Nawaz says he turned down Musharraf’s ‘clandestine deal’ in 2007

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, while chairing a Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz parliamentary leaders’ meeting, said Tuesday that former president Pervez Musharraf wanted to broker an underhand deal with him in the year 2007, but he turned down this indirect request.

He said the former military ruler had, through an indirect message, sought to settle the issues with him, adding that since he did not believe in underhand deals he declined his request. The premier, while recalling the history, said, “I was forced to leave Pakistan and never come back. Now, Musharraf can’t come back to the country. This is retribution.”

Addressing party leaders, PM Nawaz asked them to work hard to resolve the problems being faced by the electorate in their constituencies. He also said Pakistan’s economy has witnessed a positive turnaround and growing rapidly. The prime minister said speedy work was underway on various projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He said the government has initiated mega energy and infrastructure projects to address the issue of power shortage and increase connectivity in the country.

Nawaz Sharif said the government has overcome the issue of power shortages to a great extent and load shedding will be part of history by the end of next year.

Referring the overall law and order situation, especially the situation in Karachi and Baluchistan he said that we have improved it. Prime Minister Sharif emphasised that our government is paying special attention to the development of Balochistan. He said we have ensured complete transparency in the execution of the projects and never compromised on standards.

Earlier, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar briefed the participants on financial stability and economic growth achieved by the government during last four years. Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique briefed on projects and performance of Pakistan Railways while Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Shahid Khaqan Abbasi gave a briefing on energy projects. Minister for Water and Power Khawaja Asif briefed the participants on achievements of the Water and Power Ministry during the last 4 years.

The PML-N meeting participants discussed matters pertaining to the political situation, development projects and parliamentary affairs. They also slammed the opposition parties hampering the country’s progress.