Saad asks Imran to resign, face charges

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Railways and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Khawaja Saad Rafique has called for the resignation of Imran Khan over allegations of misconduct levelled by former PTI member Ayesha Gulalai.

Addressing the media after being sworn in as railways minister on Friday, Saad Rafique urged Imran Khan to step down as the party chief and present himself before an independent forum for investigation over Gulalai’s allegations that he “sent her inappropriate text messages hinting at marriage”, Geo News reported.

“Khan Sahib, where is your dignity now? You keep asking for resignations from other people, now it’s time for you to present yourself before an independent forum and either prove your innocence or face punishment,” the minister said.

"No other political leader here in the past has faced such allegations. This is shameful, Khan Sahib," he said.  Rafique said the PML-N has not invited Gulalai to join the party. “Face the facts. Khan Sahib, what you have taught your followers besides hurling abuses at others,” he remarked.

The PML-N leader said his party has decided to file a review petition against Nawaz Sharif’s disqualification in the Panama Papers case. He urged the judiciary to ensure a level-playing field for the Sharifs.

“It is my humble request: provide us a level-playing field. It is our fundamental right. No discrimination should happen,” Rafique said, adding that his party as well as other notable individuals have expressed reservations over the Supreme Court overseeing proceedings of the NAB and the accountability court. "Nawaz Sharif cannot be taken out of the hearts of people. We will return stronger in next elections," he said.