Nawaz admits to understanding with Saudi Arabia, but not with Musharraf

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has categorically denied having any understanding with President Pervez Musharraf, but admitted that he had some sort of agreement with Saudi Arabia.

New Delhi, Aug 17 : Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has categorically denied having any understanding with President Pervez Musharraf, but admitted that he had some sort of agreement with Saudi Arabia.

"I never signed any agreement with President Musharraf nor his government nor any functionary of his government. None whatsoever. So, if I had signed anything with Musharraf, he should have brought it out by now. He would have presented it to the Supreme Court when Shahbaz Sharif was going back to Pakistan," Sharif said in an interview to NDTV in Dubai.

"I may be having an understanding with Saudi Arabia. But that has nothing to do with Mr Musharraf," he added.

Sharif went on to say that he was thankful to the Saudi King "who thought about me in those difficult times." He said, "Musharraf has spared no effort in reaching out to the Saudis or other people to stop Nawaz Sharif from coming back to Pakistan. What transpired between Musharraf and Saudi Arabia, I am not privy to that. But I think Saudis know that Nawaz Sharif is a politician. He has a role to play. He has a duty to perform."

Sharif made it clear that despite feelers from Musharraf there was no question of compromising with him. "We've resisted that. I am not a stubborn man or I would not say that I am not prepared to discuss anything with Musharraf. But there is nothing to discuss with him. A man who is guilty of abrogating the constitution, overthrowing an elected government, removing the Chief Justice of Pakistan, do you think he should be talked to, be negotiated with, or strike a deal with this man?"

Sharif added that it would be "very immoral" on his part to strike any deal or even to hold any negotiations with "usurpers and dictators."

On Benazir Bhutto, he said, "I think she will be another Shaukat Aziz. I will not be another Shaukat Aziz if I am looking for making myself independent."

About his return to Pakistan, Sharif said he has already filed a petition in the Supreme Court and is waiting for the verdict.

"The Supreme Court has formed a full bench to examine the case and the next date, which has been fixed is the 16th. So, I am waiting for the judgment of the Supreme Court. I don't want to make any comments because this is a subjudice matter," he said.

ANI