Durrani said it was 'decided at the highest level, meaning the President, in consultation with the premier security agencies that it was in Pakistan's supreme national interest to admit Kasab's Pakistani nationality before others started harping on it, leaving Islamabad with no choice but to own up'.

Security organisations had briefed Zardari about Kasab's nationality before Durrani talked about it.

Durrani said all stakeholders were taken into confidence before the statement on Kasab was made public and he "did not breach the confidence or the trust of the leadership."

Durrani said he had no differences with the Prime Minister before his sacking and dismissed as 'nonsensical' media reports that top US officials had lobbied for his restoration.

"The Prime Minister had every right and authority to send me home, but the way he did it was not nice although otherwise he is a fine gentleman. I wish him success...The way I was sacked, I was painted as if I have committed a grave crime," Durrani told 'The News' daily.

He also said "it was his strong commitment to have peace with India". He had worked for this purpose in the past and would continue to do so, Durrani said.

Durrani also said he was anguished that certain elements had launched a character assassination campaign against him and were describing him as an 'American agent'.

"My integrity has always been above board. Whatever I did, I did for Pakistan and I will keep doing so in future as well," he said.

... contd.