President Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Shahbaz Sharif is said to have stated that those who advised former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to make his controversial interview are in fact his biggest enemies. Sources in the ruling PML-N quoted Shahbaz Sharif as saying this in the parliamentary party's meeting chaired by him for the first time after Nawaz Sharif's statement regarding the Mumbai attacks.
The damage to the party from the former prime minister's statement became conspicuous from the extension in date for submission of applications for tickets by the contenders for general elections following as poor response, especially form the electables, the sources on condition of anonymity said.
Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was also among more than 120 MNAs present on the occasion. However, former Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan did not attend the meeting.
The sources said the party's MNAs posed critical questions to Shahbaz Sharif as to who arranged the interview of Nawaz Sharif and what the need was to make this kind of statement at this critical juncture when the party is going to the election.
"Whoever arranged the interview are the biggest enemies of Nawaz Sharif," Shahbaz was quoted as saying by sources. Responding to concerns voiced by the lawmakers of the party, Shahbaz assured them that Nawaz Sharif will soften his stance. The sources further claimed that Shahbaz Sharif was of the opinion that no one should say things which could hurt the country.
He also defended Nawaz Sharif against the critics dubbing him as "traitor", saying: "There should be no doubt that no one is more patriotic than Nawaz Sharif." At the same time, he also stated that he would talk and try to convince Nawaz that he should consult the party before speaking on sensitive matters.
The PML-N president also said that democracy is the only way of progress and prosperity, adding that everybody should play his or her role for continuation of democratic process in the country.
He also said that the PML-N fulfilled all its promises and ushered in an era of development in its tenure. He told the participants that the party would contest the upcoming general election on the basis of its performance. Meanwhile, Shahbaz Sharif and Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan also held a meeting with Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and discussed the party's internal situation as well as overall prevailing political situation in the aftermath of Nawaz Sharif's statement with regard to the Mumbai attacks.