Former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has left Pakistan for Saudi Arabia having been deported just hours after returning from seven years in exile.
Mr Sharif had arrived in the country just a few hours earlier where he was arrested. Police had also detained hundreds of Mr Sharif's supporters ahead of his return, and Islamabad airport was completely sealed off.
Mr Sharif insisted he is determined to lead a campaign against current President Pervez Musharraf, who toppled him from power eight years ago.
Authorities had warned that he may be arrested, but Mr Sharif said the prospect of prison did not scare him.
He claimed his return was to provide a final push against Mr Musharraf, who has watched his grip on power weaken after months of mass protests.
Meanwhile, the White House described Pakistan's deportation of the former prime minister as an internal matter, but urged that the upcoming elections should be free and fair.
