Sharif's deal for exile?

By B. Muralidhar Reddy

ISLAMABAD, DEC. 9. The former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr. Nawaz Sharif, has asked for the military Government's permission to seek medical treatment abroad for his heart ailment.

Mr. Sharif's move has triggered speculation that he could be striking a deal with the Musharraf Government for going into exile. The Government can permit him to `settle' abroad only if the President, Mr. Rafiq Tarar, grants a presidential pardon.

It would indeed be a surprise if Mr. Sharif were to strike such a deal as he was opposing the Musharraf regime till recently. And his Pakistan Muslim League also joined the multi- party Alliance for Restoration of Democracy, in which its archrival, the Pakistan People's Party led by Ms. Benazir Bhutto, is a major partner.

The alliance vowed to start a mass movement for the restoration of democracy and return of the military to the barracks.

Speculations are that the military Government is actively considering Mr. Sharif's request and he may leave by Sunday if everything goes according to the script.

Senior PML leaders have confirmed that the Sharif family applied for permission to take him abroad for treatment. Last week, the former Premier complained of chest pain and a panel of doctors examined him.

The chief military spokesman, Gen. Rashid Quereshi, said in an interview on Friday that Mr. Sharif was being provided with all the facilities. ``It is not true that there is a lack of facilities. He has been provided far greater facilities than what is usually provided to a common man. Nawaz complained of chest pain. The specialist team examined him.... So far there is nothing to worry about. He is stable. There is no emergency.''

The family members of Mr. Sharif including his wife, Mrs. Kulsoom Sharif, have been quoted as saying that they would be glad to take him abroad if the Government accorded the necessary permission.

Mrs. Sharif has been in the forefront of power struggle in the PML in recent months over the nature of relations between the party and the military rulers.

Mr. Sharif has been in jail since the bloodless coup of October 1999. He stands convicted in the plane hijack case and the helicopter case. Appeal against the lower court verdict in the plane hijack case is pending.

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