Patterson refutes Musharraf’s allegations over Shujaat’s role in NRO deal

ISLAMABAD - In what may have come as a blow to former military ruler Pervez Musharraf, the outgoing US Ambassador to Pakistan, Anne W. Patterson, has refuted allegations about PML-Q President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain having played any role in the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) deal.

Talking to reporters after attending a farewell reception hosted by the PML-Q chief at his residence, Patterson said that as far as her information was concerned, Shujaat had nothing to do with the NRO, the Dawn reported.

She added that the allegations levelled against him by Musharraf were not based on facts.

Patterson praised the Chaudhry brothers- Chaudhry Shujaat for his political acumen and Chaudhry Parvaiz Elahi for the work done by him as the Punjab Chief Minister, in the field of educational reforms.

Describing her stay in Pakistan as a memorable experience, the envoy said that she was leaving the country with lots of pleasant memories. She also noted that broadening of Pakistan-US relations would benefit both the countries.

Patterson had played an important role in strengthening relations between the two countries, Shujaat said, adding that she had tried to understand Pakistan’s point of view, which helped in resolving many issues.

Earlier this week, the APML founder had apologised to his countrymen for giving a green signal to the NRO, and blamed the Chaudhry brothers of misleading him on this as well as other issues.

The duo had pressed him to sign the ordinance, Musharraf claimed, adding that all his meetings with Benazir had also been held on their insistence only.

“There is always a quid pro quo when two parties get down to hold talks,” he stated. (ANI)