Was asked to step down or go on leave during 2014 sit-in, reveals Nawaz
Nawaz Sharif termed 2014 sit-in at D-Chowk 'adventurism' to remove him from office.
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – PML (N) leader Nawaz Sharif once again hit back at opponents by terming 2014 sit-in at D-Chowk ‘adventurism’ to remove him from office. He said that he received warnings cloaked under suggestions during the sit-in to either resign or flee on extended leave.
“Who was the umpire who was supposed to raise his finger?” asked Nawaz, referring to the frequent statements by Imran Khan mentioning umpire’s finger in his speeches in the sit-in.
He said during a presser at the Punjab House, Islamabad that dictatorship hurt Pakistan more than anything. He said that whenever a military dictator usurped power from civilians, he brought the whole institution into disrepute. He reiterated that he has nothing but respect for the armed forces of Pakistan.
“Panama Papers was just an excuse to oust me. There were no Panama Papers in 1999,’ he said, “I talked about real democracy 20 years ago. I did it again this time and that is my ‘crime.’”
Not irked by the different titles he has been receiving lately, Nawaz Sharif said he does not care whatever anyone calls him.
“Call me Sicilian Mafia, Godfather or traitor, I don’t mind,’ he said, ‘I deem asking for certificate of patriotism from someone a shame for my patriotism.”
He said that PML (N) has performed exemplary services in the last five years like FATA reforms, curbing terrorism, bringing mega-projects like CPEC to Pakistan.
“The whole nation knows the reasons behind my disqualification. I took a firm stand against Pervez Musharraf for his antics despite being suggested otherwise by people like Mr. Zardari,” he revealed.
He said that the sit-in of 2014 was brought against him after he moved to pursue a case of treason against dictator Musharraf.
“I was told cases against Musharraf would not be in my favor,’ he said, ‘unknown people would stand outside PM House.’
He said that the allegations of rigging in 2013 elections, sit-in and Panama Papers were mere pretexts to remove him power.
