Reports of Nawaz-Saudi deal ‘baseless’: spokesman

ISLAMABAD: The spokesman for former premier Nawaz Sharif has condemned as “baseless” reports and claims by politicians that he is in contact with Saudi Arabia to escape accountability, and said Nawaz accepted court verdicts and is facing cases.

The statement said that Nawaz has had long-standing relations with the country and there is no truth in these reports. He has even used his personal contacts for national interest, the spokesman added.

Nawaz and Chief Minister Punjab Shehbaz Sharif’s multiple visits to Saudi Arabia have resulted in criticism by opposition parties. Both Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have questioned the reasons behind the visits.

Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Khursheed Shah on Friday, responding to a question about Shehbaz’s visit to Saudia, said that it would be worrisome if this visit was aimed at resolving internal matters of the country. “Pakistan is a nuclear country and should have its own policies and rule of rule. We do not need to knock on anyone else’s door.”

The PPP leader added that the reason for the visit might be to get a new National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO). When asked was the difference between this NRO and the one issued during the Musharraf government, Shah responded “there is a huge difference. Democracy came in the country, an army general removed his uniform, Nawaz Sharif returned from exile. Parliament completed its tenure and there was a historic transfer of power. In this NRO it seems there are ongoing corruption cases. It is a problem of ladlas (dear ones)."