No politicking on Saudi soil, Sharif told

By Kesava Menon

MANAMA (Bahrain) DEC. 11 Authorities in Saudi Arabia have stipulated that the former Pakistan Prime Minister, Mr. Nawaz Sharif, cannot indulge in politicking as long as he resides in the country. However, he is free to travel outside the country anytime. Thus he is given the opportunity to pursue his political career from some other place should he choose to do so, after a medical check-up and treatment, if any, are completed.

Mr. Sharif and his family arrived at the Saudi port city of Jeddah yesterday and were received by the Governor of the Western province and member of the ruling family, Prince Abdel Majed bin Abdul Aziz. They left immediately for prayers in the cities of Mecca and Medina. The Saudi Government has allotted for the family a villa in a posh neighbourhood of Jeddah, with all- round security. From the manner in which Mr. Sharif was received and is being looked after, it is clear the Saudis regard him as an honoured guest and not as a refugee. However, on the conditions which Mr. Sharif will be asked to observe, an unnamed official is quoted as saying he has been asked to refrain from launching any political activity or giving interviews to the media. But his stay, is not limited to any period of time and he is free to travel to any place he wanted.

Media reports here suggest that all three heavyweights of the ruling family, Crown Prince Abdullah (who is running the Kingdom during the long convalescence of King Fahd), the Defence Minister, Prince Sultan, and the Foreign Minister, Prince Saud al Faisal, were involved in the negotiations with the Pakistani military regime which led to pardon for Mr. Sharif.

The Saudis have never put themselves out so much for any other Pakistan leader. They also treat another former Prime Minister, Ms. Benazir Bhutto, with respect but of a cool and distant sort but the treatment they are according to Mr. Sharif is in quite contrast.

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Section  : International
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