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Sharif Joins Pakistan Fray

Musharraf's bitterest rival files for elections, vows to boycott unless emergency rule is lifted

By Jane Yager, Newser Staff

Posted Nov 26, 2007 6:11 AM CST

(Newser) – Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, who returned to Pakistan yesterday after 8 years in exile, today filed papers to run in January's nationwide election, although he says he will boycott the vote unless President Pervez Musharraf lifts emergency rule, the BBC reports. Sharif—who was welcomed by throngs of supporters chanting “Run, Musharraf, run! The lion has come!”—said he had come home to save the country from dictatorship.

Sharif's return ratchets up Pakistan's already tense political situation. The BBC says Musharraf hopes Sharif will dent support for Benazir Bhutto, who has also filed for three parliamentary seats. The New York Times says his return is more likely to further undermine Musharraf's waning support. Sharif, who made his mark as prime minister in part by defying the US to make Pakistan a nuclear power, was deposed by Musharraf in a 1999 coup.

Pakistan's former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, top left, and his brother Shahbaz Sharif, stand atop of a car as they shake hands with their supporters at Lahore airport in Pakistan on Sunday, Nov. 25,... (Associated Press)

Supporters of former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif chant outside the airport in Lahore, as they await his arrival Sunday Nov. 25, 2007. Exiled former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif returned home... (Associated Press)

Pakistan's former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, center, and his brother Shahbaz Sharif, left, visit at the shrine of famous saint Data Darbar with acting party President Javed Hashmi on Monday, Nov. 26,... (Associated Press)

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif speaks to supporters at the airport in Lahore, after his arrival from exile Sunday Nov. 25, 2007. Exiled former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif returned home to... (Associated Press)

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Sharif Joins Pakistan Fray

Musharraf's bitterest rival files for elections, vows to boycott unless emergency rule is lifted

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Nawaz Sharif Says He'll Run for Parliament

Ex-PM plots return to political power after election victory

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Alleges Bhutto widower stashed $55M in Swiss bank account

Musharraf Opposition Seek to Build Alliance

Parties of Bhutto, Sharif look to each other, smaller partners

Bhutto Loyalist Frontrunner to Be Pakistan PM

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Pakistanis Await Poll Returns

Voter turnout light, international observers expect rigging

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Sharif Joins Pakistan Fray

Musharraf's bitterest rival files for elections, vows to boycott unless emergency rule is lifted

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Pakistan • Pervez Musharraf • nuclear weapons • Benazir Bhutto • Nawaz Sharif • Pakistan elections

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Nawaz Sharif Says He'll Run for Parliament

Ex-PM plots return to political power after election victory

Musharraf Pushes Swiss to Prosecute Foe

Alleges Bhutto widower stashed $55M in Swiss bank account

Musharraf Opposition Seek to Build Alliance

Parties of Bhutto, Sharif look to each other, smaller partners

Bhutto Loyalist Frontrunner to Be Pakistan PM

Musharraf's party concedes defeat after drubbing at ballot box

Pakistanis Await Poll Returns

Voter turnout light, international observers expect rigging

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

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More News

What is Newser?