Rebuttal to Kamal, Sattar's allegations in order: Saad Rafique

LAHORE: Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) leader Saad Rafique on Monday said a rebuttal to the allegations made by Pak Sarzameen Party (PSP) Chairman Mustafa Kamal and Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) Chief Farooq Sattar is in order.

The railways minister was referring to an earlier statement by Kamal, who had said on Saturday that he met with the MQM-P chairperson because the latter had requested the establishment to bring the two to the table, and Sattar's claims that 'engineered politics' should end. 

"The seriousness of the allegations by the two leaders calls for a rebuttal," the minister said while talking to the media in Lahore. He added that meddling in politics should stop if there is any truth to the accusations.  

Discussing the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's demands for an early election, Rafique said that those who are making such wishes live in a fool's paradise.

"Early elections are not possible and they will only create a democratic crisis," he said adding that the PTI is the only party making the demand.

Rafique had earlier assured Sattar that the government will make efforts to address the “legitimate complaints” of the party.

“Had a telephonic contact with Dr. Farooq Sattar, assured him that federal govt would make an effective effort to address the MQM's legitimate complaints.”

Sattar had announced to quit the party and politics after an hour-long press conference on Thursday. During the press conference, Sattar remarked that he was disappointed in the response he got from his party members following the decision to make a political alliance with Pak Sarzameen Party.

MQM-Pakistan chief also came down hard on PSP Founder Mustafa Kamal and spoke against the way Kamal behaved during their joint press conference on Wednesday.

Almost an hour after the announcement, MQM-Pakistan leaders and supporters tried to pacify Sattar and eventually it was his mother who was able to convince him to take the decision back.

In a second press conference, Sattar took back his decision and also highlighted the plight of MQM-Pakistan.