Musharraf to visit Saudi tomorrow, drum support

Islamabad, Nov 19 (UNI) President Pervez Musharraf will leave for Saudi Arabia tomorrow where he is slated to hold parleys with the Saudi monarch King Abdullah regarding developments in Pakistan after imposition of emergency and other regional affairs.

It is expected that the Gen Musharrf will apprise the Saudi monarch on the turn of events that have unfolded in Pakistan after the imposition of emergency on November 3.

President Musharraf's visit to the Kingdom after re-exile of Nawaz Sharif on September 10, is being considered as very important, The Nation reported.

Meanwhile, deposed Premier Nawaz Sharif has demanded from Gen Musharraf to lift emergency and restore Constitution.

''I have nothing that I can give to the General nor I am expecting anything from him,'' Mr Sharif said adding that there was no room for talks with Gen Musharraf.

Diplomatic sources said former Premier's return will also feature in talks with the Saudi King and important decision in this regard is expected by next week.

However sources have ruled out any direct negotiation between the Mr Sharif and President Musharraf who was ousted in a bloodless coup by latter in 1999.

Experts consider this visit by the Pakistani military ruler as an effort to drum international support for himself as he has come under widespread condemnation after he deposed judges hostile to him, suspended civil rights, put curbs on the media and put the agitating lawers behind the bars.

UNI