MAHMUD Ali Durrani, who was sacked by Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani a few days back for his statement about the sole surviving Mumbai gunman Ajmal Kasab, has said that he was shocked when he heard the news of his removal on a private TV news network. Durrani denied any wrongdoing. "It had already been decided that we should confirm that the gunman was a Pakistani because hiding that makes no sense," he told The Wall Street Journal in a telephonic interview. Durrani's dismissal came amid reports of mounting differences between PM Gilani and President Zardari. Political analysts said Durrani's sacking was the latest instance of confusion over who is in charge in Pakistan. A senior aide to Zardari said reversing the dismissal could plunge the country into a serious political crisis, because it would openly pit Zardari against Gilani. In the interview, Durrani said he was removed because Gilani was unaware of a decision by Zardari and senior security officials to publicly confirm Kasab's nationality and because the PM felt the need to exert his authority. Officials at the PM's Office weren't available to comment. The senior Zardari aide said the President wasn't consulted by Gilani on his decision to dismiss Durrani, which he learned about after it had been announced. "The PM did not consult anyone, not even his cabinet ministers," said the aide. The PM is the country's chief executive, but major decisions are taken by President Zardari. Durrani was appointed to his post by Zardari and reported to the President directly, an arrangement political analysts said Gilani resented. Durrani's appointment also was controversial because he was seen by critics as too friendly with Washington and New Delhi. His sacking was hailed by conservative political leaders and many retired military officers. "Durrani was working on an US agenda, and his sacking was a step in the right direction," he said. Gen Aslam Beg, former chief of army staff.