Director-General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Major Babar Iftikhar rejects any reports of a secret deal with former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
He made the revelations during a media briefing in Rawalpindi. The briefing aimed to address issues pertaining to Pakistan’s eastern border, western border, and landmark achievements of Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad.
DG ISPR remarked on the rumors of a deal with Nawaz Sharif who is currently in London. Since 2019, Nawaz Sharif has been living in London with the federal government demanding his return on several occasions.
However, lately, the PML-N has been dropping major hints on Nawaz Sharif’s return. It also expressed full confidence that the former prime minister will oust the PTI government.
Senior representative of PML-N, Ayaz Sadiq claimed that Nawaz Sharif will return to Pakistan. He also hinted that Pakistan’s politics might see a new twist.
Read more: Nawaz Sharif to return to Pakistan in 2022?
Similarly, PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz said that her father is desperate to return to the country and will do so soon. As a result of PML-N’s confident statements on Nawaz Sharif’s return, rumors began to spread.
Speculations were made that Nawaz Sharif will return owing to a deal with the establishment. The alleged deal will provide him with significant relief despite the corruption charges.
No deal with Nawaz
Reacting to the rumors on the secret deal, DG ISPR said such reports are “baseless.”
“Talk of a deal with Nawaz Sharif is baseless,” he said.
“Who is striking a deal with Nawaz Sharif?” he asked the reporters, also demanding they provide proof if there is any.
DG ISPR Maj Gen Babar Iftikhar dismisses rumours of any deal with Mian @NawazSharifMNS terming such reports as baseless speculation. pic.twitter.com/8hnVEINfRE
— Hamza Azhar Salam (@HamzaAzhrSalam) January 5, 2022
“If someone does talk of a deal, then you must ask them who is offering a deal,” Maj Gen Iftikhar said.
He also maintained that there is no trouble afoot when it comes to civil-military relations and urged the media to “keep the establishment out of it”.
Important to note, Federal Minister Fawad Chaudhry said the government will bring back Nawaz as the “accused will not return by himself”.
“Talks were being held with the UK authorities for the extradition of the accused,” the minister said.
Read more: Govt to take legal action against Shehbaz Sharif for Nawaz’s return