Saudi-brokered Musharraf Exit

Prince Maqrin has reportedly convinced adamant Sharif to give Musharraf a safe-exit

"Efforts are in final phase for an amicable solution to the political impasse and an important announcement from Musharraf is expected very soon," a senior government official told IslamOnline.net, requesting anonymity.

He said that under a secret deal brokered by Saudi Intelligence Chief Prince Maqrin Bin Abdul Aziz, who secretly arrived in Pakistan on Friday, August 15, Musharraf has agreed to resign.

The Saudi emissary held talks with Musharraf, Premier Yousaf Raza Gilani, former premier Nawaz Sharif, an arch rival of Musharraf, and Lt General Nadeem Taj, the direct of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Pakistan's premier intelligence agency.

Once the most powerful man of Pakistan and a blue-eyed boy of the US, Musharraf is facing the toughest time in his life with the four-party ruling coalition promising to complete his impeachment process by the first week of September.

According to the constitution, an impeachment motion stands successful if it wins a two-thirds of the combined strength of the national assembly and the senate.

The four-party coalition reportedly has 10 more votes than needed, especially after several of Musharraf's allies threatened to back the impeachment if you does not resign.

The government official said Prince Maqrin had to air-dash Islamabad because of the "rigid" attitude of Sharif, who was not ready to provide a safe-exit to Musharraf.

"The US envoy to Pakistan (N W Paterson) tried her level best to persuade Sharif but he refused. That is why the US government had to request the Saudi government to use its influence on Sharif," he noted.

"Earlier, Sharif was not ready for that but Prince Maqrin’s personal request made that possible."

Prince Maqrin has been playing an active role in Pakistan’s politics for the past many years.

He had personally visited Pakistan last year to accompany Sharif back to Riyadh after Musharraf prevented from retuning homes following years of exile.

Safe Exit

Though Musharraf was offered a VIP stay in Saudi Arabia, he seems to prefer Istanbul or Boston. (Reuters)

Sources privy to Musharraf say that Lt General Taj, who is considered a good friend of the embattled president, played an effective role in persuading him to resign.

A top Foreign Office official that IOL that besides Saudi Arabia some influential western powers and Arab states have also been involved in brokering a face-saving deal for Musharraf from behind the curtain.

According to a senior leader of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), the government has been under constant pressure from some "friendly countries" and international powers to halt the impeachment plan.

"Keeping in view the country's economic situation and escalating prices of petroleum products in the international market, Pakistan cannot afford to annoy friendly countries," the PPP leader told IOL.

"That’s why we have agreed to give him a safe-exit, which he doesn’t deserve."

Under the agreement, Musharraf will resign within the next few days and move to his sprawling residence in the Chuk Shahzad area of Islamabad, from where he will flew abroad.

"Prince Maqrin conveyed an important message of King Abdullah to Musharraf offering him stay in Saudi Arabia with VVIP protocol," said the government official.

However, Musharraf’s allies believe that because of his secular nature, he will think about staying in Saudi Arabi as a last resort.

His preference will be Istanbul or Boston.

In return, the ruling coalition will drop all charges against Musharraf and grant indemnity to all his previous acts.

He will enjoy all perks and privileges of a former president, including a VIP security protocol.

As per the agreement, no case of financial corruption or criminal nature will be registered against Musharraf, sources said.

"President Musharraf will leave Pakistan forever and if he stages a comeback, he will be tried under Article 6 for violation of the Constitution which carries death penalty," said the PPP leader.