Information Minister Muhammad Ali Durrani on Tuesday refuted opposition parties claim that deportation of former premier Nawaz Sharif would dent Pak-Saudi Arabia relations. Speaking at a news conference, he called upon all the opposition political parties not to involve Saudi Arabia in country's domestic political affairs.
Earlier in the day, All Parties Democratic Movement (APDM) believed the role of Saudi intelligence in Nawaz Sharif's expulsion would damage ties between the two Muslim countries. "Relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are above any domestic political issue. Saudi Arabia has always played a pivotal role in development of Pakistan," Durrani added.
He said Nawaz himself opted to live in exile rather than being arrested and face corruption charges. "It was his (Nawaz) own decision under the agreement. I will suggest him to abide by the undertaking in future as well," he said in reply to a question. However, he failed to give any satisfactory reply when reporters asked him why Sharif was not arrested if he was wanted in corruption cases.
When asked about the possible return of other Sharif family members, information minister said they will be treated according to the law. Responding to another question, he said the decision rests only with the court whether the government had committed any contempt or not, therefore, one should avoid passing comments in this regard.
He termed the APDM countrywide protest call against deportation of former premier an utter failure saying, people have rejected opposition's politics of confrontation and wanted continuity of economic policies. Durrani asked the opposition parties to get themselves prepared for the coming elections which he reiterated would be held in free, fair and transparent manner.
Moreover, he said presidential election would also be held according to the constitution. "I always give the same answer that presidential election would be held in accordance with the constitution," he maintained. About Musharraf-PPP power-sharing formula, Muhammad Ali Durrani said the continuity of dialogue was itself a success and added that the process would continue in future.
The information minister further said Pakistan was facing terrorism-related challenges therefore any instability at this critical juncture cannot be afforded. He appealed all the political parties not to create chaos, which could be exploited by terrorists for fulfilling their nefarious designs.