Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan and Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Photo: File 

ISLAMABAD: Disgruntled Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) senior figure Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said on Thursday that he has been away from the ongoing ?homecoming? rally of Nawaz Sharif owing to ?back pain?.

According to Geo News, interacting with members of the National Assembly during today?s session, Nisar said: ?Mian sahib himself recommended that I rest?.

Nisar, the former interior minister, did not see off Nawaz when he departed from Islamabad for his ?GT Road rally? on Wednesday.

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Earlier, before Nawaz?s ouster by the Supreme Court on July 28, Nisar had held a much-awaited press conference confirming reports of a rift with the senior party leadership.

Talking with lawmakers on Thursday, Nisar said, ?We have to play our part to keep the assembly sessions running,? adding that the lack of interest from government officials is not sending a good message.

The National Assembly session was postponed till August 17 due to lack of the necessary number of lawmakers for holding the session. till August 17 due to lack of the necessary number of lawmakers for holding the session.