ISLAMABAD, July 22 (Alliance News): Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) senior leader Khawaja Saad Rafique on Wednesday responded to Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, saying historical events surrounding the 1971 breakup of Pakistan could not be ignored and would continue to invite questions.
Addressing a PML-N public gathering in Islamabad ahead of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections, Saad Rafique said his remarks were based on historical facts rather than political allegations.
He paid tribute to former prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, describing her as a true martyr who made significant contributions to strengthening democracy in Pakistan.
Referring to the 1971 crisis, Saad Rafique said the Bengali leadership should have been allowed to form the government after winning the public mandate, adding that denying the democratic mandate was one of the key factors behind the separation of East Pakistan.
He also claimed that former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto did not accept the election results at the time, describing it as one of the developments that contributed to the national crisis.
The PML-N leader said he had no desire to seek any government office and remained fully committed to his party.
“I am a product of the PML-N and remain loyal to the party from head to toe,” he said.
Responding to Bilawal Bhutto’s recent criticism, Saad Rafique said historical realities could not be changed through political speeches, adding that Bilawal would have to address questions related to the past.
In an apparent reference to the election symbols of the two parties, he remarked that “a rusted arrow cannot hunt a lion,” taking a swipe at the PPP during his address.
