Prince Muqrin, was appointed Saudi intelligence chief in 2005, also visited Pakistan in September 2007 to convince exiled former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif not to return Pakistan. TV channels said that President Musharraf had sought help from Saudi Arabia for his safe exit amidst move by the ruling coalition to impeach him.
The Saudi intelligence head is trying to convince Musharraf to resign honourably and in return the ruling coalition will neither impeach him nor try him in court. Saudi Arabia has vast influence in Pakistan and had hosted former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif when he was sent into exile by President Musharraf in 2000 an year after his government was sacked by Musharraf. TV channels reported that Prince Muqrin conveyed a message from the Saudi King Abdullah to President Musharraf and leaders of the coalition.
The visit of Prince Muqrin came at a time when pressure is mounting on Musharraf to resign before he is impeached. Tariq Azim, a leader of pro-Musharraf's Muslim League-Q party said on Friday that talks are underway for the safe exit of the President.
Local and foreign media reported that President Musharraf has decided to step down in the coming few days. Presidential spokesman Rashid Qureshi denied reports and said the President has no plan to resign.