Senior PML-N leader Khawaja Saad Rafique has stressed the urgent need for political maturity and national unity, saying Pakistan cannot afford further political confrontation or instability at this critical time.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of development projects in Lahore, Rafique cautioned that the politics of violence, vandalism, and aggressive slogans like “burn and destroy” or “kill them” are not in the nation’s interest.

“Politicians must adopt patience, tolerance, and dialogue. Those who still haven’t understood this reality must now realise that the only way forward for Pakistan is unity and cooperation,” he said.

Referring to Punjab, Rafique emphasized that if the province’s elected representatives failed to protect its dignity and honor, they would be answerable before the nation.

On the situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, he credited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the government’s special committee for diffusing tensions through dialogue and mutual understanding, rather than force.

Rafique further asserted that political issues should not be resolved through coercion or brute force, but rather through negotiation at the table. He also underscored the importance of respecting the authority of state institutions, particularly those in military or police uniforms, calling them symbols of national stability and order.

“Challenging the authority of these institutions is not only irresponsible, but dangerous,” he warned.

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His remarks come amid heightened political polarization and calls for calm and consensus across party lines.