PM visits Nawaz to discuss NSC presser ahead of release

PML-N leaders claim statement was taken out of context

ISLAMABAD: Following the National Security Committee (NSC) meeting on Monday, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi visited Chaudhry Munir's house in Islamabad to meet former premier Nawaz Sharif.

Munir is Nawaz's close aide.

Sources reveal that the PM took Nawaz into confidence before issuing the NSC press release. PM Abbasi informed Nawaz about the statement, adding that his remarks had caused public and national embarrassment. Several other Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leaders were also present.

The party is in grave confusion over leadership's stance on the matter. While Nawaz is sticking to his words, PM Abbasi and CM Shehbaz have stated that the interview's been taken out of context.



PML-N leaders stand by the claim that Nawaz's remarks were taken out of context. However, speaking informally outside the accountability court, Nawaz said he stands by what he said. Nawaz  added that he will continue to speak the truth and he considers it his national and moral duty to do so.

Expressing his disappointment over being labelled as a traitor, Nawaz alluded to former president Pervez Musharraf and asked whether those who expelled the judges or supported the bloodshed of May 12, 2007 in Karachi are patriots.

“Are the violators of the Constitution patriotic? Are those who expelled the judges patriotic? Or those who supported the bloodshed of May 12?”

Media has been strictly told NOT to highlight PMLN clarification & step up the propaganda. Seems the planners are very desperate.

— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) May 13, 2018

PMLN Spokesperson: pic.twitter.com/i1QTaD6D4d

— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) May 13, 2018

On May 14, PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif at a public meeting in Mipurkhas district attempted to clarify the ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s statement in a media interview.

Shehbaz said that his party rejects all assertions, direct or implied, made in the news report of Dawn, dated 12-05-18.

“The state of Pakistan and all its institutions stand together in the global fight against terrorism. We strongly believe that the interests of Pakistan are supreme to all personal and political interests. There can and shall never be any compromise on any national interest. The report has incorrectly attributed certain remarks to PML-N Quaid Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, which do not represent the party policy,” added Shehbaz.



The Punjab chief minister said his brother has been quoted out of context. “A newspaper yesterday presented interview of Nawaz Sharif after distorting it,” alleged Shehbaz and added, “It [the interview] stated that the non-state actors who attacked Mumbai [in 2008] were allowed to go from Pakistan”.