This is one former Pakistani PM who now steadfastly refuses to compromise, who would rather not negotiate an agreement on a return to his homeland, and who refuses to have any truck with a military leader he abhors or "take dictation from Washington". From his home in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Nawaz Sharif spoke to Neena Gopal about Pervez Musharraf, the Emergency in Pakistan and betrayal in politics. Excerpts from an interview:
What was your first reaction when you heard Gen Musharraf had imposed Emergency?
Benazir Bhutto has announced she is convening a meeting of her Pakistan People's Party and the Alliance for Restoration of Democracy. Is the All Parties Democratic Movement (APDM, Sharif's alliance) going to participate?
There are reports that Benazir has sent word through your former finance minister Ishaq Dar that she would be happy to work with you.
Apart from calling her on the day of the failed assassination, have you spoken to her as yet?
laughs
What are you waiting for?
Qazi Hussain Ahmed's Jamaat-e-Islami organised a demonstration....
But you are stuck in Saudi Arabia, how can you possibly organise it from so far away?
Washington has said it's reviewing the aid to Pakistan. Do you believe Musharraf could break with the Bush administration and end the 'war on terror'?
laughs again
