MIRPUR KHAS: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday refuted the remarks of party’s supremo Nawaz Sharif in which the latter criticised the country’s foreign policy by referring to 2008 Mumbai attacks where hinted the involvement of non-state actors.
Addressing to a party rally in Mirpur Khas, the chief minister of Punjab asked, “Can you really believe that Nawaz Sharif would give such a statement?”
He added that the ex-premier’s “interview was misreported” and “presented out of context”. The PML-N president further alleged that India and Afghanistan were conspiring against Pakistan.
In an exclusive interview, Nawaz Sharif said: “Militant organisations are active. Call them non-state actors, should we allow them to cross the border and kill 150 people in Mumbai? Explain it to me. Why can’t we complete the trial?”
Interviewer Cyril Almeida termed it as a reference to the 2008 Mumbai attacks-related trials which have stalled in a Rawalpindi anti-terrorism court.
Deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s controversial remark – linking the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks to Pakistan – was seen here as an attempt to put international pressure on the country’s military establishment, as the corruption trials against him and his family members enter a decisive phase. Several publications in India as well as the current affairs shows across the border gave extraordinary coverage to the statement. Headlines like ‘Nawaz Sharif questions Pakistan’s policy to allow ‘non-state actors’ to cross border and kill people’ that referred to 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks were shared on the Indian media.
Both PTI chief Imran Khan and Nawaz’s ex-aide have criticised the PML-N supremo over his remarks.
‘WON’T CONSTRUCT KALABAGH DAM WITHOUT SINDH’S CONSENT’:
Shehbaz Sharif also made it clear that his party will not let the construction of Kalabagh dam occur without the consent of the people of Sindh.
He said, “We will sacrifice Kalabagh Dam not once but for hundred times for Sindh.”
“Today all the provinces are receiving water as per their due right, they (Sindh government) steal water and then blame federal government,” he added.
The Punjab CM made several promises to the people of Sindh during his address. He said, “We will give interest-free loans. Will build Danish school and hospital in every district of Sindh.”