``The next few days are very crucial for peace in the sub-continent,'' said one senior foreign ministry official, who asked not to be named.

While Sharif told journalists that his decision to shorten his visit to China had been taken in advance and there was ``nothing unusual'' in this step, informed sources said that the Niaz Naik visit to New Delhi had a lot to do with this decision.

The Pakistanis were happy with the outcome of the Naik visit to India but at the same time Sharif felt the need to return to Pakistan to put things in process as a follow up to the visit, say observers.

The next step, they say, will be the meeting of Pakistani and Indian military officials in a week or so to discuss modalities of a pullout by infiltrators from the Kargil/Drassarea.

The All Parties Conference, a collection of opposition parties in Pakistan and religious groups, demanded that they be taken into confidence over the diplomacy that the Government has entered into with India.