LAHORE: Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif claimed that the impression regarding his conflict with all army chiefs is incorrect as some of the heads of armed forces have had good ties with him.
In an interview with British Broadcasting Corporation Urdu, Nawaz Sharif said he disagrees with anyone who doesn’t hold supremacy of law, adding that it is not just his responsible to avoid confrontation between institutions. “I will not allow violation of sanctity of votes and keep struggle for it,” he said.
He said he would continue his struggle for restoration of sanctity of ballot. It is not a protest, it is a campaign instead”
“It is essential to determine a direction for the country, and it would only be possible when we will respect the sanctity of vote”.
Recalling Turkey’s failed military coup, he demanded supremacy of public mandate. The Ex-PM said everyone should avoid confrontation between institutions as it is the responsibility of all entities.
He claimed to never deviate from constitution, slamming the military dictators who destroyed the country including Pervez Musharraf.
“When Musharraf imposed martial law only a few generals were with him while the rest were with me and didn’t even know that martial law has been imposed,” he recalled.
Nawaz Sharif argued that it is important to direct the country towards certain goals, highlighting the importance of the sanctity of public mandate. He vowed to keep struggle for the aforementioned cause. Nawaz claimed to not running the campaign to be elected as the premier again.
To a question whether Pakistan is also heading to a situation like Turkey which pitted the people against army in Turkey, Nawaz Sharif said he was not in favour of any collision among institutions.
On questions regarding PTI Chairman Imran Khan, he said it is better not to respond to his concerns.
Nawaz Sharif said he didn’t ask for anything from ex-President Asif Ali Zardari nor does he intend to do so.
Expressing interest in Senate Chairman Raza Rabbani’s plan to hold inter-institutional dialogue, he said it is the need of hour. NNI