Nawaz is ready to talk to institutions for sake of democracy

ISLAMABAD: The ousted prime minister, Nawaz Sharif on Thursday said all the parties sitting in the Parliament should bring an amendment about the powers of the caretaker governments.

Talking to media inside and outside the accountability court while hearing NAB references against him, Nawaz said: “The powers of the caretaker prime minister and the chief ministers are not clearly defined in the Constitution. It is necessary that these powers should be defined in clear terms.”

The former prime minister said he is ready to sit and talk with every political party and institution for democracy and the rule of law. “I need nothing for myself but for this country,” he added. To a question that a certain doctrine is under discussion these days, Nawaz said all the institutions should work within their constitutional limits. When asked about the harassment caused to the Pakistani diplomats in New Delhi, he said: “It is sad but this has been going on since decades. It is a ‘tit for tat’ situation. It happens here as well. Such things are not practiced in any civilised country of the world.” About tension at the Line of Control, Nawaz said the issue must be resolved.

During the chat with media persons, the ousted premier pointed out the contradictions in the country. “Former chief justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry was dragged on the road from hair. The Supreme Court judges were detained in their houses but no contempt notices were issued to anyone. This Wajid Zia during investigation of the treason case used to wait for hours standing outside Gen (retd) Musharraf’s house in Chak Shehzad and Musharraf would not meet him. On the contrary, I as a prime minister appeared before the joint investigation team.”

To a question whether the PML-N will talk to the PPP for caretaker government, Nawaz said he was disappointed from the character shown by the PPP, adding there would be consultations with the PPP on the caretaker setup. “Bilawal is saying that the PML-N destroyed the Charter of Democracy (CoD). I would say not the PML-N but the national reconciliation ordinance (NRO) destroyed the CoD. What’s the use of CoD when you don’t have to act upon it,” he questioned.

Talking about the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Nawaz said it became possible due to his personal interest and also hard work done by Shahbaz Sharif and noted that the PSL has created a good image of Pakistan at the international level. He said during his tenure, economic indicators were improving but the July 28 judgment created chaos in the country.

When asked what he would be his line of action if the Senate game plan is repeated in the general elections, Nawaz replied: “We have become a laughing stock in the whole world. What was the objective to topple the Balochistan government and then to get desired results in Senate.” He added that if the general elections are rigged, it would tantamount to rigging not only against the PML-N but also against the entire nation and the country.

Referring to the PTI, Nawaz said those who used to hold public meetings at Minar-e-Pakistan “are now limited to corner meetings on the streets”. He said the PTI has destroyed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. “There is garbage all around, roads are broken and it is not hearsay. One can visit to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and compare it with Punjab and he can see the difference with his own eyes,” he added.

Nawaz described the corruption cases filed against him as false. “No corruption was committed in any institution. We are not facing the allegations of kickbacks like SGS-Cotecna and rental power plants. For four years in the government, there is no case of corruption,” he explained. “A prime minister who made this country an atomic power, who introduced CPEC, who reduced terrorism, restored peace in Karachi, overcame the electricity and gas shortage is facing corruption cases. Everybody knows why I have been disqualified,” he added.

When asked why there is criticism of NAB chairman when he was appointed by the government, Senator Pervaiz Rashid interrupted and said:“We had also appointed Musharraf.” Addressing the reporters he said, “You people should play a role for strengthening democracy and for sanctity of the vote.” He added the manifesto of PML-N is better than that of other political parties. While leaving the court, Nawaz asked the reporters: “It is March 23 tomorrow. Is it an off day for the court?”