The New Nation - Internet Edition

AP, Islamabad

Former Pakistani leader Nawaz Sharif, a key opposition figure, urged the United States and other Western nations Wednesday to abandon embattled President Pervez Musharraf, saying he is no longer able to help them fight terrorism. Speaking to The Associated Press from exile in Saudi Arabia, Sharif said the military ruler's desperation to cling to power has pushed Pakistan to the brink of chaos and was only helping Islamic militants. said thousands of his opposition party's supporters have been rounded up since Musharraf declared emergency rule over the weekend. He urged the Pakistani public to protest, and predicted many would in order to oppose the U.S.-allied general. "One man is holding the entire nation hostage for his personal interests," Sharif said. "The political forces, the lawyers and civil community that believe in moderation and democracy, they are sidelined today. Who is going to get the benefit? It will be the radicals and extremists. They will thrive now.