Ch Nisar aware of ‘deal matters’

LAHORE: Former interior minister and disgruntled Pakistan Muslim League-N leader Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan has said he is aware of (secret) deal matters (between the Sharif family and powers-that-be) during the past few months.

However, he added, it would make some people a laughing stock even if he drops a hint about it, though it would enhance respect of some others. Talking to host Arshad Waheed Chaudhry in Geo News programme ‘Geo Parliament’, Ch Nisar said ‘Newsleaks’ was not that big issue, but it was blown out of proportions It was mismanaged and the ‘interested quarters’ used it (to their benefit) and exploited it.

To a question, the ex-minister said it was a pity that political governments run smoothly only with the help of establishment. If the establishment is supporting a ruling political party, it will complete its tenure even without simple majority. However, if the establishment turns against a political party with two-thirds majority in the assembly fails to complete its term.

Ch Nisar said it was a good omen that the establishment was fully supporting the incumbent government (of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf).

Former interior minister said he believed that Panama leaks were not a conspiracy (against the Sharif family). These leaks were made internationally. These papers were not Pakistan-specific. And, suppose it was a conspiracy, then who was responsible for their spread in Pakistan. “I would not utter the name of any channel but Jang (newspaper) and Geo (channel), which were the source of their spread in Pakistan. And certainly Jang/Geo are not anti-Nawaz at all,” added Ch Nisar Ali.

The ex-minister said Panama leaks were not a conspiracy at all; however, those were used by Sharifs’ opponents against them as a weapon, and Nawaz Sharif failed to handle his case properly.

To another question, Ch Nisar said that Nawaz Sharif demands civilian supremacy only when he is in opposition. However, when his party is in government, he doesn’t take any solid steps for establishing civilian supremacy in the country, though, in principle, he is in a better position to do so.