Sharifs likely to be arrested on return to Pakistan

The Pakistan Government is considering plans to arrest former premier Nawaz Sharif when he lands at Islamabad Airport on September 10 and lodge in the Adiala Jail, sources said.

Lahore, Aug 31 : The Pakistan Government is considering plans to arrest former premier Nawaz Sharif when he lands at Islamabad Airport on September 10 and lodge in the Adiala Jail, sources said.

In initial discussions senior officials have also suggested arrest of Nawaz Sharif's brother Shahbaz.

A final settlement with the PML-N would depend on a deal or an agreement between the Sharifs and the Musharraf regime.

The government is also considering large-scale arrests of political workers to spoil the welcome likely to be given to the Sharifs on September 10, the Daily Times reported.

Besides the army, provincial governments, especially the Punjab Government, would be given a "free hand" to minimise the number of people attending the reception for the former premier and his family, sources said.

They said that apart from building up pressure on the Sharifs and PML-N workers through arrests, the government would continue making efforts for a settlement with the PML-N through local and foreign sources.

Meanwhile, sources close to Musharraf have claimed that "respectable guarantors" have assured the General that Sharif would not return to Pakistan despite his announcement on Thursday that he will return on September 10.

ANI