Nawaz Sharif election ban lifted

Islamabad: Supreme Court lifts ban on Sharif running for elections, Pakistan's top court has lifted a ban on opposition leader Nawaz Sharif that prevented him from running in elections, clearing the way for the popular politician to challenge for the post of prime minister in 2013.

Two-time former Prime Minister Sharif had been blocked from public office because of a criminal conviction in 2000 widely seen as politically motivated.

Sharif's supporters broke into cheers soon after the verdict in the appeal was handed down by the Supreme Court.

Earlier this year, the Supreme Court ruled Sharif was not eligible for office, prompting him to lead nationwide protests against the shaky government of President Asif Ali Zardari.

Pakistan's Western allies are desperate to see political stability in Pakistan as it fights Islamist militants.

"Nawaz Sharif can contest elections and Shahbaz Sharif will continue as chief minister of Punjab province," said Ashtar Ausaf, the brothers' lawyer.

The two-time prime minister can now stand in by-elections, with a handful of seats up for grabs in the coming months.

Noisy supporters clapping and dancing gathered outside the Islamabad courtroom, carrying posters of Nawaz Sharif, who has become Pakistan's most popular politician as President Asif Ali Zardari's approval rating plummets.

"The previous verdict was not accepted by people. Today's verdict has been accepted by the majority of the nation," Nawaz Sharif, who leads the Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) party, told a press conference.

"States and countries prosper on the basis of justice and fair play. We want the rule of law and I salute the Pakistani nation as they secured the independence of the judiciary through their own struggle."

Pakistan | Politics | |