ISLAMABAD: Total lack of communication between Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan finally came to an end after a meeting between them. For over four months, the minister remained estranged with his boss and was out of the loop on major policy decisions. Because of the row, he had not even briefed the prime minister or presented a report to the government about his rare visit to Washington during which he had also met Secretary of State John Kerry in February this year. There was no doubt at any time before Tuesday’s meeting that whatever the differences they have these would be quickly sorted out in just one session. This is what precisely happened and the old remarkable relationship stood restored. The fundamental role to make this meeting take place was played by Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, who, despite Chaudhry Nisar’s row with his elder brother, continued to maintain the decades-old bonhomie and understanding with him. He was constantly in touch with the interior minister as he had always been since the eighties. Whether or not any cabinet member shared Chaudhry Nisar’s views on various issues, Shahbaz Sharif was all the time in agreement with him and always advised him to calm down. The interior minister did not publicly utter a word about his serious differences with Nawaz Sharif. Similarly, no cabinet member spoke about the rift. But the split was an open secret and well pronounced, which was disturbing for saner elements of the ruling party. Neither side allowed the simmering tension to turn into an issue of an embarrassing public debate. Apart from other issues, some ministers also played a part in building up the tension between Chaudhry Nisar and the premier. Now when Nawaz Sharif has heard him patiently and removed his grievances, he may ask his colleagues to follow him so that no such situation is created again. Last year, Chaudhry Nisar had also developed differences with the prime minister and had stayed away from him for a few months. At last, Shahbaz Sharif had acted as an honest broker and arranged a meeting at Raiwind farmhouse of the prime minister, ending the falling-out and misunderstanding. Despite having no communication with the prime minister during for a long time, Chaudhry Nisar kept expressing his independent views on various issues, which, however, did not clash with that of the federal government most of the time. When the entire government maintained a deliberate silence on the Rangers’ raid at the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) headquarters Nine Zero, the interior minister was the first voice, expressing solidarity with the paramilitary force and standing with it whole-heartedly when it needed the support badly. A few days after his unequivocal stance, some senior government leaders also started commenting on the Rangers’ action, echoing the same theme. Everyone then talked about recovery of criminals and weapons from the place. Even the prime minister told a MQM delegation that he was shocked to learn that arms were also found during the raid. Chaudhry Nisar had taken independent decisions by recommending some delays in executing death row former MQM worker Saulat Mirza, who had been awarded capital punishment for target killing, and another prisoner Shafqat Hussain. The government accepted the interior minister’s proposal and postponed the executions for some time. During this tense period, Nawaz Sharif visited Karachi for many times to hold high level meetings on the ongoing targeted operation but Chaudhry Nisar, despite invitations, abstained. He earned flak from his political detractors for visiting Karachi belatedly in the wake of the Safoora massacre, but he clarified that the reason behind his delayed trip was his indisposition. When the government faced a tough situation on the question of the Saudi led coalition’s onslaught against Yemeni rebels and constantly held consultations to devise its policy, the interior minister was nowhere seen in these discussions. After Tuesday’s session, Chaudhry Nisar will be seen in top-level meetings once again.
