Had decided to resign, but changed mind after consultations with friends: Nisar

ISLAMABAD: The much awaited news conference of Interior Minister Chuadhry Nisar Ali Khan created confusion regarding his resignation following the Supreme Court verdict in the Panama Papers implementation case.

During the news conference Nisar stressed that he was adamant on taking an extreme step last night up till this morning. 

Nisar said that after meeting friends in a meeting that lasted four-and-a-half hours yesterday, he was left with one solution, not to take that extreme measure. 

The minister said that he got up from yesterday’s meeting with the decision not to take any step until the verdict of the Supreme Court.

“I know that taking a decision at this time could hurt the party leadership and government. But the day the decision comes whether it is in favour or against, I will resign from the ministry and membership of the National Assembly," Nisar told reporters.

This statement by Nisar created confusion and later, required a clarification.

The statement regarding his resignation was about his earlier decision to take an extreme step, a decision he changed after consultations held with friends and those close to him, Geo News reported citing the minister. 

Nisar clarified that he will always stand in support of Nawaz Sharif, even if he resigns from the NA and the ministry. 

Nisar during the press conference said he would be using the platform to deliver a message to the prime minister, as he has been unable to hold a one-on-one meeting with the premier. 

He advised the premier that if the verdict is in his favour he should 'keep his feet on the ground' and added that many will advise him to take harsh actions against many. 

"I would request the prime minister to keep his feet on the ground if the verdict comes in his favour. Many will advise him to make heads roll, but you [Nawaz] are not that person."

"This is the most difficult press conference of my life," Nisar told reporters at the beginning of the press conference.

The interior minister said he had called a press conference a few days ago because he wanted to share things that were needed due to all that he had said in the cabinet meeting.

Some things attributed to him were reported correctly, others were not, he added.

'Devil's advocate to Nawaz Sharif'

Nisar spoke of his 33-year association with the PML-N and stressed that he would not leave the party in this difficult time. 

However, the minister stated that he was upset after being left out of senior PML-N meetings during the last month and a half. 

"For the past month and a half, I was excluded from the PML-N's meetings. I do not know the reason for this."

"I asked in the cabinet meetings if I had ever complained regarding any colleague."

He added that he was not invited to these consultative meetings and he does not attend if hes not invited.

Referring to a series of meetings before the press conference, Nisar said he had said in those meetings that he had made a decision and he would announce it. 

"Through out my life, I have spoken the truth to Nawaz Sharif. There has never been any duplicity or hypocrisy in my intentions. I would be the devil's advocate to Nawaz Sharif."

"It pains me to say this, but when the PML-N faced its most difficult challenge, there was a conspiracy to remove me from the consultative process," said the interior minister and added that some did not like what he said. 

He questioned why he was criticized by those in the party when he had never said anything against PML-N. 

The interior minister elaborated that in the previously scheduled press conference, he had decided to address the issues of Dawn leaks, the Army and jostling between the PML-N

"Four generations of my family have been in the Army. But, there is a military mindset and a civilian mindset. I have always tried for a synthesis between the two."

'Difficult times for Pakistan'

The interior minister, alluding to a major threat to national security, pleaded the prime minister to accept the verdict of the apex court. 

"These are very difficult times and very few know that. A handful of people are aware of the threats the country face. I see very dark clouds surrounding the country," said Nisar. 

"There are two army men and two civilians who know of these dangers."

Nisar also said Pakistan has been surrounded on all side and it is imperative the country and the politicians stay united. 

The interior minister stressed that the Panama case verdict will have to be accepted by the people and all political parties. 

"If the people can be kept united, this will be Nawaz Sharif's legacy."

Earlier meeting 

Prior to the news conference, Nisar met with Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Petroleum Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi. 

This is the minister's third attempt to publicly address the 'differences' that have emerged between him and the PML-N after the first two press conferences were called off. 

On Wednesday, Shehbaz, along with Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique, reportedly held a meeting with Nisar which lasted several hours. The purpose of the meeting, held at the Punjab House, was to 'reconcile differences', according to sources.

Following the meeting, a spokesperson for the Interior Ministry dismissed media reports stating that efforts were being made to placate Nisar or that he is upset with the party leadership.

"The truth is that the minister had adopted a differing position on some important matters in the PML-N's internal meetings, after which he was excluded from the consultative process," said the spokesperson.

He added that the interior minister is seeking an explanation for his exclusion and wants to know if the decision was made due to his opposing stance, or some other reason.

The spokesperson further said that unless a clarification is provided, "it will be difficult to resolve problems in a positive manner."

According to sources, during Wednesday’s meeting, Nisar sought time to review his decision, while Shehbaz asked the minister not to take any extreme measures.

Sources further added that Nisar was requested not to bring party affairs onto the media as the chief minister assured Nisar that all his reservations would be addressed.

The meeting came at a time when the political arena is rife with speculations of Nisar ending his 32-year long association with PML-N.

A much-awaited presser on Monday — in the backdrop of speculations of Nisar's differences with PML-N leadership — ended with the minister declining to address any political issues in the light of the Lahore attack that left over 25 dead.

A day earlier, the minister had cancelled his planned press conference owing to ‘back ache’.