Sharif awaits facts to emerge in Bani Gala controversy

ISLAMABAD: Distancing himself from PTI chairman Imran Khan, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday said he would not comment on a controversy making rounds on media pertaining to Khan’s Bani Gala residence construction. 

Speaking to press outside the accountability court here, Sharif said he is reviewing the overall controversy with regard to Imran Khan’s residence at Bani Gala in Islamabad.

He said he would speak on the matter after the court proceedings, as what he said, he cannot make a statement on a subject merely based on allegations like “Imran Khan”.

“I heard the Supreme Court is likely to take up the matter today,” Sharif added.

He was referring to the statement made by a former local government official on Wednesday, claiming that the PTI chief presented a fake No Objection Certificate (NOC) and the blueprint of Bani Gala for the construction.

Former secretary Union Council Bara Kahu Muhammad Umar, in his reply submitted to the top court over encroachments, said the documents were bogus.

“There will be no difference between me and Imran Khan, if I begin making statements on allegations,” Sharif remarked in reply to a question whether he wants to make a comment on former secretary union council’s claim.

Moreover, he said he is awaiting facts to emerge in the case to speak on the issue.