The Hindu : New Delhi News : Sharif loses cool during interview

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Sunday, Jan 06, 2008
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New Delhi

Sharif loses cool during interview

Islamabad: The former Pakistan premier, Nawaz Sharif, lost his cool during an interview when asked about an alleged “deal” with the government for dropping his prison term. His aides seized the videotapes of the interaction, a TV channel claimed here.

“Nawaz got angry when I asked him why he first denied the existence of any exile deal with the government before his homecoming and later admitted that it was for only five years?” the reporter of Business Plus channel, who interviewed Mr. Sharif at his home in Lahore, told the Daily Times.

The Business Plus management alleged that the PML-N chief’s media manager, Pervaiz Rasheed, seized the tapes of the interview and intimidated the staff after Mr. Sharif lost his cool.

“We were held hostage after the interview when Pervaiz Rasheed realised that Nawaz had used unbecoming language against President Pervez Musharraf, the Chaudhry brothers and [PML-Q leader] Mushahid Hussain while answering one of my questions,” said Rana Mubashir, the channel’s news director. “When I asked why the Chaudhry brothers and Mushahid Hussain had left him after 11 years, Nawaz blew his top and asked his media manager to seize the tapes and not let us go until we surrendered the tapes,” Mr. Mubashir told reporters.

“Pervaiz Rasheed put his hand on my shoulder and said, ‘Ok pack up; this interview can’t be aired because you people have put tough questions and Nawaz has spoken harshly in answering your questions’,” Mr. Mubashir quoted Mr. Rasheed as saying.

Mr. Mubashir said they were left with no option but to surrender the videotapes. “My team and I were like hostages and I condemn it,” he said, adding that the channel had reported the incident to the police for registering a case.

He said a question to Mr. Sharif on allegations that he was pursuing the politics of confrontation was also “answered in bad taste.” — PTI

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