Islamabad: Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif has expressed sorrow over the Monday’s incident in which one of his security guards assaulted a private TV channel’s cameraman and assured that in future such incidents would not occur.
After attending the Accountability Court’s hearing on Tuesday, leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) reached the Islamabad Bar Council office and held a meeting with journalists there.
“I apologise for what has happened and assure the journalists community that such incidents will not take place from our side again,” he said.
Sharif said though it was an individual act of his security guards it damaged his reputation. He said he had never wished for such an incident that would cause embarrassment for him.
“My own people have embarrassed me and I have to come here to give an explanation,” said the former premier who is facing corruption references in the Accountability Court.
“Already, we are facing difficult times and such uncalled for situation has further aggravated our ordeal,” he said. “I condemn the attack on Wajid Ali,” he said, adding he would cooperate with police in this matter. “I ordered his treatment when I got to know about it,” he added.
Sharif said he was in contact with his party’s spokesperson Marriyyum Aurangzeb soon after he learnt about the incident and conveyed his deep sorrow to Wajid Ali, Samaa TV’s cameraman.
“I respect the journalists’ community and can never imagine such a thing will happen from PML-N’s side,” he added.
Minister of State for Interior Shehryar Afridi while taking notice of the incident has directed the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad to submit a report and ensure those involved in this unfortunate incident don’t escape law.
No one would be allowed to act beyond his/her authority, the minister said and added the respect of each and every individual would be ensured in New Pakistan.
He further said new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) would be formed in consultation with Speaker of National Assembly and journalists’ organisations to avoid such incidents in future.
Doctors at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences have described Wajid Ali’s condition stable as there are no fractures or serious injuries. Wajid came under attack by Nawaz Sharif’s security guards when he was making footage of Nawaz Sharif while he was leaving parliament after meeting Shahbaz Sharif, the leader of the Opposition.