??? Really? in 1940? Really?
If only IK knew this is dirty politics, he would have exactly behaved as diplomatically as these people work!! and Its not about accepting defeat, its about winning the match fairly. Saad Rafique was caught and sent out of women booth. Who gave him the right to enter women polling stations? If he saw PTI supporters campaigning then as a GROWN UP he should have professionally complained. Mr. Nawaz Sharif did mistakes in the past and only time will tell how much he has learned from them and I hope that he makes Pakistan a better place to live!!
In the present day condition you hold election for thousands of time the outcome will be what the establishment want.
@CHARYAONLINE, The total number of cast votes in NA 75 were >150 K. All the of your arguments invoking the results of previous elections of for PTI are pointless given PTI wasn't a force then, now it is. If PTI adds to its tally a couple of seats where it felt it was unlawfully deprived off, there would be no big change in the overall shape of National Assembly. But what actually matters, is the prevalence of justice.
Saad Rafique, we are with you. I voted for you alongwith my family and friends. Allah bless you. I treat you as one of the best personality in PML N. It is so sad that immature kids of PTI are making you a disputed person. It is very sad.
It is a fact that “burger kids” of PTI have been trolling on the social media lately. But, unfortunately, their comments & disrespect of elders created doubts in the minds of serious people. The advertisement campaign of PTI was pathetic; simply running negative advertisements against PMLN. . When hiring a Senior Manager, you always look for the maturity and relevant experience then how can you hire your Leader on the basis of shallow rhetoric?? . As someone has rightly put it “the mental age of PTI supporters is not more than 5 years”. . Grow up PTI !!!
@tanvir: In your polling station, what were the results like and for what reason? educate us. thanks
Nawaz Sharif is the most mature politician. I appreciate him because he has given due respect to mandate of PTI in KPK. I like his disciplined approach. Imran needs to learn a lot of things. He is doing student politics. He should grow up and open his heart for opponents.
Give respect. Get respect. PTIs stance is always wrong on social media. They always criticize without having any background knowledge. They should give respect to PML(N) mandate so that there mandate should also be respected.
It is a fact that youth of Lahore voted for PML-N. That is why PML-N won. PTI should show the courage and digest this truth. I request to PTI supporters to watch press conference of Saad Rafique again. Everythig will be clear to them. I voted for PML-N alongwith all my class fellows and I am quite satisfied with that.
@Pakistani Ostrich: Only if you can recall, IK was sort of a player who never blamed others for his failure. I remember Sriknath protested while walking back to the pavilion after being given out and IK, who was captain at that time called him back.
As for the election results, you are right that Imran Khan..clean bowled..by nawaz sharif..middle stump knocked off..it is not LBW! No third umpire review required!, but the bowler over stepped and the umpire (election commission) needs to check that.
I am a PTI supporter and feel honoured and proud to vote for PTI. I want to thank Imran Khan and PTI for giving me this opportunity to vote for him.First time ever I felt proud and relieved after casting my vote. I would like to urge all PTI supporters please don't lose hope, the journey has just begun and............yes we khan.
Politics is for men and big boys dont cry. Pti learn.
i suggest saad rafique to be humble and praise to allah for his and party victory. they are in government. now they have chance to prove themselves. pmln is the incumbent government and they should be ready to face criticism from opposition parties. now pmln must perform or will be wiped out in next general elections like pppp.
@SAIMA: With all due respect, PML-N followers are the blindest, who can't see the rigging infront of them
Can anybody please explain why turnout is more than 100% in some polling stations where Imran Khan, Shafqat Mehmood and some polling stations in Peshawar where PTI won? I think its something else not rigging. Source FAFEN report!! Please stop crying and grow up!!!
PTI accepts that PML-N is the largest party of the Punjab and Pakistan. Thats a fact from Saturdays vote and congratulations to Khawaja-shb. But PTI is sure about rigging in some NA seats and Imran Khan want re-count and he will accept ANY outcome even if all in favor of PML-N. Thats a fair sportsman spiriit for sure! Pakistan zindabad!
Imran Khan showed fake dreams to his followers. Encouraging protesters is no more than face saving. He nurtured this hatred against NS among his supporters. How can he let go this emotion so easily. He would like to maintain it till the next elections.
Dear Khawaja-shb,
Why afraid?
PTI only asks for re-counting of 25 NA seats in Punjab, as demanded ny Khan-shb.
We will accept whatever outcome, even if all are in favor of PML-N.
Best wishes,
Amir Warraich DHA, Lhr.
Imran Khan wants to be exiled! He is jealous of Nawaz shareef an Bhutto Zardari who returned from exile an regained thei powr. He wants to th UK as well.
Rex Minor
LAHORE always loved Nawaz Sharif. It is proved again. PML-N defeated alliance of PTI and PPP. Both did maximum propaganda against PML-N during election compaign but Lahoris are very wise. Despite heavy negative propaganda, they again chose PML-N. This is a truth that is not being digested by PTI.
I salute Saad Rafiq for properly answering all queries of PTI. But I feel that PTI supporers did not listen his press conference carefully. They are always eager to criticize. They do not use their mind like their leader IK. Any candidate can visit any polling station and same was done by him. PTI is master of propaganda on facebook and other social media.
I condemn the negative politics done by PTI. Imran should grow up and behave like mature politician. If we listen to Saad Rafique carefuuly, we will get the answer to all questions of PTI.
IK has not showed sportsman spirit. Saad Rafique has replied to all allegations in his press conference. If anyone is not satisfied, he should contact Election Commission. There is no benefit of dharna.
While Imran Khan proves himself to be a good batsman, Mian Nawaz Sharif proves to be a good statesman. Countries need a batsman to play cricket but need statesman to run the government.
win or lose but please make our vote count.....we are not protesting in support of any party but to make our voice heard
all the arguments given by Saad Rafiq are valid and quite logical. Imran is educating the youth to do politics of hate and agitation. What a nice lesson given by IK! I feel sorry to see the short-sightedness of Imran. ALLAH bless pakistan.
@doctor: All anti-pakistan sources
All the following independent surveys already indicated the success of PML N and popularity of PML N in Punjab: 1. IRI 2. Gallup 3. Economist 4. Newyork Times I request PTI supporters to stop weeping now.
He should grow up and you should stop being a bully it's not high school. Lead by example.
Allah bless Pakistan. Allah bless Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan. Nawaz Sharif showed a goodwill gesture in his Abbottabad Jalsa after accident to Imran in Lahore but this good gesture was not properly accepted by PTI followers. It was Nawaz Sharif who showed this courage because he has become a very mature politician. He is coming into power again after 14 years of struggle. PTI wants to make his success a dispute. It is a very short sighted approach.
I am hurt Saad Rafiq when you say that DHA and Cantt didn't vote for you is wrong, we voted for you Saad, stay mature and seek an apology from DHA and Cantt voters!!
PTI allegations are baseless. There is independent election commission. There is independent provincial government. There is independent judiciary. All administration including police in Lahore was changed by Najam Sethi (CM) before elections. There is independent media in Pakistan. There were independent international observers in Lahore during elections.
PTI has no solid proof of any type of rigging. All baseless propaganda is being done. Shame for them. They should accept their defeat with big heart. But I know they will not do so as educated by their leader IK.
I think many of you haven't seen a video message by IK, he clearly said we will sit in opposition and will form a government in KP if they can... What more you want a sportsmanship he should go and kiss Nawaz on his forehead like Zardari will do.... And if people from high class are supporting even they have every luxurious life and coming in the streets and protesting its great change @ Jia... Fully agreed Quaide azam left in 1930 detached and disshearted but in 1932 after 3rd round table conference in London after the persuasion of Allama Iqbal he came back .
@tanvir: Dear Tanvir sahib, can u tell us just for the info, how many registered voters were in na 75, how many turned out to vote. Also pls see and check how many registered voters in Lahore, constituency wise, how many came to vote, does this late annoucement came only where PTI was contesting or it does happen else where? Do you really think PTI was unbeatable in all Pakistan? Do you know Ik last record, he lost all the seats AM I right or wrong? One seat he won thanks to musharaff who gave him loly pop of prime ministership? what happened in last election of PTI all his candidate lost AM I right or wrong? wasnt he good man, repectable and mature at that time? wasnt he honest in that time. Suddenly now he becomes only MASIHAH in Pakistan. I am not against him, we has done better this time Let him grow and Mature in Pakistani Political envoirement. Instead of making accusations each other, Pls go by the book, if anybody has any proof of rigging he should show it to Election commioner if they dont take any action then Courts are doing good jobs they will get Justice over their. Everybody has the right to express his right sentiments but it shouldnt be volatile in nature. (pls for give for my grammer mistakes) But I really think that he can be next Prime minister of PAkistan in next BARI this is surely at this time not his BARI
1) Its not Imran Khan who is protesting against the results. Its the dozens of eye witnesses who went to cast their vote and found their right snatched for them. 2) To say that the "burger awam" is not accepting the result : JI boycotted elections in Karachi due to the rigging their voters and polling agents witnessed. What "burger awam" does Jamat-i-Islami represent? Lets not introduce more divides into our already divided awam. I know families of house keepers, and people who live in slums who voted for PTI. 3) If protesting against wrong, corruption, and the blatant denial of our constitutional rights is crying wolf, then we will keep on crying wolf until these wrongs are righted.
@Pakistani: Sir you are completely wrong. It is not the rich who are PTI supporters. Please dont create a baseless divide in the country, there are enough ethnic and sectarian issues. Myself and everyone I know are middle class working individuals and we all support PTI. We have our ideology and you have yours. Please don't turn this into a rich versus not rich issue. Secondly we don't want to turn Pakistan into a dance club. Please don't judge people like that.
PTI accept results now. From zero to 34 seats is good performance. Watch out JUI is stealing your mandate in KPK. You will lose KPK as well
Bravo Saad Rafique. He is absolutely true that PTI including their Burger Party Worker must stop weeping. Across Pakistan and particularly in Lahore their was no rigging. Why you want to take PML-N into blame game instead of doing what people of Pakistan given them mandate to do. Lahore including NA-125 does not mean defense areas its also cover other masses. The rest Saad himself articulated well. Please stop the blame game. Brave PML-N for their victory. villagechamyati@gmail.com
Mr Rafique if you were in a civilized country with unbiased law enforcement agencies you would've been given a statement to a judge and not a newspaper
@SAIMA: would you congratulate your opponent knowing he has cheated. i don't think so and btw PML-N did not get a unanimous vote. it was only the rural Punjabi people who chose them. If they had the country wide support, as you have suggested then why didn't they lead the polls in other regions. on the other hand if you think Saad Rafique's popularity is genuine then why hesitate to have a re-poll. what are you scared of? It's people's fundamental right to know the truth. Period.
says the man who was caught on camera in the polling booth http://www.defence.pk/forums/national-political-issues/251750-rigging-galore.html
look who is talking
Watch Hamid Mir programme 13-may-2013 to see the evidence of rigging.
@Nomi: All yur these points are illogical. His using of false language is nt immaturity but its an answer to the false adds played against IK too. N Nawaz Sharif only played a drama ov the visit, flowers just like gandhi did in 1947. Please this is my suggestion tht if u havnt read HISTORY thn dont play politics becoz HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF n whn u dont knw the past u cant predict the future!
Saad Rafique if you are matured politician and innocent than why are you blamed for rigging. Why people and media are not saying Imran? That's the difference between you and Imran.
@Faheem: Wat do U mean by sportsman spirit? He has played the game of life n death for our Pakistan! N before asking this question please reas THIS! Even our GREAT QUAID lost his sportsman spirit while creating Pakistan. Dont u remember whn he left everythng n went to London n on the advice of Mr.Allama Iqbal, he returnd to the field of politics.
IMRAN should accept the decision of Pakistani public. He should congratulate Nawaz Sharif. He should had been the first person to congratulate Nawaz Sharif but unfortunately he did not do so. He lost a good opportunity to prove himself as a wise man.
Imran, please grow up. At the age of 60, you behave like a teen ager.
i am happy that PTI has emerged as a reasonable party in these elections. but i dont like negative propaganda after elections. PTI needs to learn a lot.
One of the interesting thing about PTI opponents from Punjab to Karachi is that they are converting these protests against electoral rigging into class conflict, which is a deadly proposition in a country already marred by ethnic and sectarian conflicts. I have no idea why are PMLN and MQM so insecure after winning so many seats, they can just allow re-poling in certain areas.
I know what type of youth is with PTI. Most of the upper class rich and modern youth support PTI. They wanted to make entire Pakistan as a Dance Club. But youth of other type stopped their way with the power of vote.
I served as Assistant Presiding Officer in these elections. Many of my colleagues also served as Presiding Officer or Assistant Presiding Officer. I firmly believe that there was no rigging in Lahore. It was quite transparent election. I hope people will agree with me. Thanks.
Say right what is right. Say wrong what is wrong. PTI always does baseless criticism against PML N just to get cheap popularity. There was lot of youth that voted for PML N.
imran always took wrong decisions during his entire life. He is again doing mistakes. Mandate of pml n should be accepted. There was no rigging in Punjab.
Look who is talking!! Saad himself needs this advice......
Khawaja Saad Rafique was losing his seat in NA125 at the very outset and it was announced several times on TV channels that Hamid Khan of PTI is leading in NA 125. But after the extension of polling time by one hour he took advantage of extension in time by one hour. As alleged in the aforesaid report he closed the door of polling station and was found stamping the ballot papers. His brother was badly defeated in NA 126. It appears that he has lost his senses and is going out of control. I understand that a petition is being filed in Supreme Court by his opponent Hamid Khan against rigging of polls in NA 125 which has led Saad Rafique to be furious and angry.
I don't care what IK wants , I know one THing .. that when i came to vote ,my vote stands null and void because of the fact that a contestant on NA125 rigged the polls .. and i will not go back and stand until i get an answer on WHY
A big heart is required to congratulate the opponent. I think that Imran does not have such heart. He is very immature.
I can imagine PTI supporters disappointment, Imran should calm the protesters and they should seek there protest through Election tribunal and court, at the end of day its only few constituencies. PNL(N) has won in majority, PTI has changed the politics of Pakistan, in my mind PTI has won. Well done Imran and PTI.
@Nomi: it may well be the PML N won the election - but it would be much better if allegations of vote stuffing can be investigated immediately and put to bed.... That is the best way to address Imran khan once and for all; otherwise it seems like Nawaz is trying to sweep things under the carpet...
Imran khan is great human being bt sadly its true he is still immautured in politics
Jeet ka nasha hai. Utrey ga ahista ahista. Pakistanio be ready for 5 years more loadshedding and terrorism.
Tribune you will have to start providing reality or soon you will lose relevence.... I don't need you for news.... I have twitter
@younis: Unfortunately there are just too many stories back by evidence in many constituencies now for this to be a case of sour grapes. It is extremely important that Nawaz, if he has indeed secured such a great majority, support the ECP for an urgent review of these allegations. The only reason to object would be if he is concerned there will be substance in these allegations of irregularities.
Saad and Qureshi of PTI are brothers. Their best moments are when they are quiet. The irony is both PML-N and especially PTI had continued to delegitimize the last elected govt and they are not stopping now. Learn from your party chiefs.
Lahoris love nawaz sharif. it is a fact and it was expressed by them in these elections. PTI should accept the defeat.
what the nation needs is peace in PAKISTAN, especially karachi. whosoever creates problems, first listen to his grievances. if he is adamnant on creating trouble, then wipe him off from this earth irrespective of caste, creed, colour etc.national reconciliation with all parties is important by mutual understanding with mqm, ppp, anp, pml etc. BE SOFT FIRST, THEN VERY TOUGH FOR TROUBLE MAKERS . WE NEED PEACE AS FIRST PRIORITY. do not listen to threats from any corner, please. PAKISTAN=ZINDABAAAB
There are ethical standards for every field. Imran should learn ethics of politics. I feel sorry to see the politics of PTI.
PTI is present only on FACEBOOK and SOCIAL MEDIA. I am always astonished to read comments full of hate for others written by PTI supporters. I feel pity for them.
I performed duty as presiding officer in a backward village that was 25 KM from Faisalabad. There was no proper road though I took my own vehicle with me. The electricity wasn't there during vote counting. The results were ready by 7 pm. By 8 pm, I was in the office of returning officer of this constituency. By 10 pm, my result was entered in the database. And the result of that constituency (NA 75) were declared by midnight on private channels. Guys, Lahore is assumed to have much better facilities. I am shocked and its impossible for me to believe that results took 18-24 hours to be compiled ( The results of most of Lhr constituencies were announced 18-24 hours after the polling time was up). I sincerely believe that all this time was consumed in tempering the results and I, being the part of the process, know that this is possible.
I am a PTI supporter and voted in favour of PTI. But I feel sorry for Imran now. He is doing traditional politics that was done in 90s. I am really shocked to see such politics of my leader. Allah bless Pakistan.
@Shoaib Rabbani: Lol. Yeah I could totally see that evidence working in the court of law. /sarcasm
i dont know what type of politics Imran is doing. i respect PTI mandate in KPK but Imran should also show a bit maturity. he should convey greetings to nawaz sharif.
He's right. Defence and Cantt don't make up even half of na250 and claiming it does is just more of the same arrogant and ignorant statements that define PTI.
Right now the party is dangerously close to being called the boy that cried wolf. You must accept the votes of the middle income and lower income workers who have overwhelmingly supported Saad Rafique. They deserve to have their vote heard even if they can't blast their tune on facebook or geo. They deserve it because they are the people who are most affected by our votes.
I request the pti supporters to reflect deeply on what they are forcing on the state and its people.
so is he new Mr. Sannaullah of PMLN?
Imran should open his mind. He should accept defeat of PTI with open heart and congratulate his opponents.
Imran Khan is very immature. He showed his immaturity many times. For example: 1. He used quite abusive and unethical language against Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif in election compaign. 2. When he was admitted in Hospital, Shehbaz Sharif went there to see him with a bouquet of flowers but Imran refused to meet him. 3. When Imran met an accident during election compaign, Nawaz Sharif stopped his personal election compaign for one day but no PTI leader expressed a single word of appreciation for Nawaz Sharif. 4. PML-N has won the election with vast majority but Imran has still not congratulated PML-N. All it shows that Imran has still to learn so many things. He should leave narrow mindedness.
It is PML( N ) and Saad Rafique who should grow up.Through his press conference, he has stirred and encouraged hatred between have and have nots, class struggle and infighting between them by refering to posh areas and slums.It has horrible consequences for all and PML(N).
In my view, the real winner of this election is PTI...........from scratch, they have become the second largest party of this country. Even where they have lost, they have been able to make tough contests and came very near to snatching the constituency. I will request my friends at PTI to be positive and look at the thinhs poitively. You have achieved so much by making this election successful........PTI is indeed the single factor behind the turn out and motivating large swaths of population to come out and poll for the first time. PTI may achieve even more, if it comes out of this dhandli dhandli attitude..........there may be some rigging here and there but lets ignore it and grab the opportunity to build up the lives of the people around you.
show magnanimity and win hearts of more people around you instead of calling all thoes who have not voted for you as fools and jahils.
If Imran Khan wants PTI to be a big party in real terms then he must show a big heart........otherwise he and his followers will always be embrolled in blame games and frustrate themselves and others.
Here is one of many proofs. Do you want more? http://tribune.com.pk/story/547642/pml-n-candidate-rigs-poll-in-lahore-polling-station-meesha-shafi/
I want to ask Imran Khan: Where is your sportsman spirit now? PTI did well in elections; especially in KP, take it!
I'm not spamming! For those of you supporting PTI. Please I beg of you campaign for Imran Khan to become CM. The people of KPK need a leader and severely need a morale booster. His vision needs a canvas! He might not even get Opposition Leader because of the PPP and he can easily bring members to his party to form the next government in KPK. It could show his skills as an administrator for all of Pakistan to see. He could help expand his base and finally abolish the religious parties hold, who did more damage than the ANP or PPP ever could. What is happening in KPK and FATA is result of their rule. Please join: Imran Khan Chief Minister Pakhtunkhwa
Saad Rafique Sahab you should go to Danish School.
These men have dead souls.
Look whos talking!
Is he giving this statement locked up inside a polling booth?
“Imran Khan saab, please grow up and accept the election results,” the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) leader Khawaja Saad Rafique..
The Kaptaan and PTI are behaving the same way, when they behave when we lose an important cricket match, instead of looking at our failure, we blame the umpiring decision or some conspiracy! Imran Khan..clean bowled..by nawaz sharif..middle stump knocked off..it is not LBW! No third umpire review required! Stop whining and go back to the pavilion!
IK didn't ask the public to come out - It's the public who felt betrayed - Secondly, what about your celebration! Aren't they making lives of common people miserable?
Grow up Imran..... Don
t you see hundred of people protesting against you dont you see the first time this nation participated entusitaclly to participate in the election and you stole their rights.... And now you say grow up Imran....Once upon a time Saad Rafique had good credibility.
We don't want mature politicians , we have all seen what mature politicians do. Quaid Azam was a novice when he joined PML and look what he did, shook up roots of the British empire. We suggest you to accept that times are changing and there is nothing wrong with protesting and raising your voice.
Pakistan Zindabad.