ISLAMABAD – Nawaz Sharif said 2014 sit-in at D-Chowk ‘adventurism’ was toremove him from office. He said that he received warnings cloaked undersuggestions during the sit-in to either resign or flee on extended leave.

“Who was the umpire who was supposed to raise his finger?” asked Nawaz,referring to the frequent statements by Imran Khan mentioning umpire’sfinger in his speeches in the sit-in.

He said during a presser at the Punjab House, Islamabad that dictatorshiphurt Pakistan more than anything. He said that whenever a military dictatorusurped power from civilians, he brought the whole institution intodisrepute. He reiterated that he has nothing but respect for the armedforces of Pakistan.

“Panama Papers was just an excuse to oust me. There were no Panama Papersin 1999,’ he said, “I talked about real democracy 20 years ago. I did itagain this time and that is my ‘crime.’”

Not irked by the different titles he has been receiving lately, NawazSharif said he does not care whatever anyone calls him.

“Call me Sicilian Mafia, Godfather or traitor, I don’t mind,’ he said, ‘Ideem asking for certificate of patriotism from someone a shame for mypatriotism.”

He said that PML (N) has performed exemplary services in the last fiveyears like FATA reforms, curbing terrorism, bringing mega-projects likeCPEC to Pakistan.

“The whole nation knows the reasons behind my disqualification. I took afirm stand against Pervez Musharraf for his antics despite being suggestedotherwise by people like Mr. Zardari,” he revealed.

He said that the sit-in of 2014 was brought against him after he moved topursue a case of treason against dictator Musharraf.

“I was told cases against Musharraf would not be in my favor,’ he said,‘unknown people would stand outside PM House.’