Former interior minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan on Thursday evening attempted to shut down speculations about his absence from Nawaz Sharif's 'homecoming' rally, asking that when "almost 99 per cent" of the PML-N’s leadership was not participating in the GT Road procession, why was a fuss being created over his absence.

The ousted prime minister is leading a procession, along with the PML-N leaders as he heads towards his hometown, Lahore, via the Grand Trunk (GT) Road. There has been much speculation as to why his party's most senior leadership has desisted from accompanying him on the journey.

In a statement released by Chaudhry Nisar’s spokesperson, the former interior minister was quoted as criticising a section of the media for "running baseless news throughout the day".

“I never said that I will drive Nawaz Sharif’s car till Lahore, but some media houses have been running this baseless news on repeat,” he complained.

Chaudhry Nisar further conveyed that he himself never attributed his non-participation in the rally to health reasons or back pain.

The former interior minister urged media persons to verify statements before attributing them to him on national media.

Speculations have surrounded Nisar's political future after he was repeatedly absent from meetings of the PML-N's senior leadership to discuss the party's strategy following Nawaz Sharif's ouster.

Nisar later explained that he had adopted a contrary position on some important matters in the PML-N's internal meetings, after which he was excluded from the consultative process.

Opinion

Editorial

Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...
Islamabad protest
Updated 20 Nov, 2024

Islamabad protest

As Nov 24 draws nearer, both the PTI and the Islamabad administration must remain wary and keep within the limits of reason and the law.
PIA uncertainty
20 Nov, 2024

PIA uncertainty

THE failed attempt to privatise the national flag carrier late last month has led to a fierce debate around the...
T20 disappointment
20 Nov, 2024

T20 disappointment

AFTER experiencing the historic high of the One-day International series triumph against Australia, Pakistan came...