Saudi Arabia's 'love' for Nawaz Sharif lost?

Islamabad, Sep.12 (ANI): Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif did not receive the same 'red carpet' welcome and the protocol that he used to enjoy earlier, during his recent Saudi Arabia visit.

According to sources, Sharif's refusal to tone down his demand for former President General Pervez Musharraf's high treason trial is believed to the prime reason behind Riyadh's luke warm response.

Insiders said Sharif did not receive the same protocol when he arrived at Riyadh for a religious visit earlier this week, however, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has rejected any reduction in Saudi's love for Sharif.

"Whenever any Pakistani leader visits Saudi Arabia specifically for worship, routine protocol is not given. PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif regularly visits Saudi Arabia in the last ten days of the holy month of Ramadan and in the past on every such occasion, he was given the same protocol as he was given during the current visit," PML-N spokesman Pervaiz Rasheed said.

Sources said Sharif is under tremendous pressure from Saudi Arabia to shun his demand for Musharraf's trial under the Article Six of the Constitution. (ANI)