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GUEST: Dr. Nazir Khaja, Assistant Professor of Medicine, UCLA, Chairman, Islamic Information Service, USA,

Yesterday, former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif returned to his homeland only to be immediately charged with corruption and deported to Saudi Arabia. In exile since a 1999 coup by current President Pervez Musharraf ousted his elected government, Sharif returned in the hopes of campaigning against his political old foe. The Supreme Court of Pakistan ruled a month ago that Sharif had the right to return free from obstruction by authorities. Ahead of Sharif’s brief arrival yesterday, thousands of his political supporters were reportedly detained. Though facing plummeting support, especially following the failed attempt to fire the Chief of the Supreme Court, Musharraf is seeking another five year presidential term in elections to be held later this year. Meanwhile another former Prime Minister in exile, Benazir Bhutto seeks to return to Pakistan and will announce her date of arrival this Friday. Bhutto has been in negotiations with President Musharraf in what amounts to a power sharing deal. Bhutto seeks to have corruptions charges against her dropped as well as the resignation of Musharraf as army chief. In exchange, Bhutto would be able to seek a third term as Prime Minister while supporting Musharraf’s ability to run for another Presidential term.

Read Dr. Khaja’s article, here www.arabnews.com/?page=7&section=0&article=100933&d=7&m=9&y=2007