I did not revolt against PML-N but have differences with Nawaz Sharif over issues

ISLAMABAD: Former Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan Friday said that he did not revolt against Pakistan Muslim League (N), however he had differences with Muhammad Nawaz Sharif over issues which he will spell out in future.

Addressing a press conference, he said he will put before the nation his differences over policy with Nawaz Sharif, with whom he has a relationship of 34 years.

“I am not annoyed or irritated but have differences. I am human. I make mistakes every day but my intentions are right. I am not a self righteous person. I think every day where I went wrong.”

He said he will contest the elections independently for four seats and expressed hope that he will be successful in the polls to be held on July 25. He made it clear that he was not in negotiations with Pakistan Muslim League (N) or any other party over the matter of tickets, he added.

He said a huge conspiracy was being hatched against Pakistan and Nawaz Sharif was aware of the dangers. However, he declined to share information saying it cannot be shared with the public due to its sensitivity. Pakistan was facing political, economic and security challenges, he added. He wondered about the timing of the killing of Mullah Fazlullah in a drone attack by United States.

He advised that people should be concerned about the dangers faced by Pakistan but unfortunately “politically we are a divided house”.

Nisar said he sided with the PMLN government for the passage of the last budget and even for the legislation favouring Nawaz Sharif by going against his conscience.

He said he could not even think of causing harm to Nawaz Sharif and had a relationship of respect with the party leaders and workers.

He said he advised Nawaz Sharif for 34 years as “devil’s advocate” but this time his advice affected the relationship. “I will hold a press conference over his differences with Nawaz Sharif when the health of Begum Kulsoom Nawaz will stabilize.” He will not stage a drama and will not disrespect anybody but will present his viewpoint before the nation regarding the differences, he explained.

He commented that in the past PMLN never conducted interviews for allocating tickets for the elections but this time something contrary was done in the parliamentary board meeting.

Nisar said his problem was not the party ticket and he was only looking towards people of his constituency who elected him for eight times as member of National Assembly and honoured him.

He said he himself left the office of interior minister and declined to be part of the cabinet of Shahid Khaqan Abbasi despite his request, but continued to support the party.

To a question about Dawn Leaks, he clarified that it was not a national security leak after a meeting on security but the so called news was leaked from the Prime Minister Office. He flatly denied that in the previous days he did not give any anti-PMLN statement or made personal remarks against Nawaz Sharif. Television programmes based on his statements and fake news were aired despite his immediate denial of the statements attributed to him, he added.