Atta Tarar: Too early to say if Nawaz Sharif will be arrested

ISLAMABAD: In a recent interview on HUM News programme “Hum Dekhenge” with Mansoor Ali Khan, Atta Tarar, the central leader of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), discussed the prospects of Nawaz Sharif’s potential arrest upon his return to Pakistan.

Host Mansoor Ali Khan inquired about the likelihood of Nawaz Sharif’s arrest from both a legal and realistic perspective.

Tarar replied by saying that the possibility of Nawaz Sharif’s arrest depended on the strategy adopted by the PML-N. He revealed that the PML-N’s legal team had several options under consideration and stated that it was premature to confirm whether Nawaz Sharif would face arrest.

Tarar further disclosed that the legal team had initiated consultations, and he was part of these deliberations. The primary objective of the legal team, he noted, was to prevent Nawaz Sharif’s arrest. Tarar assured that once the strategy was finalised, it would be shared with the public.

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Regarding the legal status of Nawaz Sharif as an absconder, Tarar clarified that when an absconder voluntarily returns and surrenders to the law, their rights are safeguarded. He emphasised that the focus should not solely be on arrest, as there were legal avenues available within the framework of the law.

Meanwhile, turning to the division within the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) divide over election dates, Tarar expressed his respect for the PPP’s commitment to democracy.

He acknowledged his dilemma regarding whom to support in the current situation. Tarar stressed that the PML-N did not want to strain its relationship with the PPP, as it could lead to political instability and harm the nation’s interests.

Host Mansoor Ali Khan referenced Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s negative statement about the vote of no confidence movement against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) Chief and asked for Tarar’s perspective on how he sees Maulana’s remarks.

Atta Tarar characterised the past 15 months as an effort to stabilise the nation rather than a traditional government. He asserted that dwelling on the past was unproductive and highlighted economic improvements.

He credited the PML-N for stabilising the economy and preventing further deterioration. Tarar acknowledged Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s right to express disagreement with the government’s actions.