London: Former Pakistani prime minister Nawaz Sharif arrived in London from his exile in Saudi Arabia. It looked like the beginning of a political comeback.
Nawaz Sharif, who lives in exile, described President Pervez Musharraf's government as a failed democracy, saying Musharraf, whom he regards as a military dictator, "has to decide today whether Pakistan is going to be ruled by its people or by a few guards."
However, he declined to talk about his exile in Saudi Arabia and the corruption and terrorism charges facing him in his homeland.
Sharif said last year that he planned to return home, but gave no date and said he and his Pakistan Muslim League party would not co-operate with Musharraf.
Thousands of Nawaz Sharif supporters gave the former Pakistani prime minister a hearty but chaotic welcome in London on Sunday night. Nawaz Sharif was addressing his supporters for the first time since he was removed by Pakistan President General Musharraf, more than six years ago.
Shortly before his arrival, scuffles broke out as the waiting area became overcrowded. At a crowded news conference, Sharif condemned a January 13 US airstrike that killed at least 13 civilians along the Pakistani-Afghan frontier, where Osama bin Laden and other leaders of the al-Qaeda terrorist network are thought to be hiding.
After years in political wilderness, Nawaz Sharif had an audience, and he made sure of playing to the crowd. His big boast was that while he carried out nuclear tests despite US opposition, the Musharraf government is bending under US pressure.
Some India-bashing was a sure way of playing to the gallery Sharif said, he dealt with India on his own terms
While Sharif was in London primarily for the treatment of his son, some would like to believe this is a political comeback.
Nawaz Sharif had to be taken away earlier from a side entrance at the airport because the police feared a stampede inside the airport terminal. What is not clear is that when he returns to Heathrow, will it be a flight to Saudi Arabia or to Pakistan?
(With Agency inputs)
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