The former premier, who claims credit for making the country a nuclear power, was speaking at a seminar organised by the Nazria-e-Pakistan Trust to commemorate the 14th anniversary of nuclear detonations. The day is celebrated as Youm-e-Takbeer every year.
“A few generals who consider themselves as policymakers are responsible for the unrest in Balochistan,” Nawaz said.
The PML-N chief lashed out at the Pakistan Army, saying the ‘big wigs’ of Balochistan had been sidelined and labeled as traitors. He went on to add that although manifestos of his party and that of Akhtar Mengal, then chief minister of Balochistan, were different they managed to reach a consensus on the question of nuclear tests.
He went on to add that FIRs were registered against Mengal because he supported him at the time of the nuclear tests.
The PML-N chief also denied reports that he was not willing to go nuclear and that he was forced by the army to detonate the country’s first nuclear device.
PPP government
Hitting out at the rival PPP, Nawaz said President Asif Ali Zardari had shown no interest in “becoming the president back then” and that he (Nawaz) had a written account of that, but then Zardari ‘deceitfully’ took over the presidency.
“I was shocked when he became the president and so were the people of Pakistan.”
Nawaz went on to add that Zardari had even tried to convince him to give indemnity to former president Pervez Musharraf.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 29th, 2012.
COMMENTS (7)
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Naveed Mahmood
Baloch leaders were playing imp role in mainstream politics in PMLN time until Mush took over. PMLN was working with them over development projects. Gawadar project is a PMLN project. Gawadar Project would've served the same purpose in Balochistan, Oil has to Middleeast. It received Baloch "Consent". Gawadar Project would've brought employment & revenues to Balochistan & PK. That is why currently, NS is the only leader Baloch tribes are open to talk to. It's due to NS Policies for Baloch in 90s. PMLN understood Baloch issue, and so appointed Sardar Mengal's son a Chief Minister of Balochistan in 90s.
kafi hai ya aur bataon?
Mr. Nawaz Sharif was not allowed to complete his terms, otherwise economy of the country would have been much better and with it overall law and order situation. His enemies are so afraid of him that they don't want to take any chance of becoming him prime minister once more. They have created a spoiler to keep him in check.
Can anyone actually tell he has been the Prime Minister TWICE?
A very strange comment by PML (N) leader and two time PM so called champion of Atomic Blast. He has very easily blamed establishment & army for Baluchistan crisis. Can he justify that during his rule as PM what visible reforms he brought for Balochistan and to bring Baluchistan in main stream. If he has/ had so much love for this neglected province he should have/ had focused on Balochistan development. May I also ask worthy ex PM that being a PM if did not have any control on his generals then he had or has any right to rule 19 crore people again. Problem is that every leader sees the problem of Balochistan once he is not n power and every one shows that he is the only person he has love for this province. I would request all to please stop using Balochistan as election trump card or election gimmick and have pragmatic solution for this problem. Missing person yes is the main issue which is being exploited and limelighted in media but the main problem is the survival due to water shortage, and food. I am sure that wisdom will prevail and osme concrete soultion will be provided for this province.
Nawaz Sharif is the man who initiated Balochistan crises. He removed the government of Sardar Akhtar Jan Mengal through a conspiracy. He used an MNA from Faisalabad to buy the loyalities of the BNP and established a Muslim League Government. Nawaz Sharif and the Provincial Government of Balochistan under Akhter Mengal were not on the same page during nuclear tests. Provincial Government had raised the issue of not being taken in confidence over the tests. He is advised to speak thruth some times for the sake of posterity and history.