Pak PM rules out probe into Kargil

Whatever happened was a "collective responsibility" by the Sharif government, Prime Minister Shujaat Hussain said, adding any move to probe the matter at this stage would open a Pandora's box.

Sharif had been taken into confidence by the COAS, General Musharraf, Hussain told reporters in Lahore yesterday commenting on the deposed Premier's remarks in an interview to an Indian weekly that Musharraf had not informed him about the Kargil operation. Musharraf overthrew Sharif in a bloodless coup on October 12, 1999.

"I say on oath that Sharif was fully aware of the operation and the Chief of Army Staff had six meetings with him at which I was also present. I can even recall the dates and time of these meetings," Hussain, who served as Interior Minister in Sharif's Government, was quoted by the media as saying.

He maintained that what he narrated was an "eye witness" account and "there is no need for a judicial commission" as demanded by Sharif's PML(N) party.

Hussain, appointed as interim Premier until the election to the National Assembly by Prime Minister designate Shaoukat Aziz, challenged Sharif to say under oath that he was not fully informed about the Kargil issue.

Hussain said as Chief of Army, Musharraf had told "Sharif of dates, the days and even the time. About the situation in Kargil."