Sharif, family will not return to Pak for ten yrs -- Musharraf

Sharif, family will not return to Pak for ten yrs -- Musharraf
UNITED NEWS OF INDIA

ISLAMABAD, DEC 21: Pakistan Chief Executive Gen Pervez Musharraf told the nation it was a ``baseless propaganda and disinformation'' that he wanted to bring in a new political establishment or planned to set up an interim government in the country.

In his address broadcast to the nation over radio and television late last night, Musharraf sought to dispel the impression that after the release and subsequent exile of deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif along with some of his kin, the process of accountability has been slowed down or would be discarded.

The process would continue as it had in the past, he assured the people and added that he was of the view that the release of Sharif had increased his liberty of action.

Musharraf said the release of Sharif would usher in an era of constructive and money-free politics which in turn would lead to political harmony and economic development of Pakistan. The release of Sharif would bring economic benefits for the country, he added.

In his 50-minute address, Pakistan's military ruler clarified that Sharif had been exiled for a period of ten years. This is the first time the period of exile has been confirmed.

The general's address primarily touched the circumstances leading to the release of Sharif apart from the local bodies' elections to be held in the country.

He said Sharif's release followed a request by Saudi Arabia's crown prince Abdullah Bin Abdul-Aziz. The government did not compromise on anything by releasing and sending the deposed prime minister into exile, the General emphasised.

Musharraf said except for the release and exile for ten years, the rest of the punishment given to Sharif and his brother Shahbaz by the courts, including confiscation of property to recover the fines imposed, and payment of all loan dues by the Sharif family would stand.

The government would recover all fines imposed on them, he said adding fines amounting to hundreds of millions of rupees were in the process of being realised.

Musharraf denied claims by Sharif's wife Begum Kulsoom and his other family members that they would return to Pakistan within months. As per the guarantee, no one would return to Pakistan during the next ten years, the military ruler said adding the family would not take part in politics nor use the Saudi platform to speak against Pakistan or its government.