TO FOLLOW C* PAKISTAN - NUKE OFFER Following his speech in parliament, Mr Sharif is heading for the Gulf region in an effort to ensure that the flow of oil to Pakistan is not disrupted following its nuclear tests.

Officials say Mr Sharif's visit to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates is aimed at securing credit needed to maintain oil imports.

A number of countries including the United States have already imposed economic sanctions against Pakistan to discourage foreign investment and credit.