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Pakistan's Sharif Exiled To Saudi
WASHINGTON (IslamOnline) - Dethroned former Pakistani prime minister Nawaz Sharif and his family have been exiled to Saudi Arabia.
General Pervez Musharraf overthrew Sharif in a bloodless coup one year ago. He has since been convicted of terrorism, hijacking and corruption, and was serving a life sentence for the convictions.
In an official statement, the current government said, "This decision has been taken in the best interest of the country and people of Pakistan." No further explanation was offered.
Sharif’s family has been asking Pakistan’s military government to release him based on humanitarian grounds because of his failing health, which required immediate treatment abroad.
Before the announcement of Sharif’s departure, The News, a Pakistani daily, said in a report that Sharif had struck a "clandestine" deal with the military government under which he may be allowed to leave Pakistan within next few days "under the pretext of medical treatment."
The Saudi government is believed to have played a vital role in his release.
Umrah (Mecca visit) visas were granted to Sharif and his family by Saudi Arabia, and it is believed that they are to be flown in an executive jet belonging to members of the Saudi royal family. At the time of this report, the aircraft is currently on the airport tarmac in Islamabad.
Saudi embassy officials have remained unavailable for comment.
Sharif's wife, Kulsoom, was seen packing huge containers in anticipation for their departure.
Earlier, talking about her husband’s physical condition, Kulsoom said, "His face becomes pale and he grabs his chest while walking even up to the toilet."
"I am prepared to take my whole family abroad if given a chance. I'll go by the first flight. Even if he refuses to go abroad, I'll take him with me," she added.
Javed Hashmi, in the meanwhile, has been nominated as the acting president of the Pakistan Muslim League (PML) party in the absence of Nawz Sharif.
Muslim League supporters are reported to be gripped in sadness over the departure of their leader.
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