LAHORE - Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique has said the matter of sending troops to Saudi Arabia is highly sensitive yet the call of the kingdom cannot be overlooked owing to her unconditional support to Pakistan in every tough time.
“Foreign office can give better comment. But nobody can be allowed to violate the sanctity of Makkah and Madina,” the minister said while talking to journalists after addressing the a ceremony of 60th Inter-divisional Athletics Championship organised by Pakistan Railways (PR) here on Saturday.
The minister added every Muslim is concerned about the security of Saudi Arabia.
Talking about the situation in Karachi, Saad said that pace must be restored in the commercial capital of the country and political parties should remove militant wings within their ranks and file.
“We will not spare any target killer or extortionist. MQM has an important role to play in Karachi,” he stated.
Commenting on a recently leaked audio conversation of PTI chief Imran Khan and party leader Dr Arif Alvi, the railway minister said Khan speaks much and make allegations without any evidence.
However, he condemned taping Khan’s telephonic conversation, terming it an open secret. “Every Pakistani knows the language Imran Khan used in its sit-in,” he held.
Earlier, addressing the ceremony, Saad Rafique said that the PR management was making untiring efforts for uplift of the department. He also announced Rs20 million sports grant in next financial year to improve sports facilities within the department.
He promised the number of locomotives for freight sector will be enhanced from present 80 to 100. He added Rs 300 million has been reserved for the staff quarters. “Every year this amount will be increased,” the minister concluded.