Haven’t quit politics, will remain part of PML-N, clarifies Nisar

ISLAMABAD: Former interior minister Chaudhry Nisar on Sunday in a press conference said that he refused to be part of the new cabinet over “difference of opinion” reiterating, however, that he will continue being a member of PML-N.

Nisar reiterated that though difference of opinions remains, he had always said he will remain in the party but will not occupy any office. He said Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif had tried to convince him to join the new cabinet till the last moment, for which he is thankful to them.

He also said that he cannot disclose the reason for the differences right now as he thinks the time isn’t right, and that the party is undergoing a difficult time.

Commenting on the DawnLeaks controversy, he said the decision to initiate the inquiry was taken by the government and it is the government’s responsibility to make the report public.

Nisar also held a detailed review of his ministry’s performance, taking the credit for a significant downturn in terrorism in the country.

He said that Pakistan is one of the few countries where the trend of terrorism has significantly reduced, adding that today the country has no terrorist network.

“A major change has come in the country…in 2013, everyday there used to be three to four attacks,” he said.

Nisar said that despite facing pressure, he canclled Pakistani passports of 32,000 foreigners, cancelled more than 0.2 million prohibited bore licenses and cancelled CNICs of various individuals as part of fight against terrorism.

Nisar complained that the interior ministry would be held responsible for anything that would happen in the country, including any security situation in the provinces, while everyone was ready to get credit in case of a positive event.

The former minister said that he always tried to take along all the stakeholders, adding that he will not praise himself or take any extra credit.

The interior ministry itself doesn’t have any executive authority, he said, adding that law enforcement is the sole responsibility of the provinces.

“Whenever any incident took place the blame would be put on the interior ministry, I tolerated in silence,” said Nisar.

Following the press conference, senior analysts and anchors Syed Talat Hussain and Shahzeb Khanzada spoke to Geo News. Syed Talat Hussain in his statement was of the opinion that the press conferences are not warranted until unless Nisar wants to reveal something concrete.

He said that the former interior minister wants to maintain his presence, although he does not know what the future will unfold for the party.

Senior analyst and anchor Shahzeb Khanzada said that the former federal minister did not say anything as was being speculated. Khanzada said that either Nisar is confused himself or wants to maintain an air of confusion.

The senior analyst said that as compared to PPP leader Rehman Malik’s tenure, Nisar’s ministry performed much better. Although Nisar did deliver, but when it came to the projection of political statements or the stance of the state following major incidents, the former minister didn’t have much of a contribution, according to Khanzada. 

Nisar, on Saturday, had announced that he will talk to the media at 5pm on Sunday.

Speculations were running rife that the former interior minister will discuss internal issues of his party in today's press conference.

Sources close to the senior PML-N leader had told Geo News that Nisar was likely to speak about the country's political situation and PML-N's internal party matters.

Earlier press conference

On July 27, Nisar held a much-awaited news conference that created confusion regarding his resignation following the Supreme Court verdict in the Panama Papers implementation case.

During the presser, 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.

“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.

Right of everyone in party to have difference of opinion: Sanaullah

Law minister Rana Sanaullah while talking to Geo News after Nisar's presser said that everyone in the party has their own opinion but a decision is reached upon unanimously. If anyone has still differences after the decision then it is their right, he added.

Nisar has no differences with party: Marvi Memon

PML-N leader and Benazir Income Support Programme Chairman Marvi Memon earlier today talking to media in Jacobabad rebutted news of any differences of Chaudhry Nisar with the party.

Memon said that minute differences are a norm and a part of democracy.

Commenting on criticism on PML’s alleged comments against the country’s institutions, she said that former prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s statements are being presented in an exaggerated manner. PML-N is not against any institution, she said.