Former Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Saqib Nisar has given contradictory statements about communicating with former Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan.

Nisar told journalist and anchorperson Adil Shahzeb of Dawn News that he had had no contact with Khan. However, he agreed that he had been in touch with former spymaster General (retd) Faiz Hameed.

Adil Shahzeb, while speaking on Geo News program ‘Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath’, said that he talked to Nisar at 10AM on March 6 and the ex-CJP asked if he would lobby for Imran Khan as if his character was any less than the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief. “Are my capabilities and intelligence levels any less than Imran Khan’s that I would lobby for him?” Saqib Nisar was quoted as saying by the journalist.

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It was shocking for me, Adil said on the show.

However, while talking to journalist Zahid Gishkori of Samma News, the former CJP confirmed that he had, in fact, spoken to Imran Khan.

Gishkori tweeted the supposed conversation between Nisar and Khan.

“Can we talk my Lord? Which time is convenient to talk?” read Khan’s text sent to Nisar some two weeks ago, as per Gishkori. It was 8PM when Justice Saqib Nisar responded, “You’re welcome.” 

Gishkori while speaking on Shahzeb Khanzada’s show, said that Khan asked for Nisar’s help in the court cases filed against him, to which the former CJP responded: “I can’t help you”.

“It is a difficult time for me,” Khan reportedly said, at which the ex-CJP reiterated that he wouldn’t be able to help the PTI chief out. 

“I advised him that you are a former Premier and are targeting institutions and that he shouldn’t weaken institutions with unnecessary criticism,” the former CJP was quoted as saying by Gishkori.  

The CJP also reportedly warned Khan about trouble if he continued with his ways.