Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Exiled Ex-PM Allowed to Return to Pakistan

Court ruling another blow to Musharraf

By Heather McPherson, Newser User

Posted Aug 23, 2007 10:20 AM CDT

(Newser) – Former PM Nawaz Sharif may return to Pakistan from exile, the country’s Supreme Court ruled today, dealing another blow president Pervez Musharraf. Sharif had already declared his intentions to challenge the "dictatorship" of Musharraf, who deposed Sharif in a 1999 coup, in upcoming elections. But Sharif, the BBC reports, could still face criminal charges if he returns to Pakistan.

Sharif was sentenced to life in prison on charges including treason when Musharraf seized power. He headed instead to Saudi Arabia, part of what authorities say was a deal in which Sharif agreed to avoid Pakistani politics for 10 years—a charge Sharif denies. The court said Sharif, who still heads a religious opposition party, has an “inalienable right” to return.

[Images (5)]

[Videos (1)]

Supporters of Pakistan's ousted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif celebrate Pakistan's Supreme Court's decision in favor of the former leader, Thursday, Aug. 23, 2007, in Islamabad, Pakistan. Sharif can return... (Associated Press)

Supporters of Pakistan's ousted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif celebrate Pakistan's Supreme Court's decision in favor of the former leader, Thursday, Aug 23, 2007, in Islamabad, Pakistan. Sharif can return... (Associated Press)

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif addresses the media. (Getty Images (by Event))

Former Pakistani Prime Minsiter Nawaz Sharif, while no longer in exile, may face jail upon his return. (Getty Images (by Event))

Sharif in 1988 as Leader of the Islamic Democratic Alliance. (Magnum Photos)

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

Nawaz Sharif, May 25th 2007 interview. (AlJazeeraEnglish (YouTube))

View larger videos >>

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next »

To report an error on this story, notify our editors.

More Newser Stories

Nawaz Sharif Says He'll Run for Parliament

Ex-PM plots return to political power after election victory

(NEWSER) - Nawaz Sharif will stand in a special election for a vacant seat in Pakistan's parliament, he said yesterday, opening the way for his return to political power. The two-time prime minister, whose Muslim League is set to form a coalition government with Benazir Bhutto's Pakistan People's Party after last week's election victory, says he will push parliament to annul the constitutional amendments made by Pervez Musharraf during the state of emergency, writes the Telegraph. More»

Musharraf Pushes Swiss to Prosecute Foe

Alleges Bhutto widower stashed $55M in Swiss bank account

(NEWSER) - As the battle to control Pakistan heats up, President Pervez Musharraf's lawyers have asked the Swiss government to prosecute Asif Ali Zardari over decade-old corruption charges. Zardari, the widower of Benazir Bhutto and leader of the victorious Pakistan People's Party, is charged with hiding $55 million in kickbacks in a Swiss bank account. Bhutto herself faced similar charges in Switzerland before her assassination. More»

Mass Rigging Charged Ahead of Pakistan Vote

Bhutto's party appears unstoppable but some fear fraud will rob victory

(NEWSER) - Pakistan's postponed parliamentary elections will finally take place on Monday, but allegations are flying that Pervez Musharraf's party has already rigged the vote. Pakistan's intelligence agencies have "pre-stuffed" ballot boxes, confiscated voter ID cards, and appointed party apparatchiks in key rural constituencies, a retired senior intelligence officer told the Telegraph. Musharraf 's party is a clear underdog in the election. More»

Supporters Detained as Sharif Flies to Pakistan

Exiled Pakistani PM says he has no deal with Musharraf

(NEWSER) - Troops today rounded up hundreds of supporters of exiled prime minister Nawaz Sharif as he was about to land back in Pakistan. Tens of thousands of activists were expected to greet Sharif as he returned, but soldiers were to keep them at bay. "Let's see what happens," Sharif said before boarding his plane in Saudi Arabia. A government official said an "understanding" was reached allowing him to return but Sharif said no such agreement existed. More»

No Deal Yet, but Bhutto Vows Return

Pakistan's ex-PM leaves door open for further talks with Musharraf over "restoration of democracy"

(NEWSER) - She hasn’t reached a power-sharing deal yet and still faces corruption charges, but Benazir Bhutto says she’ll announce the date of her return to Pakistan on September 14. Speaking from London, the two-time prime minister said talks with Pervez Musharraf have been “80% successful,” the BBC reports. But the two sides have clashed over elections and parliamentary independence. More»

NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS

What is Newser?

Face it: there's too much news. At Newser, we choose the most thought-provoking and entertaining stories from hundreds of US and international sources and reduce them to a headline, picture, and two paragraphs. And we do it 24/7—you can come back morning, noon, night (and in between) for something new that matters. Read less, know more.

Learn more »

Partnering with: Slate

View Newser on the mobile website

Exiled Ex-PM Allowed to Return to Pakistan