Maryam needs to be cautious in her speeches, says Rafique

LAHORE: Minister for Railways and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Khawaja Saad Rafique Monday said that Maryam Nawaz needs to be "cautious when addressing public meetings".

Speaking exclusively to Geo News, the PML-N leader said the former first daughter is like a younger sister to him. "Maryam has been working hard, however, it is not the right time to compare her to Benazir Bhutto."

"She needs to be cautious when speaking (publicly)," he added.

Rafique said that Nawaz Sharif will soon return to the country, but denied there was any discussion within the party to make Begum Kulsoom Nawaz prime minister.

He denied rumours of rifts within the PML-N and said that everyone is united under Nawaz Sharif's leadership. "Chaudhry Nisar is our senior, he has his own opinion."

The minister said the PTI, PPP and Jamaat-e-Islami should learn from the NA-120 by-election result.

Commenting on Sharif's ouster, he said had they confronted the establishment's disqualification of Nawaz Sharif, then it would have made the circumstances worse.

The PML-N leader said he is against family politics, however, it is the right of politicians' children to come to the fore if they brave hardships.

The minister also alleged that the Indian military of fanning hatred in Afghanistan and Balochistan, Rafique said it is necessary to respond to them in a fitting manner.

"India is a major country and it will have to demonstrate maturity to restore peace in the region."

Maryam actively campaigned for PML-N's candidate for NA-120, Begum Kulsoom Nawaz after she had to leave for the UK to seek medical treatment for cancer. 

During the run-up to the elections, Maryam addressed numerous gatherings and rallies of PML-N workers and supporters. 

The PML-N won the NA-120 constituency by-polls according to unofficial and unverified poll results.