There is nothing controversial in Saad's statement: Khurshid

Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Khurshid Shah said Friday that he did not find anything objectionable in the recent statement of Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique, which was criticized by the army spokesperson a day earlier.
Addressing media persons at the residence of PPP leader, he said: "I've examined Rafique's remarks and did not find anything controversial in it." He said each and every word of the institution is very important. Responding to a query regarding Shahbaz Sharif's visit to Saudi Arabia, he said the people were wondering why the visit was taking place.
"The nation is watching and wants to know why Shahbaz has gone to Saudi Arabia," he stressed. Shah said that it would be worrisome if this visit was aimed at resolving internal matters of the country. "Pakistan is a nuclear country and should have its own policies and rule. We do not need to knock on anyone else's door." The PPP leader added that the reason for the visit might be to get a new National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO).
When asked was the difference between this NRO, that issued during the Musharraf government, Shah responded "there is a huge difference. Democracy came in the country, an army general removed his uniform, Nawaz Sharif returned from exile. Parliament completed its tenure and there was a historic transfer of power. In this NRO it seems there are ongoing corruption cases. It is a problem of ladlas (dear ones)."
Shah was referring to the departure of Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Saad Rafique to Saudi Arabia. Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is also expected to leave for the Kingdom over the weekend. Khurshid said the PPP wants democracy to continue in the country and for the general polls to be held on time.
With regards to the FATA reforms, Shah said the party has been supporting the reforms and merger of the tribal areas with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa since day one. He claimed the government is avoiding taking a decision on the FATA issue due to its 'commitments' and added that he does not think the matter will drag on for long and a decision will be taken soon.
Responding to a question about the PPP leaders' meeting with Pakistan Awami Tehreek chief Tahirul Qadri, Shah said there is nothing new in the meetings as they have already met to discuss the Model Town tragedy. "We don't want distances with any political party," he asserted. When asked about the plans of sit-ins by some political parties, he said it is a democratic right of everyone to protest.