Nawaz will not return until risk is over: Khawaja Asif

ISLAMABAD: Former defense minister and prominent Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Khawaja Asif emphasized the importance of minimizing risk before considering the return of former prime minister and PML-N Supremo Nawaz Sharif.

In an interview, Asif highlighted the need for accountability and caution, suggesting that Sharif’s return should only be considered when the associated risk becomes negligible.

Asif expressed his perspective on the matter, asserting that President Arif Alvi should reflect on his own past before advocating for forgiveness and pardon. He criticized Alvi for appearing to offer guidance while forgetting his own history.

The PML-N leader underscored the principle of justice, stating that a fair assessment requires hearing both sides of the story. He said that Nawaz Sharif was denied the opportunity to appeal, contrasting this with the situation of Chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), who he said has the option to seek redress through higher courts.

Asif also revealed that the name of Dr Muhammad Malik had been suggested as a consensus candidate, when discussions were under way on the potential caretaker prime minister for an interim period between the PML-N and the Pakistan People’s Party. He indicatied that both parties were in agreement over the choice.

He said that the now caretaker premier Anwaarul Haq Kakar’s political activities were not as prominent as those of other candidates.

Kakar takes oath as caretaker prime minister