Pak interior minister says ‘will resign after Panama verdict’


Team Udayavani, Jul 28, 2017, 11:50 AM IST

Islamabad (Pakistan): Pakistan’s powerful Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan today said that he would resign and quit politics after the Supreme Court judgement on the Panamagate case in which embattled Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his family have been named for alleged corruption.

His announcement, which comes a day before the verdict in the high-profile case, stunned his supporters and the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party.

Khan expressed serious disappointment over the way he was kept away from Sharif by his rivals.
“I have decided to resign from the cabinet and Parliament after the (Panama) decision, whether it is in favour of the prime minister or against him,” he told reporters.

Khan, who has 33 years of association with Sharif, did not target the prime minister but criticised some of the party leaders who have been speaking against him (Khan) in presence of Sharif with an objective to create differences.

“I had no one-to-one meeting with the prime minister during the last about six weeks,” Khan said as he complained that he was kept out of the crucial consultations on the Panama case which now hangs over Sharif’s head like a sword.

Khan, known as a hardcore ideologue within the party, rejected the impression that he may join a new party, saying he can not even think of joining any other political outfit.

Speaking on civil-military relations, Khan said he had “never compromised on civilian supremacy” even though he had strong ties with the military.

“Ask any military or intelligence leader if I have ever attempted to undermine the government for political gain,” said Khan whose grandfather, father, elder brother, nephews and several other relatives have been in army.

He said that he always supported civilian supremacy over armed forces and occasionally ran into troubles for criticising senior generals.

He also ruled out speculation that he was hoping to become the prime minister in case Sharif was disqualified. “I am not in this race,” Khan said.

Khan, respected for his outspokenness, puts Sharif in an awkward situation at a time when he is passing through the toughest time of his political career.

Sharif critics are using the press conference to portray that demise of PML-N had started even before the court verdict.

“It shows the internal rift in the party,” said Skeikh Rashid Ahmad, a former associate of Sharif and now his fierce critic.

Earlier, Sharif’s younger brother and Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Khan for the second time today in as many days to win him back but failed.

A six-member joint investigation team (JIT) set up by the court to investigate the charges the 67-year-old Sharif and his family submitted its report to the court on July 10. It has said the lifestyle of Sharif and his children were beyond their known sources of income, and recommended filing of a new corruption case against them.

Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.

Top News

Nelamangala accident: Police expedite probe, CCTV images being scrutinised

Minister Parameshwara directs police to ensure tight security in Bengaluru on New Year’s eve

Teachings of Lord Christ celebrate love, harmony: PM Modi at Christmas celebrations

Veteran filmmaker Shyam Benegal passes away

Passenger gets back misplaced bag containing valuables worth Rs 20 lakh at Mangaluru airport

Karnataka govt approves 9 industrial projects worth Rs 9,823 Cr

Shami not fully fit yet, ruled out of remaining two Tests in Australia

Related Articles More

‘Send Sheikh Hasina back to country’: Bangladesh writes to India

India & Kuwait elevate ties to strategic level; ink defence pact after PM Modi meets top Kuwaiti leaders

In Kuwait, PM Modi meets yoga practitioner, other influencers from Gulf country

PM Modi receives Kuwait’s highest honour

PM Modi in Kuwait meets translator, publisher of Mahabharata, Ramayana in Arabic

MUST WATCH

Tulunadu Daivaradane

Feeding Birds with Creative Paddy Art!

Areca Nut

HOTEL SRI DURGA BHAVANA

Harish Poonja


Latest Additions

Kalaburagi: Woman sustains burns after live electric wire falls on her

Nelamangala accident: Police expedite probe, CCTV images being scrutinised

Rohan Estate Mukka – Resort-style luxury layout launched

Minister Parameshwara directs police to ensure tight security in Bengaluru on New Year’s eve

Teachings of Lord Christ celebrate love, harmony: PM Modi at Christmas celebrations

Thanks for visiting Udayavani

You seem to have an Ad Blocker on.
To continue reading, please turn it off or whitelist Udayavani.