Former Pakistani prime minister Sharif exiled to Saudi Arabia

December 10, 2000
Web posted at: 4:43 AM HKT (2043 GMT)

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan(Reuters) - The former prime minister of Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif, was being taken from prison and exiled to Saudi Arabia, an official news agency said early on Sunday.

The announcement on the Associated Press of Pakistan came after a day of mounting speculation on the fate of Sharif, who was overthrown in a bloodless coup 14 months ago.

"This decision has been taken in the best interest of the country and the people of Pakistan," said the formal announcement.

According to family friends, Sharif was to go into exile with members of his family. The state announcement said they had been requesting clemency for Sharif, who was serving a life sentence in jail on several charges, including corruption.

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