Nawaz Sharif says proud of not being disqualified for corruption

ISLAMABAD - Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, who was ousted from the office by Supreme Court for not being honest to the nation, is addressing the parliamentary committee of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).

Addressing the PML-N parliamentary party meeting on Saturday, the ousted PM spoke on his disqualification from the post of prime minister by the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

"I still do not understand the grounds for my dismissal," Nawaz Sharif said during a parliamentary committee meeting. "I am only content that I was not disqualified on the grounds of alleged corruption."

The joint investigation team report examined by the SC during the course of the Panamagate hearings revealed that Nawaz Sharif had not declared on his nomination papers for the 2013 General Election an income of 10,000 dirhams drawn from a Dubai-based company between Aug 7, 2006 and April 20, 2014.

"I was in exile and getting a visa at that time was difficult. When I went to London for Saudi Arabia, I could not live there for over six months. I had to travel to another country and return... So I would get my visa from Dubai every six months since London was the centre of our politics," he explained.

"So to get a visa, we thought, this would be a legal method ─ my son opened a company... He made me the chairman. And a salary was decided since you are required to be a salaried individual," he added.

Sharif stressed that he had a clear conscience as he had not taken anything from the country which was not his. "I would have felt guilty if I had done something wrong," he stated.

Questioning his disqualification, Nawaz Sharif said he had nothing to declare as he had not taken a salary from the company which was setup by his son. “You are in trouble if you take salary and trouble if you do not.”

He also called for accountability for everyone, not just one family.  "Should only my family be held accountable? Is everyone else in this country sadiq and ameen?"

The PML-N chief reiterated his resolve of continuing the struggle for the supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law in the country.

Urging his followers to support him in upcoming elections, Nawaz Sharif said: “I will come to your constituencies, I will be with you and endeavor for Pakistan’s progress.”

He also sought support for his brother, Shehbaz Sharif, while announcing the next prime ministerial candidate. "If you support anyone after me, I ask you to support Shehbaz Sharif."

"It will take Shehbaz Sharif around 50-55 days to take over as prime minister. He will have to contest elections," announced the former prime minister.

Nawaz also announced that former petroleum minister, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, will be made interim prime minister.

"For the interim period, I am recommending Shahid Khaqan Abbasi for the position of prime minister," said Nawaz.