Pak politician apologises for calling Ranjit Singh corrupt

Khan surprised fellow lawmakers in the National Assembly when he tendered an apology for 8220;frequently quoting his Ranjit Singh8217;s name in meetings for wrong reasons8221;.

The Pakistani leader said his views on Ranjit Singh changed after he read a book on the life of the Sikh ruler written by noted Indian journalist Khushwant Singh.

Khan made the remarks yesterday while chairing a meeting of parliament8217;s Public Accounts Committee,an anti-corruption watchdog.

8220;I was wrong. Ranjit Singh was a great administrator of Punjab,8221; he said.

Khan told the parliamentary panel that he was sorry for developing a wrong perception about Ranjit Singh and his rule.

The book was sent to Khan by PAC member Khwaja Mohammad Asif. Both Khan and Asif belong to the main opposition PML-N.

Ranjit Singh,who was born in Gujranwala,was the first Maharaja of the Sikh empire. Known as Sher-e-Punjab Lion of Punjab,Ranjit Singh ruled till 1839 with Lahore as his capital.

However,many Pakistanis consider Ranjit Singh a ruthless ruler who killed many Muslims in wars.