My family's US nationality issue exaggerated: Nisar

ISLAMABAD: PML-N Leader and Opposition Leader in the National Assembly, Ch Nisar Ali Khan on Tuesday said that the issue of his wife and children being American nationals has been exaggerated.

He declared that he was patriot and loyal to the country and facts regarding nationality of his family members were not presented in the true perspective.

"My integrity and loyalty for the country was questioned by some elements despite the fact that my forefathers gave their blood to nourish this country," he made these remarks while clearing his position regarding Wikileaks' disclosure here.

Ch. Nisar Ali said that his grandfather, father and brother served for Pakistan Army but some elements were out to mudslinging against him and trying to damage his political career and personal life.

He said that his thoughts and views regarding role of the US in this region were very clear to everyone and said, "I always protected national interest throughout my political career."

Throwing light on his personal life, he said he got married with a Pakistani origin of US citizen in 1980s as his in-laws were settled in the US. She got Pakistani nationality as well after the marriage.

The Leader of Opposition said that some disputes were developed between him and his wife during 1990s for very short span of time, adding, "I served a legal notice to the US Embassy in Islamabad informing them that my children could be shifted to United States by giving them American nationality."

However, the US Consulate in Lahore issued American Passports to my children and consequently they were flown to the United States, he added.

Ch Nisar said that after six months, the children were brought back to Pakistan as a result of a patch-up with his wife.

He clarified that his children were living in Pakistan since then and said as far as the matter of their nationality is concerned, they would themselves decide about the nationality under the US law as the parents could not take any decision in this regard.

Responding to a question, he said he as person and leader of Opposition criticized the US policies and its role in this region adding, the record of National Assembly could prove his statement.

He further said that he always upheld the interest of the country and did not compromise his personal integrity.