Nisar urges Nawaz to avoid confrontation with courts

Published October 12, 2017
PML-N MNA Chaudhry Nisar addresses a press conference in Islamabad. —DawnNews
PML-N MNA Chaudhry Nisar addresses a press conference in Islamabad. —DawnNews

PML-N MNA and former interior minister Chaudhry Nisar at a press conference in Taxila on Thursday cautioned ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif against locking horns with the judiciary as he and his family face Supreme Court sanctioned accountability references.

"My opinion is that we should fight our case in the courts with full force without any confrontation with courts. This is not right for Nawaz Sharif, the party, institutions or the country," he said.

"I would like to believe that the courts are deciding on the facts of the case presented before them," he added.

Responding to a question about Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif's invitation to the United States for joint action against terrorist groups in Pakistan, Nisar said: "No sovereign country can allow for a joint operation within its borders, nor make such a proposal."

Pakistan is a functioning democracy which has faith in the capabilities of its armed forces and intelligence agencies, he said.

He warned, "if we invite another power to conduct an operation in our country, it is like making a mockery of the country."

"If there is such a proposal," he said, "a similar operation should also be carried out in Afghanistan."

"If anyone is suspicious of some terrorist or militant groups existing in Pakistan, we have proof that terrorists operate in broad daylight in Afghanistan," he said.

Nisar's statement appears to a be response to an Express Tribune report that said Asif had invited the US for a joint operation against the Haqqani Network.

"We have offered American authorities to visit Pakistan with evidence of Haqqani network’s safe havens in the country. If they find any activity [of Haqqanis] in the targeted areas, our troops along with the US would destroy them once and for all," he was quoted by Express Tribune as saying.

Responding to a question about Asif's 'put our house in order' remarks, Nisar asked: "Who has stopped us from cleaning our own house? No one. This is not an issue which requires repeated statements."

"Be it the prime minister or his ministers, if they spend their time putting our house in order rather than making statements, it would be better for the country. But when it comes to repeated statements, the narrative of countries like US and India finds credence. I can only request them to not lend credence to this narrative," he said.

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...