Pak SC gives Sharif lifeline

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan���s top court on Tuesday 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, which as widely seen as politically motivated.

Mr 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 Mr 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.
Mr Nawaz Sharif, the country���s most popular politician according to polls, has made no secret of his desire to become prime minister, but has said he does not want early elections.