Sharif’s Exile: Chronology of events

Oct 15, 1999: Musharraf declares emergency, suspends the constitution and proclaims himself the country’s chief executive.

Nov 10, 1999: Case of treason and conspiracy to murder registered against Sharif.

Nov 18, 1999: Sharif formally arrested and flown to Karachi.

Jan 19, 2000: Sharif and six co-accussed, including his brother Shahbaz, charged with abduction, attempted murder, hijacking and terrorism.

April 6, 2000: Sharif sentenced to two life-terms, confiscation of his property ordered.

May 12, 2000: Hearing begins in a corruption case against Sharif at an anti-graft court in the Attock Fort.

June 2, 2000: Judge indicts Sharif on charges of concealing assets and tax evasion for hiding the purchase of Mi8 helicopter in his income tax returns.

July 22, 2000: Sharif is sentenced to 14 years and banned from public office for 21 years on corruption charges. Judge also fines him USD 380,000.

Dec 10, 2000: Sharif is pardoned. Goes into exile in Saudi Arabia with his family.

Feb 12,2001: Saudi Arabia asks Sharif to surrender passport.

July 7, 2005: Sharif rules out any deal with Musharraf.

June 29, 2005: Pakistan asks Sharif’s brother Shahbaz to leave country.

Nov 7, 2006: Pakistan issues passport to Sharif enabling him to travel to London with his sick son.

July 20, 2007: Pakistan Supreme Court reinstates Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhary and quashes the charges against him.

Aug 3, 2007: Sharif moves apex court for return to Pakistan.

Aug 23, 2007: Supreme Court rules Sharif can return from exile.

Aug 30, 2007: Sharif announces he will return to Pakistan on September 10.

Sep 7, 2007: Pakistani court orders arrest of Sharif’s brother Shahbaz on murder charges. Government asks another court to grant arrest warrant for Nawaz on corruption charges.

Sep 10, 2007: Sharif’s plane from London touches down at Islamabad airport.

Sep 10, 2007: Sharif deported to Jeddah.