- PML-N stalwart confirms presence of two groups in PML-N: one for reconciliation and the other for resistance
- PM Abbasi says there is nothing wrong if Nisar has an opinion
ISLAMABAD: Criticising his own party yet again, former interior minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said Monday that the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has turned into a “party for self-interests” and it is about time that the senior leadership comes out of the state of confusion.
Nisar’s advice to his party came during a media talk at a time when a high-level PML-N huddle took place in London, with former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif and Finance Minister Ishaq Dar in attendance.
The PML-N stalwart even took a hit at Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, saying he shouldn’t have had mentioned the danger of formation of a technocratic government. “PM shouldn’t have brought it up. There will be immense loss if elections are delayed,” he added.
The ex-minister recalled that he had expressed his concerns in a party meeting and not out in the public.
Nisar confirmed the presence of two groups within the party, saying one was for reconciliation and the other one for resistance. He, however, added that “there is no rift within the party. There is only difference of opinion”.
The former minister suggested conducting damage control after the loss, rather than having a confrontation with the apex court. “Appeal can be filed against the court’s decision and one can criticise it, however, confrontation is not recommended,” commented Nisar.
The top PML-N leader advised his party to avoid speeches on the Panama case and recommended against writing to the Supreme Court for the establishment of a commission.
Nisar compared the current political scenario with the 1970s, saying today’s conditions were much difficult than that of 1970. “In 1970, there was danger from only one country but today we face trouble from all countries,” he added.
Nisar pointed out that the ruling party was paying less attention to foreign policy matters, including US policy review for South Asia and Afghanistan under Trump administration. He suggested that the leaders of ruling party come out of the confused state.
Commenting on inter-institutional relations, Nisar said the country faced immense danger and so sensitive information provided in civil-military briefings should be taken into consideration. He further said that the party shouldn’t think about self-interests alone. “Larger interest should be considered while making decisions. Elections should take place on time,” asserted Nisar concluding his media talk.
Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi meanwhile said that the statement made by former interior minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan on the judiciary was his opinion on the matter.
Speaking to reporters at the Heathrow Airport, Abbasi said there was nothing wrong if Nisar had an opinion. Over the former interior minister having conflicting opinions, the premier said it was the beauty of democracy.
