ISLAMABAD – A PML-N leader present at the party meeting has said onThursday that Mr Saad Rafique and Mr Kirmani exchanged harsh words overthe issue of Nawaz Sharif interview with Dawn.
“Saad asked Kirmani how could he allow that reporter [Cyril Almeida] tointerview Mr Sharif, knowing well about the Dawn Leaks of October 2016,” hesaid.
At this, Mr Kirmani said his duty was to facilitate interaction of his boss[Mr Sharif] with media personnel. “It is your fault that the party isfacing a lot of criticism as you have damaged the party, Saad told Kirmani.”
He said the two leaders exchanged barbs just after the meeting had ended.“Mr Sharif was not close to them, otherwise he might have stopped them fromfighting over this issue,” he added.
Another PML-N leader said that Mr Kirmani kept on calling Mr Rafique a“spy” who leaked proceedings of party meetings to others [an apparentreference to the establishment].
“At this Saad Rafique got furious and declared him [Mr Kirmani] a ‘personalemployee’. ‘How dare you discredit my struggle of 40 years,’ retorted Saad.‘My loyalty to the party and Nawaz Sharif is unquestionable’,” he said.
When contacted, PML-N’s information secretary and Climate Change MinisterMushahidullah Khan only confirmed that Mr Rafique and Mr Kirmani bickeredover a matter after a party meeting in Islamabad.
“However, it was not something unusual. It was a petty matter and shouldnot be blown out of proportion,” he said.