PML-N leaders ire: Bugti retracts statement about Nawaz Sharif’s arrest

ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti has retracted his statement concerning former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, asserting that his comments had been politicized and taken out of context.

This clarification comes in the wake of strong reactions from PML-N leaders following Bugti’s remarks during a television show.

PML-N Punjab President Rana Sanaullah cautioned Bugti earlier in the day, urging him to learn from the fate of former interior minister Sheikh Rashid, who held the same portfolio in the PTI government. Sanaullah deemed Bugti’s comments as “crossing the limits” and advised him against attempting to enhance his standing by discussing the PML-N leader, who has a history of imprisonment.

Rana Sanaullah emphasized that the decision regarding Nawaz Sharif’s movements upon his arrival on October 21 would be determined by the people, not the caretaker interior minister.

He asserted that Nawaz would fulfill all legal requirements, as he has done in the past, and that any conspiracy against Nawaz affected the masses and the nation.

PML-N leaders criticize Sarfraz Bugti’s statement about Nawaz Sharif

Rana further criticized the alleged bogus cases against Nawaz as being anti-Pakistan and anti-people, affirming the PML-N’s support from both the Almighty Allah and the masses.

PML-N Spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb added that it was not the caretaker government’s responsibility to decide where Nawaz would go after arriving at the airport. She emphasized that this decision would be made by Nawaz himself and the people. Aurangzeb advised the caretaker minister not to assume he would remain in office indefinitely.

In response to the strong reaction from the PML-N, Bugti not only clarified that his statement had been taken out of context but also stated that the caretaker government had no political agenda. He welcomed Nawaz’s return to politics and noted that a significant section of the population was preparing to welcome their leader.

Bugti had previously stated on Monday night in a television interview that the government was prepared to arrest Nawaz in the event of his bail application being rejected, emphasizing that a massive force would not be required to apprehend a single accused individual at the airport.