LAHORE: Federal Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique said on Saturday that the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) should cleanse itself from "terrorists and criminals" who are behind the disrupting of Karachi's peace.

Speaking to media representatives after participating in the passing out parade of Railway police recruits as chief guest, the minister maintained that policy of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) towards disgruntled MQM legislators over the issue of resignations was the same as it was towards lawmakers from the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI).

“We even endured their (PTI's) accusations and lies with patience, just so we could bring them back to parliament for greater national interest...a country waging war on ideological, military and economic fronts cannot bear political instability," said Rafique.

The PML-N leader said that the federal government's prime objective was to end of all sorts of terrorism and agitation in order to bring about the country's speedy economic recovery.

"While some elements do not want foreign investment to flow inside Pakistan, the PML-N government is committed to take the bull by its horns for the country's financial well being...including any measures needed to ensure the effective execution of the all important China Pakistan Economic Corridor," the minister said.

On this occasion, Rafique praised what he called the commitment and honesty of the Railway police in carrying out their duties. The gathering also paid homage to former Inspector General (IG) Syed Ibn-i-Hussain and Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Munir Chishti of Railway police, as pioneers of reforms in the department.

Challenging NA-125 verdict 'party decision'

When asked about the tribunal's decision regarding the elections in NA-125, the constituency he represents, the PML-N leader claimed that he wanted to contest the by-polls but will challenge the tribunal's decision in Supreme Court as his party had decided to opt for the move.

When asked about his opponent Sheikh Rasheed’s desire to contest by-polls against him in NA-125, he maintained that Rasheed could willfully take that step.

“I will welcome him if contests against me," said Rafique.

An election tribunal had in May annulled the results of the election in NA-125 and had ordered a re-poll on the seat won by Saad Rafique against his opponent PTI’s Hamid Khan in the 2013 general election.

Later, election tribunals also ruled against two other PML-N lawmakers, Ayaz Sadiq and Siddique Khan Baloch, and ordered re-election in the constituencies that they had been elected from — NA-122 and NA-154 respectively.

The PML-N leadership had on August 27 announced that it will contest by-elections in the NA-122 and NA-154 constituencies while vowing to move the Supreme Court of Pakistan in the NA-125 case.