Sharif to return after Nov 15

Exiled former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif8217;s PML-N party is planning to delay his second return bid to Pakistan till after November 15, when a neutral caretaker government is expected to be in place to supervise the next year8217;s general election.

Sharif, who was exiled after being ousted by General Pervez Musharraf in a bloodless coup in 1999, was deported back to Saudi Arabia within hours of landing here on September 10 despite a Supreme Court ruling that he could return to the country.

A final decision on Sharif8217;s return will be taken at a meeting of the Pakistan Muslim League N8217;s central working committee to be held shortly in London after the former Prime Minister arrives there from Saudi Arabia, party officials were quoted as saying by The Dawn.

The officials said the decision to delay Sharif8217;s return till after November 15 was made in the wake of his deportation when he made an abortive attempt to land in Islamabad.