PPP's Sherry trounces Nawaz Sharif for 'Mumbai attacks' statement

KARACHI: Slamming former prime minister Nawaz Sharif for his remarks on Mumbai attack, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Sherry Rehman on Sunday said he was essaying to dissipate sacrifices of Pakistanis against terrorism, ARY News reported.

“Our party strongly rejects his stance, which compromises Pakistan’s narrative in the war against terrorism,” she said while addressing a press conference in Karachi. Dr Nafisa Shah and others were also present on the occasion.

The leader of opposition in senate said Pakistan was fighting the largest inland fighting against terrorism alone. Our people rendered great sacrifices in the war on terror and the PPP would not let anybody botch dignity of the country at any cost, she said. We lost thousands of precious lives fighting the terrorists on our soil, she said adding that her party would combat Pakistan’s case at every forum.

The deposed premier’s ‘Mumbai attacks’ comments in an interview to a local newspaper have triggered a flood of criticism from analysts, politicians and general public in Pakistan.

In an interview with a leading English daily, he implied as if the militants were allowed from this side of the border to go to India and carry out the attacks.

Read More: Nawaz speaking Modi’s language to protect ill-gotten money: Imran

“Call them non-state actors, should we allow them to cross the border and kill 150 people in Mumbai? Explain it to me. Why can’t we complete the trial?,” said Nawaz while referring  to the Mumbai attacks-related trials which have stalled in a Rawalpindi anti-terrorism court due to non-cooperation from India.

Though this statement is little vague and spun, but Indian media specially exaggerated his words to take it as a validation of their claim that the 2008 Mumbai attacks were orchestrated from Pakistan.

Sherry Rehman said India was not cooperating with Pakistan in Mumbai attacks trial. Pakistan’s investigation team was barred from questioning the key accused, Ajmal Kasab, she added.

Chiding the ousted PM, she said, “You are supposed to outrightly and fully defend Pakistan, it’s not just the armed forces’ job. Nawaz cannot divert people’s attention through such statements. He supported (Indian prime minister) Narendra Modi’s narrative.”

“Nawaz should not try to become a political martyr. Global powers have made Pakistan victim. Pakistan is a democratic and peaceful country. Terrorism is not a responsibility of one country, it is a global phenomena. Indian media played up his remarks as an admission of Pakistan’s involvement in the attacks.”

The senator said Sharif should really explain his position as a third time elected prime minister. He cannot make such an irresponsible statement inimical to the national security of Pakistan and to its stated foreign policy, even during his own time, she said.