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Sharif Plans Return to Pakistan, Again

Exiled ex-PM has Musharraf's blessing this time, possible deal

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 23, 2007 7:33 AM CST

(Newser) – Nawaz Sharif, the former prime minister whom Pervez Musharraf deposed in his 1999 coup, is planning to return to Pakistan within days. Reuters reports that Sharif, who flew to Islamabad in September only to be promptly deported to Saudi Arabia, might be back in Pakistan in time to file for parliamentary elections. Musharraf is said to have assented to Sharif's return when he met with Saudi King Abdullah this week.

Musharraf's surprise visit to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday heightened speculation that the general might be reaching out to his long-time foe after sending him into exile and co-opting his political party. Whether the two men have made a deal is unclear, but markets in Pakistan were buoyed by the news: stocks in Karachi rose 1.4% after Sharif's expected return was announced.

Supporters of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif shout slogans as they march towards the Supreme Court, Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2007, in Islamabad, Pakistan.
Supporters of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif shout slogans as they march towards the Supreme Court, Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2007, in Islamabad, Pakistan.   (Associated Press)
Supporters of Pakistan's ousted former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif participate in a rally against Pakistan's President Gen. Pervez Musharraf, Saturday, Sept. 22, 2007, in Lahore, Pakistan.
Supporters of Pakistan's ousted former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif participate in a rally against Pakistan's President Gen. Pervez Musharraf, Saturday, Sept. 22, 2007, in Lahore, Pakistan.   (Associated Press)
Nawaz Sharif, the exiled ex-prime minister of Pakistan, seen here in a file photo, is planning a second attempt to return to the country.
Nawaz Sharif, the exiled ex-prime minister of Pakistan, seen here in a file photo, is planning a second attempt to return to the country.   (Getty Images)
Supporters of exiled former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif chant slogans at an anti government rally in front of the Supreme Court in Islamabad, Pakistan on Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2007.
Supporters of exiled former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif chant slogans at an anti government rally in front of the Supreme Court in Islamabad, Pakistan on Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2007.   (Associated Press)
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