20000204

Battle to save

Sharif to be

fought in courts: Kulsoom

RECORDER REPORT

KARACHI: Begum Kulsoom Nawaz Sharif said on Thursday that the battle to save Nawaz Sharif would be fought in the courtrooms of the country.

She was talking to newsmen at a dinner hosted by Ejaz Shafi, suspended member of the National Assembly, at his Alhamra Society residence.

Kulsoom Nawaz said her husband had not committed any crime and his conscience was clear. "It is an unfortunate situation that has befallen upon the family and Mian Sahib is determined to brave it boldly. He is steadfast and determined and would disclose the background of the October 12 incident at an appropriate time when he address the court and puts forward his defence."

On repeated questions from the newsmen to give her impressions about the October 12 incident and tell whether there was any thing true or the entire story was a cooked up move to dislodge Nawaz Sharif and grab powers, she did not comment but reiterated that he was innocent.

She said the government had created an atmosphere of fear as a pre-emptive measure against the forces of people taking to the streets in favour of Nawaz Sharif.

Kulsoom said whenever, she met Nawaz, he asked her to tell his party-men to remain united and maintain the sanctity of law and order. "We do not want confrontation with anyone," she added.

She said the party was united and stood firmly behind its leader.

She recounted the way Nawaz had contributed towards the development of Pakistan and said people should give the credit where it is due. "A prime minister like Nawaz would not be there in times to come. He has done so much good for the country which none other had done," she added.

Kulsoom said with the passage of each day Nawaz's popularity was increasing.

She was meeting newsmen to tell that Nawaz is innocent and she had no political ambitions.

Kulsoom was emotional throughout her talk with the newsmen but bravely swallowed the tears welling up in her eyes.

Pakistan Muslim League leaders who were present included former Sindh governor Mamnoon Husain, Dost Mohammed Faizi, Shah Mohamed Shah, Maj. Mustajab Hasan (Retd) Capt Haleem Siddiqui, Kh. Qutabuddin, besides family members of the Sharifs.